Campeonato Mineiro

3rd Minas Gerais Sailing Championship — Serious Sailing, Serious Fun

Represa Joaõ Penido Juiz de Fora, Brazil, August 31, 2025

Yesterday marked the end of the 3rd Minas Gerais Sailing Championship, an event that beautifully embodies the class motto: “Serious Sailing, Serious Fun.”

Organized by Fleet 525 at the João Penido reservoir in Juiz de Fora, the championship takes place on a long and narrow racecourse, with highly variable wind conditions that demand constant attention from sailors. No position is secure until the finish line is crossed — and it’s precisely this unpredictability that makes each race so thrilling and the competition so intense.

This year, we were fortunate to have especially favorable wind conditions: six races sailed in winds ranging from 4 to 12 knots, predominantly from the northeast and slightly more stable than usual. Of course, as expected, there were plenty of shifts, but with stronger and more consistent patterns than in previous years. The 4th race stood out for its intense wind changes, requiring sharp focus and precise reading of the course. Special kudos to Nick Grael, who masterfully took the win in that race.

What truly sets the Minas Championship apart is the fact that there’s no sailing club at the reservoir. One of the sailors opens the doors of their own lakeside home to host the entire fleet. This gesture transforms the event into something intimate and special. The collaborative spirit and dedication create an atmosphere of unity and proactivity that spreads to everyone involved. Mutual support is constant — whether it’s launching and retrieving boats from trailers, making repairs, fine-tuning rigs, or simply sharing knowledge. On land, there are no rivals — just good friends enjoying a great moment together.

The post-race gatherings are top-notch, featuring classic Minas Gerais cuisine: cheese bread, dulce de leche, coffee, and sausage — all prepared with care and affection. The fleet becomes a single, vibrant community, sharing stories, experiences, and plenty of laughter.

This environment makes the Minas Championship, in my view, one of the most enjoyable regattas of the year, with a level of harmony and fun that’s hard to match. Don’t get me wrong — most sailing events in Brazil are organized with great dedication and are truly fantastic in their own right. But the Minas Championship brings a unique and special feeling.

For those who haven’t joined yet, here’s my tip: start planning for 2026, because it’s shaping up to be even better than this year!

Special thanks from the class to Gustavo Bandeira, lead organizer of the event, and to hosts Mario Zoete and Gisele Cid, who put together an especially fun and welcoming edition.

Douglas Gomm