Dear members,

In this, the final edition published in 2023 of the Hippocampus, I also have the privilege of addressing all of you, through this means, for the last time this year. And this in a season typically dedicated to family, but which also usually serves to take stock of the past twelve months. And I will not be the one to break that tradition.

If I focus solely on the topics covered in this edition of our magazine, I can only conclude, on one hand, that the year 2023 was beneficial and successful for the colours of Clube Naval de Cascais, and that our club is thriving and has a bright future ahead. The pages dedicated to news about our activities and those of our sailors and members can only fill us with pride for the numerous titles they have won, both nationally and internationally, as well as the success that has marked the overwhelming majority of our events. Without false modesty, it will not be easy to deny that CNCascais continues to be the major reference for sailing in Portugal.

Still, it is natural that some achievements and events deserve special word of appreciation. In this regard, mandatory recognition goes to the title of European Champions in J70, achieved by a fully Portuguese crew: Vasco Serpa, Diogo Machado Pinto, Paulo Manso, and Hugo Rocha, who came out on top against nearly fifty competitors. A remarkable feat that will greatly contribute to the development of the largest keelboat one-design class in Portugal, once again with CNC leading the way: organizing the Invitational Cup and the National Championship of the class in 2023; a Winter Championship that will extend into 2024; and the J70 World Championship in 2026. Undoubtedly, these initiatives will bring some of the most illustrious names that usually compete aboard these special boats to Cascais.

Our Honorary Commodore also continues to make strides and achieve success. With a long and illustrious sporting career in sailing, filled with victories, he left the 6M class with an enviable number of successes, (deservedly) recognized by his peers, notably by Juan Carlos I, the former King of Spain, for his contributions to the development of the class. But, as expected for those who know him well, Patrick Monteiro de Barros did not exactly stay on land, and this time, in the company of another distinguished member of CNCascais, Paulo Mirpuri, he decided to embark on a new project in the classics. The result? Once again, with a crew entirely composed of highly skilled Portuguese sailors, they achieved near-total dominance with the magnificent Falcon in the main championship of the discipline, resulting in an undisputed final victory that, in practice, equates to the title of World Champion, which is only not officially named as such due to formalities.

Among the events organized by Clube Naval de Cascais in the last four months, two undoubtedly have to be mentioned: in the 21st edition of Cascais Vela, perhaps the most emblematic event on the Portuguese sailing calendar, the number of participants and fierce competition speak for themselves; in the Christmas Regatta, another CNC icon, the competition on the water, the healthy camaraderie on land, and sailors ranging from 8 to 70 years old are more than illustrative of the importance of this.

Regarding the future, in the short and medium term, two points stand out. The first is the high number of new members, from various nationalities, who continue to want to be part of the life of Clube Naval de Cascais, confirming, without a doubt, its status as a multicultural club. The second is the excellent interview given to Hippocampus by Miguel Pinto Luz, Vice-President of the Municipal Council of Cascais: true to his style, in an absolutely fearless manner, he not only confirms the decisive importance that CNC has for the life of Cascais, more than in the sporting aspect, but also provides glimpses of the many improvements that the club will receive in the coming times, always in partnership with the municipality, which are crucial for a future that promises to be at least as commendable as its present and past.

All of this, and much more, are good readings that this Hippocampus offers you for the current holiday season. As for me, I can only wish you all a Merry Christmas, with good health, and the peace that our world so desperately needs, and a fantastic year of 2024.

P.S. - Life is life, and not everything is always joyful. A very special word goes to the family of Fernando Amaral, Merchant Navy Commander, who physically left us on October 14th, and whose life was always connected to the sea in various ways, including sailing - serving in executive roles in several yacht clubs and as a Race Officer or Judge in Protest Committees. He was also, for many, especially for lovers of this sport, a companion and a friend, someone with a unique and entertaining personality, always ready to tell a good joke. Involved in the organization of numerous national and international events, with a highlight being the first races of Volta a Portugal à Vela (Sailing Tour of Portugal), which stood out in the sports scene for cruising classes in the 1990s, he was also one of the pioneers of Model Boat races, dedicating part of his leisure time to building miniature replicas of boats.

Gonçalo Esteves
President of Clube Naval de Cascais