Host Country:

Portugal is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the north and east. The Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira are also part of Portugal.

Owing to its location, the land within the borders of today's Portuguese Republic has been continuously settled since prehistoric times. Portugal is also one of the oldest countries of the world as it was established as a Kingdom in 1143 and its current borders established in the mid of the 13th Century. The geographic location of Portugal was always deemed important for nautical activities. Portugal was a World Power during the 15th and 16th Centuries as a result of the maritime exploration. The Portuguese sailed all over the globe discovering and settling new lands, new commercial activities and novel ways of goods transportation by maritime route. Currently Portugal is part of the European Union, belonging to the Euro zone and Schengen area.

The climate in Portugal is classified as Mediterranean. The average temperature in mainland Portugal varies from 13ºC in the mountainous interior north to over 20 C in the south. Summer temperatures may be over 35ºC and occasionally close to 40ºC. In the summer, the coastal areas of Portugal are usually fresher in the summer as they are exposed to a permanent sea breeze from NW on the western coast and SW on the southern coast.

Host Region

The Algarve is the southern region of Portugal and the most popular site for sunshine breaks and relaxing holidays. Golden sand beaches with crystal clear waters, blue skies, vivid green grass of golf courts, and the white-washed walls of old towns buildings are some of the features Algarve as to offer.

Host City

Tavira. located on the west side of Algarve at ~30 Km from the International airport in Faro, is one of the oldest towns of Algarve. Its origin dates back to around 2,000 BC and is one of the most architecturally attractive towns in the Algarve. In the middle of the Ria Formosa lagoon system Natural Park and close to the open sea, Tavira location was the key factor for its development and with an history linked to its sea port, fisheries, overseas market and related activities. Phoenician, Romans, Moorish were some of the Peoples that colonized the area and from whish several archaeological artefacts are often found in excavations. A seven arch Roman bridge over the river Gilão is open to pedestrians and parts of the Moorish walls survived major earthquakes that destroyed most of the town and walls.

Host Club

The Clube Náutico de Tavira was established in 1993. Its main mission is to teach sailing and promote sailing activities both as a hobby and a sport. In its short history of existence, the Clube Náutico de Tavira has organized several major international class championships as the IODA European championship in 2002, the international 420 worlds in 2002, the 420 & 470 Juniors European championships in 2006 and is hosting in 2011 the IODA European championship and the international 420 open Europeans. In 2013 it played host to the EUROSAF Youth Sailing, European Championship with 200 sailors from 20 European countries competing in eight different disciplines.