“Rocknrolla” RUS 76 leads the Portuguese Nationals after 4 races, in Cascais.
There are 38 boats, here in Cascais, competing for the 2017 Portuguese National Title over a three days series. Sailors from many different Nations are using this event as the final warm up for the World Championships, to be held in June. Leading the fleet after 4 races is RUS 76 “Rocknrolla” helmed by Dmitry Samokhin, crewed by Andrey Kirilyuk and Aleksey Bushuev. This top team are certainly on a roll following their recent win of the Grand Prix Guyader in Douarnenez.
However, the final 2 races today will certainly be a test of nerves as breathing down their necks are the current European Champions, RUS 27 “Annapurna” helmed by Anatoly Loginov, crewed by Vadim Statsenko and Alexander Shalagin. After receiving a Black Flag in race 1 on Friday, RUS 27 bounced back with 2 wins yesterday to keep the pressure on the “Rocknrolla” team.
Grey Skies but great competitive racing on Day 1 of the Portuguese Nationals.
The sea’s have been challenging for both helm and crew as the south-westerly winds combined with the rolling Atlantic swells have tested both helming and trimming. The courses have been well set, with excellent lines and informative starting procedures. Race 1 saw some of the top boats (RUS 27, GBR 801, GBR 758 and UAE 7) disqualified under a Black Flag. That certainly got the fleets attention resulting in only 1 additional OCS after the 4 races.
In 3rd position overall is top Lady Helm Nicola Friesen, crewed by Vincie Hoesch and Joost Houweling sailing GER 1140 “Smaug”. Nicola has coped extremely well in these difficult conditions and will be trying her best today to stay ahead of GER 1162 “Desert Holly” who share the same overall points.
Leading the “Corinthian” challenge is POR 47 “Caterina III” helmed by Vasco Serpa, crewed by Manuel Rocha and Pedro Costa Alemao. This team are currently 13th overall and fighting hard to gain a top 10 place in this competitive fleet.
Corinthian Leaders after 4 races are POR 47 “Caterina III” helmed by Vasco Serpa.
With 2 more races scheduled today and another day of glorious sunshine it will be interesting to see if the “Rocknrolla’s” can add another Championship to their ever growing portfolio 🙂
Higher, Faster, Longer…. Stavros. (GBR 789).
Many thanks to Anna Zykova for these excellent photo’s taken on Day 1…