Portugal went 23 years without the Volta a Portugal à Vela. Long enough for its absence to become an unfortunate habit, and far too long for a race with this much history, spirit and potential. Fortunately, in 2026, the Portuguese sailing community came together once again to do what it does best: cast off, make the most of the northerly winds and race down the coast in an atmosphere of genuine adventure and camaraderie.
The event began with a coastal race along Porto’s Atlantic seafront, linking Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto and Matosinhos. This was followed by the passage from Gaia to Figueira da Foz, a coastal race off Cape Mondego, the long leg south to Cascais, the race into the Tagus from Cascais Bay to Belém, the Cascais to Sines leg, the roughly 100-mile passage from Sines to Portimão and, finally, one last coastal race off Portimão Marina. In total, the fleet completed eight stages and approximately 355 nautical miles, sailing through some of the most beautiful and demanding stretches of the Portuguese coast.
The overall winner of the ORC class was Miguel Fonseca’s Makai, a fast Archambault M34, finishing ahead of Mar Meu and Pocket Rocket. In the ANC class, victory went to António Noronha’s Funbel–NACEX, a Bénéteau First 45, followed by Anthea and Blu. Two very different yachts, designed according to distinct philosophies, but sailed by crews who demonstrated consistency, adaptability and an excellent understanding of the conditions throughout the race.
But the Volta a Portugal à Vela is about much more than the final standings. It is a fantastic, enjoyable and challenging way to sail down the Portuguese coast, visit its ports, experience a wide variety of sea and wind conditions and create the sort of stories that are still being told around the table months later, usually improved slightly by memory and one or two beers.
And in a year when sailing along the Portuguese coast inevitably involves talking about orcas, there was also some very welcome news: fortunately, no yacht was attacked during the race. This time, the orcas left the final standings entirely in the hands of the sailors.
It is now essential for this event to regain real momentum. It deserves to grow, attract more yachts, clubs and crews and reclaim its rightful place in Portugal’s sailing calendar. The organisers have already expressed their intention to hold the race again in 2027, the year in which the Portuguese Sailing Federation celebrates its centenary.
So here is the challenge: prepare your yachts, gather your crews and take part in the next edition. If you have ever wanted to sail down the coast of Portugal, this is probably the most enjoyable way to do it, combining competition, camaraderie and an excellent excuse to finish in the Algarve.
May the Volta a Portugal à Vela be back for good. ⛵🇵🇹
