Emotion and Perseverance Mark the Conclusion of Búzios Sailing Week

22 April 2025 - Brazil - The 2025 edition of the Energisa Búzios Sailing Week concluded this Sunday (April 20) at the Iate Clube Armação de Búzios (ICAB), with the final races for the BRA-RGS and ORC classes. More than 30 boats and 500 sailors participated in the event, which also served as the Brazilian Offshore Sailing Championship, organized by the Brazilian Offshore Sailing Association (ABVO).

The races took place over the Easter holiday, across four days of technical and thrilling competition, characterized by shifting winds typical of the Rio de Janeiro coast. The championship began with light breezes, while Sunday’s finale saw gusts exceeding 25 knots, demanding peak skill and focus from the crews.

A highlight of the championship was the perseverance of Nativo 3, the BRA-RGS class champion, which underwent repeated repairs just to stay in the race. Also noteworthy was the comeback of Crioula TP52, the winner in the ORC class, who overcame legends Torben Grael and Marcelo Ferreira.

“The Energisa Búzios Sailing Week 2025 exceeded all expectations. We had races of the highest technical level, with challenging winds and an outstanding fleet. It’s important to see ICAB hosting such a strong championship. We worked hard to deliver this event,” said Olympic champion and ICAB Commodore, Marcos Soares.

The next edition of the Energisa Búzios Sailing Week is already confirmed: it will take place from April 2 to 5, 2026, once again at ICAB.

Strong Winds and Skill on Display in the ORC Class

The ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) class—considered the world’s most important handicap rating rule—was one of the highlights of the 2025 Energisa Búzios Sailing Week, with seven races held from April 17 to 20. A total of 16 yachts competed in the category.

The overall champion was Crioula 52 (TP52), owned by Eduardo Plass (VDS), which won five of the seven races and secured the overall title with 12 points. The team from Veleiros do Sul also claimed first place in the ORC Performance division.

Arriving as favorites, the Veleiros do Sul crew was determined to reclaim the top spot on the podium after missing out at the Ilhabela Sailing Week and the 2024 Brazilian Offshore Championship.

“The team is strong, the boat is competitive! In the first few days, the lighter wind was a challenge, but then it steadied and we were able to sail well. We’re very happy. Last year, we came so close and lost to +Bravíssimo in the final race,” said Samuel Albrecht.

The ORC leaderboard was a tight race going into Sunday, with three boats tied at 10 points: Magia IV helmed by two-time Olympic champion Torben Grael (RYC), and +Bravíssimo (Felci 315) of Argentine sailor Nacho Giamonna (ICES), both in contention for the gold.

In the ORC Cruiser Racer division, the title went to +Bravíssimo (Felci 315), the defending Brazilian champion. The boat also took second place overall. Duma (Farr 11s), skippered by Haakon Lorentzen (ICRJ), completed the podium in all three categories.

“Three teams entered today tied at 10 points and not knowing who would emerge as champion—both for the Energisa Búzios Sailing Week and the Brazilian Offshore Championship. That shows the level of technical balance and the sound decisions we made in organizing this event. The race plan was released in advance and carefully prepared. The result is a high-level, competitive championship with everyone leaving satisfied,” highlighted Bayard Umbuzeiro Neto, Commodore of ABVO.

The Energisa Búzios Sailing Week 2025 was organized by ICAB, in partnership with ABVO and CBVela. The event was sponsored by Grupo Energisa, celebrating its 120th anniversary, and OceanPact. It also received support from the State of Rio de Janeiro’s Department of Sport and Leisure (via the State Sports Incentive Law), the Búzios City Hall, and ABVO itself.

ORC Overall (7 races) - Results

1. Crioula 52 - TP52 - Eduardo Plass (VDS) - 12 pts
2. +Bravíssimo - Felci 315 - Nacho Giamonna (ICES) - 19 pts
3. Duma - Farr 11s - Haakon Lorentzen (ICRJ) - 23 pts

ORC Performance (7 races) - Results

1. Crioula 52 - TP52 - Eduardo Plass (VDS) - 9 pts
2. Magia IV - ILC 30 - Torben Grael (RYC) - 16 pts
3. Duma - Farr 11s - Haakon Lorentzen (ICRJ) - 16 pts

ORC Cruiser Racer (7 races) - Results

1. +Bravíssimo - Felci 315 - Nacho Giamonna (ICES) - 7 pts
2. Xamã - Grand Soleil 46 - Sergio Klepacz (ICS) - 16 pts
3. Dona Bola - Oceanis 41 - Ricardo Tramujas (ICRJ) - 18 pts