A Christmas miracle for the St. Petersburgers.
Sailing

A Christmas miracle for the St. Petersburgers.

The team from St. Petersburg first arrived in the Cascais water area and immediately won the SB20 Winter Series.
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Last weekend, the Clube Naval de Cascais finished the year's grand and final Christmas regatta, which included competitions in several classes. Both young people - about 100 optimists, 20 lasers («Laser Radial») and 420 and 4.7 classes - as well as the older fleet went to the start: «the Christmas regatta» coincided with the second stage of the Winter Series in SB20 class, which is regularly held in this Portuguese yachting mecca.

Two days the participants competed, among which mostly Portuguese pennants were declared, but Russian athletes were also seen.

As a result, the SB20 class was won by the VIS Sailing team (Timur Sabirzyanov, Vadim Pushev and Alexander Mikhailov) from St. Petersburg, who performed on the boat of SportsBoat Rus.

The guys raced in Cascais for the first time, and immediately took first place among the strong and prominent opponents.

Out of five races they finished first two times (4-1-1-8-3)! The races, guys say, are not easy here: in addition to the ocean wind and waves come into play tricky currents, merchant ships, blocking the wind and experienced opponents, who this time had 25 teams.

Timur Sabirzyanov, VIS Sailing team: «This is the first time we came to Cascais and we are very happy with this result. A great present for the New Year! We liked everything very much, and we will definitely come to race next time. In addition to yachting, Portugal is a very hospitable country, many people underestimate it, but it is worth visiting and, of course, going out on the water. I really liked the organization of the competitions, everything is clear, fast, without fuss and panic. Unusual in terms of weather conditions was the second race day: with a strong east wind from the ocean, from the west direction went quite a strong "reel" with a wave height of about 2.5 meters. To achieve maximum speed under such unusual conditions, you need experience of training in this very place, especially on the eve of the World Cup 2016».

According to the results of the Series, in addition to the Russian crew, the three leaders are the team of the head of the European SB20 Association, Edward Russo, and the team of the Kashkaisha Yacht Club. Titled Portuguese and individuals on the local podiums - Diogo Cayolla and Nuno Barreto - could not hold their positions on the second day and ended up in fourth place.

On the water, the conditions during the two days of the competition were quite stable - the wind was about 9-12 knots with further strengthening or fading, mainly in the north and east directions. The lasers started on the courses together with 420 and 4.7 and it can be noted that in local waters, unlike other courses, the course is quite long.

«On the first day I tried to look at the rivals and the water area, started in the middle of the fleet and with varying success held this position - says Russian participant in the class of «Laser Radial» Artem Chugunov about his first race in the water area - and on the second day I managed to better understand the tactics and finish fifth in the last race of the day. I'm in 7th place in the overall standings for two days, so I'm satisfied with the result».

It is noteworthy that in Portugal at the start of such classes are not only young people, but also the older generation.

Under the Swiss flag, a retired participant probably performed on the «Laser» together with the young guys. After all, we all know very well that sailing is subject to all ages!

It is very nice to watch it together with the youth in Santa Claus' hoods on the course who, despite sometimes fooling around, fought hard for victory.

Commenting on his son's performances, coach Oleg Chugunov noted the high level of organization of competitions and excellent weather conditions for yachting in winter, when the season in Russia is already closed. Together with 470 class coach Anna Basalkina he decided to organize a "winter camp" in Portugal for training professionals and amateurs:

«We came to Cascais for the "wintering" because Portugal has excellent weather for training almost all year round - there is wind and almost always sunny. In Russia, of course, the comfortable yachting season ends even before the ponds freeze. That's why in addition to trainings we decided to organize a "Winter Camp" in Portugal both for professionals who need to keep fit and for amateurs who would like to use the "low" season and combine rest and exits to the water».
As always regattas in Cascais are not only the excitement of competitions, but also the beauty of local landscapes and waters.

In addition to the lighthouses and beaches that look particularly good from the water, the fleet is almost always accompanied by either giant merchant ships or local yachts that go sailing at the weekend.

Almost traditionally the background picture for the SB-shek sails was the Endeavour Class J yacht, which is based in Cascais Marina and often comes out to show its huge sails. Not only can you experience the ocean wave and wind, but you can also enjoy the beauty, accessibility and attractions of Portugal this winter. After all, now in Cascais there «are people»who will tell you that a person who has never been in this beautiful country should try and experience.

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