Portuguese sailing and ocean racing fans will be part of an incredible event this June when a fleet of foiling IMOCA 60s and one-design VO65s take to the coast of Portugal as part of the second annual Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy, during the Cascais stopover of The Ocean Race Europe.
It was announced last week that the inaugural edition of The Ocean Race Europe will make its first stop in the seaside resort of Cascais on the Portuguese Riviera, as the fleet makes its way from Lorient, France down into the Mediterranean.
Now it has been confirmed today that the entire competing fleet will line up for the Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy, as a point-scoring Coastal Race. The Ocean Race fleet will be joined by boats from around Europe in multiple classes.
Organised in partnership with the Clube Naval de Cascais, the plastic-free, health-controlled, multi-class Sailing Trophy will take place on 4-5 June, as the sailing world takes to the water again.
Entries are now open and the event organisers have announced that the first 100 entries for the race will be free of charge.
Cascais Marina has previously played host to numerous high profile sailing events, including the America’s Cup World Series, World Match Racing Tour, and Audi MedCup. The Clube Naval de Cascais has been an institution of Portuguese sailing since it was founded in 1938 and is home to the biggest sailing school in the country.
Cascais is also the team base of The Mirpuri Foundation Racing Team, which will compete in the race with its VO65 boat, named Racing For The Planet.
Sustainability is at the core of the Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy. The event was founded last year to raise awareness and important funds for marine
conservation projects around the world.
Last year’s event was entered by a fleet of over 50 competing boats. The race thrilled sailing fans as two VO65 entries headlined the event, including the Mirpuri Foundation Racing Team’s all-star crew on board Racing For The Planet.
Once again, a dedicated medical team will be in place for the event, with all participants, support staff and media required to be tested for Covid-19 prior
to the race, in order to allow for safe competition.
“What a week this has been for Portuguese sailing,” said Paulo Mirpuri, founder of the Mirpuri Foundation. “We will welcome The Ocean Race Europe to Cascais, and now we can also confirm the fleet will join the Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy. This year’s event promises to be spectacular.
“Not only will the sight of IMOCA 60s and VO65 boats be truly impressive, but to welcome sailors from all over Europe back onto the water after the year our community has had will be very emotional.
“In partnership with our friends at the Clube Naval de Cascais, we are also happy to confirm that we will offer free entry for the first 100 boats that register for the event.
“We want to see as many competitors as possible on the start line at the Clube Naval de Cascais for what promises to be a highlight of the summer calendar.”
“The Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy adds an exciting Coastal Race to The Ocean Race Europe,” said Phil Lawrence, race director of The Ocean Race Europe.
“Our teams will compete on a relatively short course, testing crew work and boat on boat tactics in a way that doesn’t often happen in offshore races. With prize money for the top performers, we’re confident The Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy will be a popular fixture in The Ocean Race Europe for the teams and our fans.”
“The first edition of the Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy was very special to Clube Naval de Cascais because it was the first big sailing event for the Club and also in Portugal after the first lockdown,” commented Mr Gonçalo Esteves, President of Clube Naval de Cascais.
“For the second edition, expectations are very high once again, now that we will have the boats that are competing in The Ocean Race Europe sailing in Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy.
“We would like to thank the Mirpuri Foundation for putting a lot of work into this event that will be followed by the sailing community around the world.”