RUS 76 leads in Cascais….

Dmitry Samokhin surf’s “Strange Little Girl” RUS 76 down the big waves in Cascais..

A record number of 24 boats have gathered for the first winter series weekend in Cascais, Portugal, to enjoy tough but exhilarating conditions. Coping best with the sea and strong winds so far is the team from RUS 76 helmed by Dmitry Samokhin and crewed by Aleksey  Bushuev  and Andrey Kirilyuk. They have sailed consistently well despite some “hair-raising” moments which saw one of the German boats sink yesterday during a very nasty squall. I’m pleased to report that all the crew are safe and it is hoped to find and recover the boat today….

In 2nd place overall at the moment is Local Professional Alvaro Marinho who is helming POR 64 on behalf of Patrick de Barros. Whilst currently in 3rd place is the popular team from Hungary, helmed by Ferenc Kis-Szolgyemi.

HUN 57 Helmed by Ferenc Kis-Szolgyemi with Karoly & Tamas “Power” upwind in Cascais.

Today looks like being less breezy and nicer conditions for the rest of the fleet to enjoy. With more boats travelling down to Portugal this winter, it looks like being another “Terrific” programme at the Club Naval. Up to 40 boats are expected to be racing after Xmas and with the Grade 1 Juan Carlos Trophy in April, preceded by the 4th Stavros Match Race Championship, Cascais looks like being one of the “busy” places to sail this winter……………

The “back-drop” of the old town of Cascais makes an excellent picture as the fleet start yesterday…

I would like to thank Top Professional Photographer, Ricardo Pinto for these great pictures, make sure you visit his web site to see the other 300 photo’s !

Higher, Faster, Longer………………..  Stavros.