PAGE 10 • SPRING 2007 THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
SAILING DESTINATION
continued from page 13
This is reflected in new marinas,
yacht clubs, shipyards, and
charter companies that have
sprung up everywhere. You can
dock or have maintenance
performed for virtually any boat
size. And the costs of labor are
incredible low, compared to the
US, Caribbean, Asia and Europe.
European sailors have already
surrendered to this paradise and
keep coming. They come for the
sun and the joy, whether on their
own boats or chartering a crewed
or bareboat yacht. Important
international Regattas such as
Transat Jacques Vabre, the Mini
Transat, Volvo Ocean Race and
the Around Alone have chosen to
make stops in Brazilian waters.
All the Brazilian Coast is watched by the “Marinha do
Brasil” (Brazilian Coast Guard), which provides search
and rescue operations. Besides that, almost all of the
coast is covered by cell phone service. Big cities are
rarely over 100 miles apart. That means safety to the
sailor, since he can find hospitals, airports and modern
urban centers close at hand. And keep this in mind:
There are no hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanoes,
earthquakes or terrorism in Brazil. All year round!
Last, but not least, you have the Brazilian people.
Cheerful and warm, they welcome every visitor,
regardless of where he or she is coming from. Here, each
and every foreign flag can be hoisted and saluted. Every
race, color, religion or port of origin enjoy the same “joie
With its pristine waters, Brazil is famous for its abundant and
de vivre,” and the same rhythm: the Samba. To Brazilian
diverse sealife.
people, everyone not Brazilian is a “gringo” and is
treated with respect if they like the sun, the beaches, and return home with stories to tell. Visit a nation where
nice people and “caipirinha,” the typical drink made of peace rules above all human differences, a place where
cachaça (distilled from sugar cane), lemon and sugar. you will always be welcome and where your flag can be
proudly spread out on the stern. Ready for some
This is not an ordinary occidental country. And even “caipirinha,” amigo?
though it is a Latin culture, any North American will feel
at home. Portuguese is the official language, but English Helio Magalhães, 44, is a sailor, photographer and writer. He
is spoken where you most need it: at boat charter and learned to sail on a “jangada” (a very primitive sailing craft)
rental car companies, airports, restaurants, marinas and when he was eight. He currently lives aboard Mantra, his classic
yacht clubs. A simple walk down a street will show you Hallberg-Rassy 31 and works for Latitude Charter.
everything from McDonald’s, Outback, WalMart and
Starbucks right up to Tiffany’s. Roque dos Reis, 50, is an engineer and management consultant.
Following an early retirement, he has spent the last eight years
Come to discover this country of warm waters and sailing along the Brazilian Coast, the U.S. and the Caribbean.
paradisiacal beaches. Choose to go off the beaten path He also works for Latitude Charter.
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