Aiolas Regatta enlivens Sesimbra Bay

António Mendonça and José Gomes won the men's event in a competition marked by camaraderie and strong public turnout.

Regatta of aiolas in Sesimbra Bay with two rowers in action.
AI

Regatta of aiolas in Sesimbra Bay with two rowers in action.

The rowing duo António Mendonça and José Gomes claimed victory in the 2026 edition of the two-rower Aiolas Regatta, held in Sesimbra Bay last Sunday, September 27.

The race, which started at Praia da Califórnia and finished at Praia do Ouro, in front of the former headquarters of the Clube Naval de Sesimbra, featured 16 aiolas. Mendonça and Gomes, experienced winners of this regatta in previous years, led the competition from the start.
In the women's category, Ana Paula and Cláudia Gaspar were the first to cross the finish line. In the mixed event, Brígida Batista and Sílvio Rodrigues proved to be the fastest.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the initiative highlighted the camaraderie among participants and the strong public turnout along the waterfront and on the beach, demonstrating the popularity of this local tradition.

More than the competitive aspect, this initiative was once again marked by the camaraderie among all participants and the great public turnout which, as usual, strongly marked its presence along the waterfront and on the beach, which is a clear indicator of the popularity of this initiative, rooted for decades in local history and traditions.

The full classifications were as follows:
Men's: 1st place - António Mendonça/José Gomes; 2nd place – André Machado and Rui Marques; 3rd place – António Justino and João Conceição.
Women's: 1st place – Ana Paula and Cláudia Gaspar; 2nd place – Ana Palma and Vânia Palma.
Mixed: 1st place – Brígida Batista and Sílvio Rodrigues; 2nd place – Paula Tudela and Carlos Cunha; 3rd place – Eugénia Braz and Rodrigo Lencastre.
Based on information from the official source: Câmara Municipal de Sesimbra (27/09/2026)