Sailing
Sailing is very popular in Gran Canaria, largely due to the island’s perfect climate and the predominant winds. The points where the different sailing modalities are practised are the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, primarily in Las Alcaravaneras bay and Las Canteras; the east coast, particularly Pozo Izquierdo beach, the ideal place for windsurfing, and Maspalomas and Mogán in the south.
Competition sailing is worth a special mention, since Gran Canaria is in an excellent position on a world-wide scale, with its yachtsmen and women forming the backbone of the Spanish Olympic team. But our athletes have not only made history in dinghy sailing. Yachtsmen and women from Gran Canaria head important cruiser class teams on the national circuit.
Canarian lateen sailing (Vela Latina)
'Vela latina' or Canarian lateen sailing regattas are equally popular in Gran Canaria. The exact origin of this sport is unknown, although some researchers affirm that the native inhabitants constructed wooden sailing vessels.This particular type of sailing involves small boats, which are characterised by their triangular sails and the disproportionate size of the sails compared to the boats (hulls). Indeed, the boat is 6.55 metres in length, 2.37 in breadth and 1.35 in depth.
These small dimensions contrast with the great size of the sails that vary from 12 to 13.5 metres. These dimensions mean that the boat cannot be kept afloat without the skilled actions of the crew members, who have to move the ballast around in order to manoeuvre the boat.Canarian lateen sailing is practiced on the coast of the capital of Gran Canaria between the months of April and October when the trade winds can be used to great advantage. Like Canarian wrestling, Canarian lateen sailing is organised by the Federation of Canarian Lateen Sailing (Federación de Vela Latina Canaria).
