Yes my friends it was Cascais at it’s very best yesterday with a North-Westerly wind gusting between 12-18 kts and the waves back to normal after the difficult sea state the previous day. The sun was out giving a temperature of around 20 degree’s and the 22 lucky Dragon Team’s completed three races on the sailing area that made Cascais famous.. With the Atlantic Ocean sending in wave after wave that help surfing downwind and enhance pointing, at times, upwind…it was a day to be enjoyed and be remembered by all…..
Jose’ Matoso, POR 55 and the President of the Club de Naval Cascais, will certainly remember his day as he recorded a 1st, 2nd and 3rd to give him the overall lead by 2pts. In 2nd place just behind Jose’ is HUN 57 Ferenc Kis-Szolgyemi who added two more excellent races to his splendid first day. Although Ferenc has yet to win a race, he now has 9pts, with Jose’ on just 7.
The other race winners were GER 1123 “Pow-Wow” helmed by Michael Zankel and NOR 282 “Finito” yes myself 🙂 which also keeps both teams in the hunt for the overall trophy. Also well in with a chance of winning this first Winter Series are MON 2 “Jeanie” Jens Rathsack and RUS 76 “Strange Little Girl” Igor Giohberg… who are 5th and 3rd respectively… with 3 races to go.
Quite often on this particular race course, you will hear people say you HAVE to go right, towards the shore, even though we sail at least three miles out.. But that did not always pay yesterday, indeed you had to play the shifts and take gains when and where you could. Sometimes the left-hand breeze would bring unexpected teams in from the sea or a right-hand “dark patch of wind” would see a huge jump from inside boats… It was tricky yet exciting. It was Dragon Racing at it’s very best…
With three more races to go and a strong wind now forecast from the East, the race course will now move more into the bay of Estoril and flatter water. This will suit many of the Lake Sailors from Germany, Sweden and our Hungarian friend, who are wintering in Cascais to improve their skills on the open sea after countless seasons on the many inland waters their countries are famous for………….
Why not come and join in the fun ?? Next series Nov 16th-18th. Boats are still available for charter, please contact myself or Bruno at the Club de Naval….
Higher, Faster, Longer……….. Stavros. (NOR 282). paynesailing@aol.com