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The Excitement of the Cascais J/70 National Championship
Meanwhile, the 2026 Cascais J/70 Portuguese National Championship recently captivated sailing enthusiasts. Held from June 12 to 14, this event attracted 34 teams from 11 different countries. As one of the last major regattas before the J/70 World Championship in Cascais this September, it showcased an impressive display of competitive sailing.
Additionally, the championship not only crowned a national champion but also offered international teams an opportunity to gain experience on the challenging Cascais racecourse. Under class regulations, only crews made up entirely of Portuguese sailors were eligible for the national title. Nonetheless, this did not deter world-class crews from vying for overall victory during three thrilling days of competition.
Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Championship
Notably, the opening day presented perfect conditions for sailing. The winds ranged from 8 to 13 knots, with gusts reaching up to 18 knots. Brazilian team Aretê, led by Bruno Bethlem, started strong, winning the first race. Doug Rastello’s Good To Go from the USA took second place, while Martin Dent’s Jelvis from Great Britain completed the podium.
Furthermore, the second day introduced a stark contrast in conditions. Winds dropped to around 5-6 knots, leading to a more tactical scenario. Brazilian team OceanPact, helmed by Haroldo Solberg, capitalized on these lighter conditions to claim victory in Race 4, followed closely by Good To Go. As the championship progressed, the competition intensified, with each team fighting for every point.
Final Outcomes and Reflections
Eventually, the final day provided one last chance for teams to adjust their standings. Doug Rastello’s Good To Go showcased exceptional skill, securing victory in Race 7 and maintaining their lead overall. Midlife Crisis, skippered by Bruce Golison, also made a strong comeback by winning Race 8.
In the Corinthian Division, the Portuguese National Championship title went to Tiago Morais and his team, Another Affair. Morais emphasized the importance of racing against such a high-caliber fleet, noting the valuable experience gained throughout the competition. “Every boat was fighting together,” he said. “It’s a privilege to sail among some of the best sailors in the world.”
In summary, the Cascais J/70 National Championship not only highlighted the skill of local sailors but also showcased the intense international competition. As the sailing community looks forward to the upcoming Summer Cup and the J/70 World Championship, the excitement of this event underlines Cascais' reputation as a premier sailing destination.
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