Brazil Gears Up For National Qualifier

Brazilian match racers are busy preparing for their national qualifier for the ISAF Nations Cup. From 29 April to 1 May in Buzios, Rio de Janeiro, twelve men’s and three women’s teams will be fighting it out to represent Brazil at the South American Qualifier in August.

The highest ranked skipper is Daniel GLOMB, at number 71 in the world. GLOMB is the current South American Match Race Champion and his most recent result came from the ISAF Grade 1 Brasil Sailing Cup in Angra dos Reis where he finished eleventh. After GLOMB, the next highest ranked skipper is ISAF Committee Member and ISAF Race Official Nelson ILHA who is ranked at number 2004 in the world. ILHA‘s most recent graded event result was finishing in the bronze medal position at the Sudamericano de Match Race behind GLOMB.

But it’s not all about the current rankings and GLOMB can expect some tough competition from the other competitors, not least the current J/24 World Championo Mauricio SANTA CRUZ. SANTA CRUZ is also well known on the Olympic circuit having competed in the Tornado at the 2000 Olympic Regatta where he finished eleventh and more recently the Star. The 1980 Olympic gold medallist Marcos SOARES in the men’s 470 will also be competing for his place at the Regional Final.

Alongside the seasoned competitors there are also plenty of new kids on the block, including Rafael FRANCA who will lead the first ever match race team from Minas Gerais.

Leading the women’s charge is Fernada OLIVEIRA from Rio Grande do Sol. Better known for her achievements in the women’s 470 fleet in which she finished 17 at the 2004 Olympic Sailing Competition, OLIVEIRA comes to the Nations Cup ranked at number 64 on the ISAF Women’s Match Race World Rankings. Her most recent graded event result was at the 2005 International Women’s Match Race Criterium in Spain where she finished fifth.

Lining up against OLIVEIRA are Caroline BEIJAR who is part of the Brazilian Olympic Laser team and Rosana RAMOS.

Entry Lists:

Women

ISAF Nations Cup Regional Finals And Grand Final Qualifying Crews

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