Hombre’ GBR 769 helmed by Martin Payne, crewed by Nuno Barreto & Rodrigo Vantacich
The 3rd Cascais Winter Series got off to a flying start yesterday to open the 2016 European Dragon Circuit in glorious sunshine and a nice North Westerly breeze that kept the competitive 14 boat fleet on their toes….
Race 1 started on time at 2pm with an individual recall, although 2 boats went back to re-start, ESP 71 “Gunter” was the OCS boat. With the wind shifting as it blew over the mountains and town of Estoril there were opportunities for big gains if you chose the right or left side of the first beat. Indeed it was GBR 769 “Hombre” and SWE 385 “Still Crazy” who sailed into more pressure on the right side. These two boats extended from the fleet throughout the race of two up winds and two downwind legs to finish 1st and 2nd, with POR 66 “Drago” 3rd.
SWE 385 “Still Crazy” helmed by Stefan Winberg, crewed by Nicola & Thomas Wilton.
In race 2 the wind had dropped a little and moved more to the North, so it was the left hand side that paid handsomely on the first beat. This time it was the “Golden Boy’s” of GBR 801 “Alfie” helemd by Lawrie Smith, crewed by Tim Tavinor and Joost Houweling (Current Gold Cup Holders), who chose correctly and led throughout the race of three up winds and two down winds.
GBR 801 “Alfie” Lawrie Smith, Tim Tavinor and Joost Houweling win race 2 yesterday.
Also having another consistently top finish was POR 66 “Drago”, helmed by former European Champion Jose’ Matoso, crewed by Gustavo Lima and Frederico Melo. This top team followed up their 3rd in race 1 with a 2nd in race 2. Meanwhile, SWE 385 “Still Crazy” Stefan Winberg, was also having another excellent race to finish 3rd and are currently equal 1st on 5 pts with Lawrie Smith and Jose’ Matoso. “Hombre” is just 1pt behind on 6pts.
Today the wind is forecast from the East and three more races are scheduled . The sun has already climbed high over the horizon and more local boats will join in the sailing today as it’s the weekend….. More results & action photo’s from our “Amazing” Professional Ricardo Pinto to follow…..
Higher, Faster, Longer……… Stavros. (GBR 769).