Recognised by UNESCO as an Ocean Decade event for the regatta’s work to promote and raise funds for ocean health initiatives, the event is becoming known as one of the highlights of the European summer sailing calendar.

One hundred and seventy-one boats across six classes competed in the event held in the bay of Cascais, a popular European tourist destination considered the Riviera of Portugal and renowned for its reliable north westerly breeze that fills the bay in summer.

On Saturday 8th of July the full fleet of six hundred sailors across all classes lined up for two days of racing  and were supported by the Marinha Portuguesa vessel NMP, which fired the ceremonial start cannon from its deck at 12:30 local time.

The expected northwesterly breeze arrived as predicted and filled the race course with twelve to fifteen knots, perfect conditions for boat racing.

In the premier cruising category, two classes competed for both the perpetual trophy for line honours, as well as four divisional titles based on corrected time.

In the line honours race it was a battle between the two giants of the fleet, the impressive 106ft superyacht “Green Eyes” and the Cascais-based professional outfit the Mirpuri Foundation Racing Team, competing onboard their thoroughbred VO65 “Racing for the Planet.” Skippered by three-time Portuguese Olympian Diogo Cayolla, the professionals fought hard to take line honours on both days and secured the impressive Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy itself for the third time.

Diogo Cayolla, skipper of the Mirpuri Foundation Racing Team commented: “The team did an amazing job in both races this weekend and didn’t miss a beat. I’m pleased we were able to secure the line honours and continue the team’s winning legacy in our home regatta.”

Paulo Mirpuri, Chairman of the Mirpuri Foundation, said after the event: “This year’s event was undoubtedly one of the best yet both on and off the water. The racing was close and exciting across all the classes and having the Snipe South European Championship decided here was an event highlight. In addition, having a record number of entries also means increased funding for our beneficiaries in ocean sustainability.”

The 2024 edition of the Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy will take place on the 6th and 7th of July 2024 in Cascais, Portugal.

Photos and video: 16 Degrees South