Jacques,

As you probably know, Frenchmen are the most frequent sailing visitors to Brasil. Right now, there is a big group of cruising multihulls wandering around the country.

There is even a frenchmen in Aracaju producing multihulls and exporting to France. He is building an 80 ft carbon cat now (among others), but I am afraid I don't know much about his operation.

About one year ago in Angra, I met Cristophe Barreau (designer of the Catanas) who was finishing his one year sailing vacations spent on board a Catana with his wife and two girls. He also liked very much the region.

The popularity of Brazil as a sailing destination in France increased a lot after Eric Tabarly visited Angra when Pen Duick V (the black ketch with uranium keel) stopped in Rio during the second round the world race. He went to a friend's house there and obviously liked it very much.

Almost all of his crew are now top multihull sailors and influence the multihull - and sailing - comunity there.

Cheers,
Luiz