The vessel, measuring five metres in length, is named ISLA DE FUERTEVENTURA
A New Milestone for Local Sports Traditions
The Cabildo of Fuerteventura, through the Department of Sports led by Luis González, has taken a significant step in the preservation and promotion of its sporting traditions with the christening of the first traditional sailing school boat.
This pioneering project is funded by the local corporation through an agreement with the Insular Federation of Traditional Sailing, which is responsible for the management and upkeep of the vessel.
About the Vessel
The boat, named ISLA DE FUERTEVENTURA, measures five metres in length and has been handcrafted by carpenter Santiago González, with aesthetic design by artist Silvestre Chacón.
Purpose of the Initiative
The initiative has both educational and competitive aims, which are framed within the Canary Law of Physical Activity and Sport, prioritising the promotion of traditional sports, indigenous games, and water sports.
On the educational side, it will be used to teach and introduce traditional sailing to the island’s educational institutions, with sessions led by qualified instructors.
On the competitive side, it will enable new crews to participate in insular competitions. For this inaugural season, the Club de Regatas Islas del Viento has showcased the ISLA DE FUERTEVENTURA during the first round of the Cabildo’s Traditional Sailing League, following the official naming ceremony of the vessel.
Support from Local Authorities
The island’s president, Lola García, stated, “Over the past two years, we have increased our efforts in the Sports area to support traditional sailing. Today, we see the outcomes of that collaborative work: more boats, more crews, more participation, and, above all, a brighter future for this cherished sport.”
In addition, Sports Councillor Luis González remarked, “With this event, we take another step towards preserving our roots, also serving as a key tool to ensure generational continuity and engage young people with a tradition that is part of our island identity.”
In the last two years, the Cabildo has significantly increased its support for traditional sailing, enabling, via the Insular Federation, the development of a consolidated training programme and an ever-expanding calendar of insular competitions.
