More than 400 sailors from around the world will compete in the 52nd International Carnival Sailing Tournament, taking place in Vilamoura between February 14 and 16.
As organisers explain, rain or wind makes little difference to tradition. For sailors, “Carnival is spent at sea, racing in what is the largest and oldest dinghy sailing event in the Iberian Peninsula.”
Over the three days of competition, the waters off Vilamoura are expected to be filled with more than 300 sails.
For 52 years, sailing clubs from across Portugal have travelled south at this time of year to take part in the event, which marks the start of the national and international competitive season.
Seven classes will be in action: Optimist (youth), Optimist, ILCA 4, ILCA 6, ILCA 7, Snipe and 420. Racing will be spread across three regatta courses.
As usual, the Optimist fleet will be the largest, with around 150 boats on the water.
Spain will once again have a strong presence, particularly in the Optimist class. Of the 19 countries represented, Spain is the most numerous foreign delegation, second only to Portugal overall.
At national level, the Carnival Tournament also includes qualification races for the 420 class and for the Snipe class in the southern region.
The International Carnival Sailing Tournament is organised by the Vilamoura Marina International Club (CIMAV) and is a landmark event in Portuguese sailing. First held in 1974, the competition has shaped generations of sailors and continues to signal the start of a new cycle of challenges and competitions each year.
CIMAV has also recently been awarded the ‘Ecomar’ flag by the Fundación Ecomar, recognising its commitment to environmental education and sustainability.
The event is supported by Loulé municipal council, Quarteira parish council, Inframoura, Marina de Vilamoura, Vilamoura World, as well as the Portuguese Sailing Federation, the Southern Regional Sailing Association, IPDJ and Prow Group.
Race updates and information will be shared through CIMAV’s official social media channels.
