|
|
|
SAILING IN GRAN CANARIA
|
 |
 |
|
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. |
|
 |
 |
|
'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). |
|
 |
|
Español
