Hobie Cat European Championship 2006

Hi everybody,

Hope you are having, had or will have very nice vacations.

I have spent the first 15 days of August in Quiberon, on the northwest of France. For 7 days I participated in the Hobie Cat European Campionship, 2006. The Hobie Cat is a catamaran, as you can see on the Picture.

This boat class has a very special family spirit, and very relaxed (sometimes too relaxed). Although it is a very competitive fleet, most of the people feel that they belong to a big family.

For example, from Portugal, we were 5 teams, from 17 to 50 years old boys and girls. We went all the way together from Lisbon to Quiberon.

During the championship, the Spanish teams invited everybody for some spanish “jamon” and wine.

Everyday, the jury had to remember all the sailors that the regatta would start in 15 minutes and that everybody should rush into the water and start paddling to the regatta course.

Lots of parties before, during and after the championship. Because the most important is the Hobie Cat family gathering, even at an European Championship event.

Me and Nuno got the 3^rd place in the bronze fleet. Not bad, but next year we hope to be competing on the silver or even gold fleet.

Will go to Africa on August 17^th and will return to Portugal by the beginning of November.

Big hug to everybody and have fun.

P.S. – Check the webpages: http://www.eurohobie2006.com/ and http://www.portugal.hobieclass.com/