Brazilian 29er sailors Zion Brandão and João Joppert have confirmed their rising status with victories at both the Brazilian and South American Championships. The pair were also named best South American team at the 29er Awards last December, underlining their growing reputation on the international circuit.
Both sailors began their journeys at a young age. Brandão started at seven, inspired by family support, while Joppert discovered sailing through a Hobie Cat clinic in the United States. “I enjoyed the wind, the contact with the ocean and the speed,” said Joppert. Brandão added that his passion was driven “mainly because of my grandfather’s support”.
Their early influences include some of Brazil’s most successful sailors. Brandão cites Torben Grael and Robert Scheidt among his heroes, while Joppert looked up to former 29er champion Fernando Menezes.
Resilience has been key to their progress. “Never giving up, even when a race seems lost,” they said, highlighting the importance of fighting to the finish.
Balancing school and elite competition remains a challenge. Both attend the same school and rely on early mornings and structured study to keep pace with their training schedule.
On the water, their partnership is built on clear communication. Tactical decisions are shared between helm and crew, with a focus on both strategy and execution. Their recent championship success came in varied conditions, from light airs to over 20 knots. The duo said their experience training in lighter winds in Rio proved decisive.
Looking ahead, the team has set clear targets for 2026. “We aim to perform well in Kiel and, if everything goes well, maybe win our second medal in Vilamoura,” they said. They also offered advice to emerging sailors: keep the sport enjoyable, train consistently, and maintain confidence against the competition.
