The Algarve Sailing Tour brings together 27 boats in four days of competition

The 32nd edition of the Volta ao Algarve à Vela (Sailing Tour of the Algarve) concluded last Sunday, August 3, after four days of intense nautical competition along the Algarve coast. Organized by the Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro , the regatta featured 27 boats from different regions of Portugal and Spain.

The event, which has already become an annual landmark in the national cruising sailing calendar, started in Lagos and travelled through Portimão, Albufeira and Faro, finishing in Tavira .

According to the organizers, the event aims to strengthen the presence of Cruising Sailing nationwide. "In addition to reaching new sailors this year, many of them decided to participate after completing the Adult Sailing Course at Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro, demonstrating not only the club's active role in the sport in the region but also the interest shown by participants enrolled in the respective courses," the club highlights in a press release.

João Marques, president of the Ginásio Clube Naval de Faro, highlights the growth in participation: "We've never seen so many sailors interested in participating in the Volta ao Algarve à Vela as this year, which fills us with pride and motivates us to do more and better with each edition." He also extended special thanks to the sponsors, marinas, and sailing clubs involved.

The program also included several social gatherings, with highlights including breakfasts shared between crews and the festival held in Faro on August 2nd, featuring traditional cuisine and live music.

The organization was supported by the Portuguese Sailing Federation, the Tavira Nautical Club, the Lagos Sailing Club, the Portimão Marina Yacht Club, and the Southern Regional Sailing Association. Official sponsors for each stage were Salt&Sea Ria Formosa, NH Marina de Portimão Resort, Heineken, and Adega de Favaios.

The awards ceremony took place at the Clube Náutico de Tavira, where the winners of this edition were revealed.

Overall ORC Rating

1st place – Mad Max, with skipper Miguel Graça

2nd place – Mar Meu/Nave Pegos, with skipper Paulo Gil Morais

3rd place – Choque/Nave Pegos, with skipper Nuno Santos

ORC Open Classification

1st place – Corsário do Arade, with skipper Luís Brito

2nd place – Titã, with skipper Francisco Badalo

3rd place – Levante, with skipper Carlos Madeira