Luanda: Angolan sailor Paulo Joo is currently holding second place in the African Open Sailing Championships, competing in the Optimist class in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. The championship, which continues until the 9th of the month, features intense competition among young sailors from various nations. According to Angola Press News Agency, Paulo Joo achieved 13th place in the first race and improved to 11th in the second race, positioning himself just behind South African competitor Joshua Keytel. Keytel, who made an impressive debut by securing second place overall in the initial race, finished 13th in the subsequent race. The championship's schedule includes three races on Tuesday, with the ultimate champion of the class to be determined after ten races. The team race, where Angola will defend its African title won in 2024 in the Seychelles, is set to occur on Wednesday. Angola's national team, under the guidance of coach Moisés Camota, comprises sailors Emanuela Filipe, Pedro Paulo, Vasco Taveira, Paulo Joo, and Gabriel Calembe, with Mateus Afonso leading the mission. This competition marks Angola's 12th participation, with a strong history of success, having secured six team titles in previous years across different locations, including Angola, Egypt, Seychelles, South Africa, and Morocco. Besides African participants, the championship also welcomes sailors from Argentina, Brazil, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
