AP Lago Montargil Conference & Spa Nautical Center hosts the debut of the National Sailing Circuit in Inland Waters
The brand-new National Sailing Circuit in Inland Waters will make its debut on September 20 and 21, with the Montargil Reservoir, in the municipality of Ponte de Sor, becoming the stage for a landmark moment in Portuguese sailing. The Nautical Center of AP Lago Montargil Conference & Spa will serve as the host infrastructure for this first stage, combining competitiveness, spectacle, and the promotion of Nautical Stations across the country.
The initiative is promoted by the Portuguese Sailing Federation, in partnership with Fórum Oceano and the Municipality of Ponte de Sor, and aims to launch a new competitive model that takes the sport beyond the coastline, bringing sailing closer to inland communities while highlighting the role of Nautical Stations as hubs for sporting, economic, and tourism development.
Over two days, Montargil will welcome 18 crews, including renowned athletes such as Diogo Costa and Carolina João, who secured an impressive 5th place in the 470 class at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, earning an Olympic diploma for Portugal. The championship will feature a dynamic format, with short races, qualification rounds, eliminations, and finals, ensuring constant excitement. Competitors will rotate across six boats provided by the organization, offering spectators a unique opportunity to follow the action closely from the reservoir’s shores.
For the Portuguese Sailing Federation, this stage carries strong symbolic value. According to its president, António Barros, “the Inland Waters Sailing Development Plan is designed to create conditions for sailing to become a regular practice in these regions. Hosting the Circuit in Montargil is a key step in consolidating that strategy.”
With the natural beauty of the Montargil Reservoir and the first-class infrastructure of the Nautical Center at AP Lago Montargil Conference & Spa, the launch of this circuit not only promotes sailing in inland waters but also strengthens Ponte de Sor’s position as a premier nautical destination.
