(Ilhabela, Brazil)- The 39th edition of the largest ocean sailing event
in Latin America, Rolex Ilhabela Sailing Week, saw some great duels
unfold on the waters of the Sao Sebastiao Channel off YC Ilhabela, host
for the event. The sailors were treated to an incredibly wide range of
conditions, what is now becoming a routine for sailors in this event.
Conditions ranged from light to heavy and sunny with very shifty winds
funneling around the island, to massive rain squalls and stormy
conditions forcing postponements back to the final day with gorgeous
12-14 kts wind enabling all classes to get in two races out on the Sao
Sebastiao Channel. In ORC 700, the J/24 PROZAK sailed by Marcio Finamore) had a tough battle with the "Argentine Sea & Sailing". However, after seven races with one discard, Marcio's PROZAK crew amassed a 1-2-4-1-1-4-2 for 11 pts to crush a fleet of more modern boats like the Mastracchio 24.5s and Skipper 21s.
Of note, other renown Brazilian J/24 sailors from the past were winning skippers or tacticians in other divisions. Eduardo de Sousa Ramos, past Brazilian National J/24 champ won the Soto 40 class on his boat PAJERO while J/24 Pan-American champion Mario Buckup was responsible for the tactics to become the top 30 Class boat. Said Mario, "We are very happy. Winning the Rolex Ilhabela Sailing Week is important for all Brazilian sailors. The races are always very close, and requires full attention on the race course." For more Rolex Ilhabela sailing information
