Joana Freitas, from Rio de Janeiro, wins the 52nd Brazilian Optimist Oakberry Championship

Joana Freitas, from Rio de Janeiro, made history by winning the 52nd Brazilian Optimist Oakberry Championship, which concluded on Sunday (14) in Jurerê, Florianópolis. After 51 editions, the athlete became the first female overall champion of Brazil's biggest youth sailing competition. The title was confirmed in the last race, with a one-point advantage over Arthur Back (ICRJ), the runner-up of the 2024 edition.

"It was a very difficult day. In the last race, my mast broke, but I managed to complete the race and get a good result. It's great to be the first girl to win the overall championship. It shows that we can also compete at the top. I'm very happy," said Joana.
On the last day of races, the northeast wind gained strength, creating a perfect scenario for the end of the competition. Joana Freitas won the first of the three races and extended her lead over the other competitors. However, the sailor faced problems with her boat, especially in the last one. Nevertheless, she managed to score enough points to secure the title.

With 36 points, Joana finished one point ahead of Arthur Back, who had won the last two editions of the Brazilian Championship. Eduardo Backheuser took third place, followed by Zion Brandão, both from Rio de Janeiro, in fourth place. Henrique Sasaki and Theo Sartor, athletes from Santa Catarina, finished in fifth and sixth places, respectively. Bruno Moraes, another athlete from the Rio fleet, finished in seventh place. Felipe Strassburger, Santa Catarina, finished in eighth place, followed by Henrique Penna from Pernambuco in ninth place, and Laura Neves from Rio de Janeiro in tenth place.

Biggest edition in history:
The 52nd Brazilian Optimist Oakberry Championship was the biggest edition in the history of the event. With over 270 sailors from 9 states, as well as Portugal and Argentina, this year's edition broke all registration records. "It was a great honor to hold the biggest Brazilian Optimist Championship of all time. We are very grateful to the members, athletes, parents, sponsors, and staff of the Club who made the event a success," said Commodore Luiz Fernando Beltrão.

Final standings of the 52nd Brazilian Optimist Oakberry Championship (Top 10):

1 - Joana Freitas (ICRJ - RJ) - 36pp
2 - Arthur Back (ICRJ - RJ) - 37pp
3 - Eduardo Backheuser (ICRJ - RJ) - 42pp
4 - Zion Brandão (ICRJ - RJ) - 46pp
5 - Henrique Sasaki (ICSC - SC) - 47pp
6 - Théo Sartor (ICSC - SC) - 56pp
7 - Bruno Moraes (ICRJ - RJ) - 59pp
8 - Felipe Strassburger (ICSC - SC) - 69pp
9 - Henrique Penna (CICP - PE) - 80pp
10 - Laura Neves (ICRJ - RJ) - 88pp