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The Sun Shines in Vilamoura…
The second 8D Vilamoura Winter Series was sailed over the past three days in glorious sunny conditions with 7 races completed in a variety of light but steady winds. The momentum continues to build as more sailors gain experience of this spectular venue in the Algarve.
Regatta Organiser Pedro Andrade told me, “All the participants are convinced that Vilamoura will be a future winter base for the Dragon as it offers everything that sailors are looking for. It has a great race course, a deep variety of sailing conditions with hardly ever too much wind. It’s only a 10 minute sail to the starting line and boasts an excellent race management team. There are ample parking facilities, for boats and cars plus a variety of restaurants and accommodation”.
The early battle was between former World Champion Lawrie Smith and Dutch National Champion Pieter Heerema, over the first two days Lawrie had 3 wins and Pieter 2. Meanwhile local helm Thomas Champalimaud sailing with Charles Nankin and Joao Vidinha were fighting hard with Ireland’s Martin Byrne who had Mark Petitt and John Simms on board.
The two other boats joining the 8D fleet were from Belgium (BEL 88 “White Pearl”, Guy Cells) and Holland (NED 411 “Olinghi”, Charlotte Ten Wolde).
There is no doubt Vilamoura is a venue with fantastic all year round sailing conditions, there must be a reason why so many Olympic Classes choose the Algarve above all others for their winter training camps.
Vilamoura Sailing working alongside Pedro Andrade have now established another alternative for Dragon Owners to extend their sailing throughout the year… Why store your Dragons in a cold, dusty shed when there are venues like Cannes, Palma, Cascais and now Vilamoura to choose from ?
Higher, Faster, Longer………… Stavros.