Matilde background includes an Olympic sailing qualifying campaign and she was the Portuguese national Laser champion.
What Matilde doesn't know about our VO65 “Racing for the Planet” isn't worth knowing.
Working as shore crew on The Ocean Race Europe 2021, Matilde will be instrumental when it comes to keeping our VO65 in peak racing condition out at sea when she joins the team as crew for The Ocean Race Sprint Cup 2023.
Born in Faro in the Algrave, Matilda now lives in our home town of Cascais where she works on the ocean almost every day. Her background includes an Olympic sailing qualifying campaign and she was the Portuguese national Laser champion.
Matilde has been sailing boats since the age of eight years old in the Optimist class, before moving on to Laser 4.7.
After moving to Lisbon to study design and Design of Communication at the Fine Art University, Matilde sailed in the 470 Olympic class to try for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She also sails SB20 and enjoys match racing.
About
Nationality
Portuguese
Date of birth
11 December 1994
Languages
Portuguese, English and some Spanish.
Sailing Carrer highlights
National champion in laser and in IRC
Sailed the Olympic campaign to Rio de Janeiro 2016
Shore team The Ocean Race Europe 2021
Q&A
Who inspires you?
My father.
What is your favourite quote?
Always smiling and sailing!
What is your favourite food?
I do love spinach. While growing up, I was always told that it was important for strength. I could happily live on just spinach and soup.
What was your childhood dream?
To compete in the Olympics and to become a mom.
What hobbies do you have when not working with the team?
I like to paint, to create. I have been trying to launch my name on the artistic world.
What is one essential simple piece of equipment you always have with you for your daily work?
I’ve learned to live always with a Leatherman in my belt and now it’s always there.
Give us an example of a sustainable attitude to life – what do you do for a better world?
In my own house, I try to use as little plastic as possible. I still have a long way to go, we all have, plastic is everywhere and in everything. That’s the hardest part. But to be aware and make a change is the most important thing.
What advice would you give to young sailors to protect the planet?
If we love to live in this world, why wouldn’t we protect it? Respect the world and receive it back.