1) What are your impressions of this event in Portimao?

We're having a pleasant week here in Portimao. The wind and weather conditions are great and the Portuguese guys made us feel at home.

2) What do you think can be done to attract more competitors to formula racing - both FW and FE?

In my opinion the most important thing to be done is to work inside the club/local fleets promoting local races, clinics and demos. Formula racing is amazing but today we have tons of sports and options appearing and attracting people. One is everytime in the media, other one is advertised as cheaper, another is considered more practical, or more exciting and so on.

Then, the Formula supporters have the task of breaking these paradigms and this should be done at the clubs with the newcomers.

3) Perhaps Formula could be better promoted?

Formula could be in the media too. Both FE and FW have very important and well organized events running in wonderful places with great people involved. Maybe IWA could add in the contracts with the event organizers, an obligation to produce media material like photos, videos and press releases and spread this material to local and national newspapers and TV.

4) What do you think are the particular advantages of Formula?

Formula is cheaper than other sailing classes. FE is even cheaper.

The modern Formula sails are really easy to rig. In 10 minutes or less you have your kit ready for racing. After it, all is packed. I travel with 2 volumes only for any FE event, my board in a board bag and my 2 rigs in the other bag. Very practical.

Formula racing is extremely exciting. Yesterday Fernando Bocciarelli was marking up to 54 km/h on his FE equipment during the races. It's fast, needs tons of concentration to keep everything working and performing and the adrenalin really pumps when you look back or forward and see your competitor rounding the mark 1 meter far from yourself!

5) How do you see the future development of the one design format for FE?

As I said before, I don't think that someone would go into a shop and choose a FE (or FW) exposed in the window. The class should be worked step by step and in a more personal approach. The One Design format makes this job easier not only because we can have charter equipment at the events, but also because every class supporter would be talking the same language in every club in the world. Thus it's also easier to share experiences among all racers in the world.

6) How is it developing in your home country, Brazil?

In Brazil basically we are already racing in OD format. The races are amazing with 15-20 guys in actual conditions to finish in first place there. We have an emblematic photo of our 2010 National Championship. 8 or more boards side by side going to the upwind leg. Everybody would think that that photo should be taken at the start, but actually it was rounding the mark for the second lap after the first downwind! This is what we we're seeing in the Formula One Design racing there.

7) You think it has a strong future worldwide?

Those who try the equipment in racing conditions love it. So the class organizers should give to the people this opportunity and most of the job is done! I have a very positive feel on this class and hope to see lots of FE racers in 2012 in all continents.

8) What are your personal aims in windsurfing?

I love everything involved with windsurfing. My windsurfing school in Brasília is completing 20 years in 2011 and I work with windsurfing 7 days in a week. My aims in the competition scene is to enjoy each event and try to attend as many of them. I have good friends competing and it's always very fun to meet them at the events.

9) The FE Worlds are in Cancun - will you be going?

Yes. Can't wait to be there in an unforgetable new year's party. It could be a good opportunity to have new people trying the FE class spending the holidays racing in a paradisiac venue. Even some FW pros could attend and share their experiences with us!