Sailor João Pinto, supported by the Vela Solidária project and by the Marina de Portimão Yacht Club, was crowned European vice-champion in the Access 303 class last weekend at the Adapted Sailing European Championship, held in Arbon, Switzerland .
This was a great challenge for João Pinto, who has only sailed in adapted sailing classes since December 2012, and the European Championship was the first race in which he sailed in the Access 303 class. This was also the first time that João participated in a proof of European scope.
The lack of experience in class 303 did not allow better than 8th and 9th place on the first day of races, which imposed an increased effort to reach the top places in the following days.
Despite all the challenges and the very unstable wind conditions, the 2nd place in the Access 303 class was conquered by João Pinto, in a close fight until the last race of the championship, between 26 sailors.
The 1st place on the podium was conquered by the French sailor Gilles Guyon and the 3rd by the also Portuguese Carlos Araújo.
In the Access 303 double class, with João Pinto in the sheets and Pedro Reis at the helm, the result achieved was an 8th place overall, among 24 teams.
The Teia D'Impulsos Association, which promotes the Vela Solidária project, emphasizes that “this was a very positive result and that it reflects the work that has been developed by Vela Solidária”.
«This podium is dedicated to all Sailing Solidarity sailors and the commitment they have shown, as well as to all partners and sponsors who have allowed us to “Towards a Better Future”», concludes the association.
Around 70 sailors were present at the Adapted Sailing European Championship, in six different classes and representing 13 countries. This is an event that takes place every two years and brings together the best European sailors with the aim of reaching the highest place on the podium in the old continent.
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