Pedro1GER 1177 “Pow Wow” helmed by Pedro Andrade has a commanding overall lead in Cascais.

The 5th Cascais Winter Series began on Friday with a windless, but extremely sunny day (27 degrees) so the 33 International Teams were able to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in this wonderful part of Europe.  Then, as though a “magic” switch was turned on, the wind came back yesterday so 3 very good races could be completed in a mixture of conditions.

Stefan1Leading “Corinthians” SWE 385 “Still Crazy” Stefan Winberg, Fredrik Brotell, Markus Lagerquist. Also a brilliant 3rd Overall.

Race 1 start was recalled then re-started under a “U” flag which gave a clear line. With the wind from the North of around 10 to 12 kts the oscillations first favoured the left side, so the boats that were able to tack quickly off the line took most advantage. Then midway into the first beat, the wind shifted back to the right, so that boats on the right side made a big jump on the fleet. Making the very best of these changing conditions was “local” legend Patrick de Barros helming POR 64 “Lady Tati” crewed by Alvaro Marinho & Rodrigo Vantacich. Also in good shape was our IDA Chairman Vasily Senatorov RUS 34 and top local sailor Pedro Andrade  GER 1177 (helming Michael Zankel’s Pow Wow). These three boats held onto their positions to finish 1st, 2nd & 3rd respectively….

Patrick-de-Barros

Winners of Race 1 POR 64 Partick de Barros, Alvaro Marinho and Rodrigo Vantacich.

Race 2 was sailed in similar oscillating conditions, this time it was Lars Hendriksen helming his beautiful 1957 “Eva” who took the victory, crewed by Claus Olesen & George Leonchuk. Again the race was started after a general recall and this time 3 boats were disqualified under the “U” flag. Lars and his team were not so fortunate in Race 3 as they were caught out changing Genoa’s during the interval which meant they were 2 mins late for the 3rd race start!  2nd in Race 2 was GER 1177 with Pedro Andrade adding another brilliant result to his earlier 3rd. However, the best was still yet to come for Pedro and his team of Charles Nankin and Piet Mein as they dominated the 3rd and final race held in a building 20 to 25 kt wind…

Jens

Jens Rathsack MON 2 “Jeanie” returns to the moorings after a pleasing 3rd in the final race.

Lawrie Smith sailing GBR 801 put together a 10th, 3rd & 2nd to be the closest rival to Pedro, but is still 9 pts behind so will certainly have his work cut out today to catch the “Star of the Day” 🙂

Law

Lawrie with Hugo Rocha, Goncalo Ribeiro and Ruben Sole, currently 2nd overall.

With an earlier start today of 10am, it is hoped to sail another 3 races, but the forecast is for strong winds so we will just have to wait and see…..

In fact I need to going, so that’s all for now folks …..

Higher, Faster, Longer……….   Stavros.

Thanks once again to RICARDO PINTO for these excellent “On the Water” actions photo’s!