When it comes to the search for a purer racing experience very few venues in the world can deliver like Cascais, Portugal. Returning to the picturesque Portuguese port for the fifth consecutive year, from the 21-25 September, the RC44 fleet are readying themselves for the strong prevailing northwesterly winds and the rolling Atlantic swell that is typical of these waters. After what was reported as their 'best day ever' at the Portsmouth Cup back in July, Artemis Racing Youth's tactician Freddy Loof is on the dock early in Cascais to help prepare and give his underdog team the best fighting chance: “I've been here a few times in the Star, once with the RC44s and it never disappoints. It's pretty challenging compared to most venues with the big seas that roll in but I hope the physical sailing here will suit the boys,” explains Loof. “Portsmouth's result has allowed our team to realise that we can be competitive in this fleet. At the beginning of this year we couldn't even keep up and suddenly we are right there, finishing ahead of Bronenosec and CEEREF. We need to stay on our toes but hopefully Cascais will be a good event,” he adds.
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