This is the largest and oldest sailing competition in the Iberian Peninsula.

In the races, there will be 7 classes – bullish, junior bullish, ILCA4, ILCA6, ILCA7, snipe and 420 – divided into three racing fields. As usual, the Optimist fleet will be the largest with around 150 vessels.

This year, the Carnival Tournament gains even more relevance considering that it will be precisely in these waters of Vilamoura that the Youth World Championship will be held, in December.

Many international sailors will participate in the Carnival regattas already thinking about preparing for this world championship, considered a true ‘mini Olympic Games’ of sailing, as they bring together groups that prepare young sailors for the current Olympic classes.

This year, Spain will once again be strong in Vilamoura, with several dozen sailors, mainly in the Optimist class. Of the 17 countries represented, the Spanish fleet is the largest, after Portugal.

In national terms, the Carnival Tournament also includes qualifying events for the 420, ILCA 4, 6 and 7 class rankings. The Carnival International Sailing Tournament is organized by the Vilamoura Marina International Club, with the support of the Capable Planet Nautical Club and is part of the country's history. The event began in 1974, marked generations of sailors and continues to mark, year after year, the beginning of a new cycle of challenges and competitions.

The 51st International Carnival Sailing Tournament has the institutional support of Loulé City Council, Quarteira Parish Council, Inframoura, Vilamoura Marina, Vilamoura World and also the Portuguese Sailing Federation, Southern Regional Sailing Association, IPDJ, Prow Group and D. Pedro Hotels.