Cascais J/70 Winter Series - Atlantic Cup
by Press CNCascais 1 Dec 2025 08:42 PST
28-30 November 2025
The Clube Naval de Cascais hosted the 2025 edition of the Cascais J/70 Winter Series - Atlantic Cup from November 28 to 30, gathering a highly competitive fleet of 28 boats representing 9 nations.
The event marked a decisive milestone as the final qualification stage for Portuguese teams for the 2026 J/70 World Championship, to be held in Cascais next September.
Day 1 - cold air, bright sun, tight racing
Despite the cold temperatures, Day 1 delivered ideal racing conditions with 10-15 knots of northerly wind and clear skies. The fleet headed to the Guia race area, where clean starts and disciplined boat handling defined the day.
The opening race set the tone as POR 1282 Another Affair, from Oliveiras's Family and skippered by Tiago Morais, led wire to wire, followed by ESP 961 Noticia, from the Catalonian Luis Cabiedes, and POR 8 SailCascais, helmed by the local European Champion Vasco Serpa. Race 2 brought a shake-up, with ESP 665 Abril Verde, from the Galician Luis Perez Canal, taking the win ahead of Another Affair and POR 1797 Bábá. The final race of the day introduced an international podium, with the brits Jelvis, from Martin Dent, claiming the bullet, chased by EST 1796 Lenny from the double Olympic medalist Tony Toniste and the the Spanish team ESP 670 Pazo de Cea from Javier Porto.
Day 1 Results:
1st - POR 1282 Another Affair
2nd - POR 1797 Bábá
3rd - ESP 961 Noticia
Tiago Morais (POR 1282 Another Affair) summed up the day:
"It went quite well. We managed to do three races today. We went outside to the Guia Race Area. Wind between 8-14 knots, and 28 boats already on the starting line from 9 countries, and the level is increasing a lot, so I am quite happy with today."
Day 2 - a changing forecast and tactical chaos
Day 2 began grey and windless, but conditions improved around midday with 9-11 knots filling across the race area. Three races were completed, though shifting and fading breeze made the day tactically demanding.
Race 4 saw the local team Bábá (POR 1797), helmed by Nuno Espírito Santo Silva, take control early, extending downwind to secure the win, followed by the galicians from Abril Verde (ESP 665) and Another Affair (POR 1282). Race 5 was abandoned halfway through due to a major wind shift after the start, forcing the fleet to reset. On the re-run, SailCascais (POR 8) capitalized on the new right-hand pressure to take the bullet, followed by Abril Verde and NAVIS Portugal (POR 284), the local young team capitaneado by Diogo Pereira. Race 6 returned to stability, with Bábá again dominating the beats to secure their second win of the day, ahead of Another Affair and Abril Verde.
Day 2 Results:
1st - POR 1797 Bábá
2nd - ESP 665 Abril Verde
3rd - POR 1282 Another Affair
Nuno Espírito Santo Silva (POR 1797 Bábá) explained their consistency:
"It went really well for us. A very competitive fleet, tough conditions, but we've trained a lot, and that makes a difference. Today we had light to medium winds, tight and with strong current, but great conditions. Tomorrow we're looking at strong winds and waves. It's going to be fun—let's see what Cascais delivers."
Day 3 - a classic Cascais finale: big breeze, big surf
The final day with a calm morning but the wind soon start to pick it up in the bay. Boats were sent out, but by 11:00 and the Race Committee just before it begun the start procedures registered gale force winds with gusts up to 40 knots, prompting AP over H and sending the fleet back ashore. By 12:30, the wind had moderated to a steady 20-22 knots, and the Race Committee signaled a return to the racecourse. What followed was a spectacular Cascais-style finale: big breeze, steep waves, and dramatic downwind planing.
Race 7 highlighted Bábá's mastery in heavy weather, as they surged ahead to take the win, followed by NAVIS Portugal, and the British team Jelvis. Race 8 delivered a reversal, with Jelvis excelling in the big-sea downwinds and crossing first, chased by Bábá and SailCascais.
Final Results:
1st - POR 1797 Bábá
2nd - POR 8 SailCascais
3rd - ESP 665 Abril Verde
A special highlight goes to EST 1796 Lenny, crowned top Corinthian team of the event.
Frederico Pinheiro de Melo (POR 1797 Bábá) reflected on the championship:
"Amazing conditions. We had light, medium, and today quite strong and challenging conditions. We are very happy with our performance. We've been working hard and the results came in. It's an honor to have all these international sailors here—it was an amazing, high-level competition."
Although missing the podium, Another Affair (POR 1282) successfully secured qualification for the 2026 World Championship.
Tiago Morais (POR 1282 Another Affair) shared his thoughts:
"Quite happy. This was the first goal of the season—get the spot for next year's World Championship here in Cascais. We're looking forward to having the chance to sail with the best sailors in the world. It's always an opportunity to learn and step up our game."
Frederico Pinheiro de Melo left a message for teams preparing for the Worlds:
"We are looking forward to the Worlds. There are many races every month here in Cascais, so everybody is welcome to come and test the sailing area. Come and enjoy the great conditions here."
The 2025 Cascais J/70 Winter Series - Atlantic Cup was made possible thanks to Cascais Municipality, Visit Cascais, SailCascais, Marina de Cascais and Vista Alegre.