We caught up with Guillherme and Pedro, who will participate in the RS Venture Connect World Championship this November in Oman. We wanted to learn more about their sailing background, how they got involved and why they are participating in this event.
“For me, 2012 was the turning point year as a sportsman. My friend and coach, Luís Brito, a sailor with considerable sailing experience who has been in teams such as Extreme Sailing Series, Swan 45, GC32 World Series, Classic Boats, and double participation in the Rolex Sydney – Hobart, invited me to join a project at Parasailing School, Vela Solidária. Here, I became a sailor in the Hansa Class.
Ten years passed, and the achievements were not only titles but also gave me greater self-esteem, confidence, resilience and tremendous respect for the sea.
Team Portugal for the RS Venture Connect World Championship
Some of my highlight titles include:
National Champion Hansa 303 (doubles) 2015
European Vice-Champion Hansa 303 (doubles) 2015
10th place in the World Championship Hansa 303 (individual) 2019 and 2021
I am also the project coordinator of Vela Solidária/Parasailing School, President of the Hansa Class in Portugal and a Member of the General Committee of the International Hansa Class Association.
In 2017, I participated in the Hansa Class European Championship in Mèze, France, and I had the opportunity to know and experience the RS Venture Connect with my coach. I was speechless to describe the incredible feeling!
From that year on, together with my friend and wingman, Pedro Câncio Reis, with whom I have shared the presence in several national and international regattas, we tried to participate in an RS Venture Connect regatta several times. Still, for several reasons, it never happened. Until this year!
Finally, we made it, with hard work and resilience, we are super excited to participate in the RS Venture Connect World Championship in Oman, and we will have the support of our coach Luis Brito. For so many reasons, it will be an unforgettable event, and we are very anxious for the day to come as we know several of the best sailors in the world will be present in this competition.
It will be a fantastic week, surrounded by great friends and creating new friendships. We look forward to seeing you in Oman.”
There is a lot of momentum behind this fantastic event and we look forward to the top sailors from around the world meeting together in beautiful Oman for a fantastic week of racing!
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Photo credit: Florian Conrads
