For decades, Lanzarote has been training racing sailors almost quietly, as if learning to sail were simply part of life here, because the sea is there. A strong historical starting point is the Real Club Náutico de Arrecife, known as the RCNA. Its existence can be traced back to 1872, while its first recorded nautical activity came in 1947, when it staged the first edition of the San Ginés Regatta.
For us, that says it all: sailing runs deep here.
That tradition is still very much alive today, through regattas that have become benchmarks in their own right. The International San Ginés Regatta reached its 75th edition in 2025 and is regarded as one of the longest-running events of its kind in Spain.
And when it comes to cruiser racing with a distinctly Lanzarote identity, the César Manrique RCNA / Calero Marinas Trophy stands out as one of the key regattas on the Canary Islands calendar as well as part of the Canary Islands Cruiser Racing Circuit.
In dinghy sailing, Arrecife has also taken on an increasingly international profile: the International President’s Trophy Regatta held in the Optimist class has drawn sailors of many nationalities to the Bay of Arrecife, organised by the RCNA and Atlantis Academy.
And in the Olympic-class circuit, Marina Rubicón has hosted competitions such as the Lanzarote iQFOiL Games and the Lanzarote International Regatta, attracting sailors and recent medallists, and further reinforcing the island’s role as a serious training base.
Where to learn the ropes, and where to push hard
The beauty of Lanzarote is that you can build your sailing plan around your level: from your very first tack to training as if you had a race number pinned to your back.
- The Bay of Arrecife and its cluster of sailing schools: ideal for beginners. For anyone starting out, the best place is somewhere manageable: relatively sheltered waters and proper instruction. The RCNAruns sailing courses, including beginner courses for adults.
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Intermediate level: cruising and technique, with more miles under the keel. Once you already know how to sail and want to improve your judgement (not just “move the boat”), it makes sense to progress towards to longer outings and heavier boats with more momentum.
In Puerto Calero, for example, there is training accredited by the RYA through centres such as Endeavour Sailing, with courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Here, the focus shifts: cleaner manoeuvres, defined roles on board, more strategic navigation, and learning to enjoy the island’s steady wind without letting it get the better of you.
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Regatta sailing for experts: performance and ocean sailing. If competition is your thing, or you want to train seriously, Lanzarote has both the events and the sailing grounds to fire up your competitive streak. From international Optimist racing in Arrecife to Olympic-calibre regatta seasons in Marina Rubicón, the island offers a genuinely high-performance setting.
And if offshore sailing is what excites you, take note: in January, Marina Lanzarote was the starting base for the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race to Antigua, a major showcase for ocean racing.
Safety and enjoyment tips: Let the wind work for you, not against you
- The wind is in charge, so plan your session. Adapt your objective, sailing area and type of outing to the real conditions of the day.
- Always wear a lifejacket and respect the basic rules. Even when conditions seem easy. Being sporty doesn’t mean being careless.
- Communicate clearly during manoeuvres. Gybes and tacks should be called. It may sound obvious, until you are sailing with new people on board.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Out on the water you often do not feel the sun until it’s too late.
- Respect entry and exit channels and harbour traffic. Especially around marinas and busy bays.
Sport sailing is addictive for a reason: it teaches you to make decisions, to think ahead, to work precisely with nature gives you. And Lanzarote, with its racing tradition, its active calendar of events and its network of schools and training bases, is the perfect place to take the plunge.
So, if you are looking for an active trip you’ll remember for how it felt, not just for the photos, bring the desire to learn, and let Lanzarote and its wind do the rest.
