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The Syone Sailing Team, led by Nuno Neves, has gained prominence in national and international competitions, combining talent, dedication, and passion for the sea.
In this interview, Nuno Neves shares the vision of leadership and high performance that drives the project.
1. Origins and the Long-Term Partnership
The Syone Sailing Team was founded as a result of an agreement with Syone, an IT company that shared the project’s vision and values. Nuno Neves highlights the strength of this alliance: ‘The first contract lasted two years, but our relationship has now lasted twelve.’ The project was born with the ambition to compete and win at the highest level. Although they recognised the initial distance to the top, their conviction was strong: ‘We knew we were far from that level, but we were convinced that if we wanted it enough, it would only be a matter of time before we got there.’
The moment when sailing became a professional dedication was after the contract was formalised. Nuno reports that, from that point on, he began to ‘see sailing as a central activity in my life.’ The commitment to increasing goals, driven by initial results, allowed for the constant evolution of the project.
Nuno mentions the names of great sailors who were great inspirations to him, such as Torvar Mirsky and Adam Minoprio. He adds that he learned a lot from them and that ‘even today I still apply some of their methods with my team.’
2. Challenges, Mindset, and Resilience
At the outset, Nuno Neves identified project management itself as a major challenge. However, the biggest practical obstacle was budgetary constraints, which put the team at a disadvantage compared to opponents with better equipment. Over time, this reality became a source of motivation. His philosophy is clear: ‘Knowing that I have to be faster and more disciplined compensates for any technical disadvantage.’
When asked about giving up, Nuno says: ‘Giving up, no. But I have often felt demotivated.’ However, he uses demotivation as a driving force: ‘I use demotivation as fuel.’ It is in the most difficult moments that creativity emerges, in line with his maxim: ‘As I often say: there is a solution for everything.’
For Nuno, managing adrenaline is positive: ‘For me, the pressure and adrenaline are the most fun part,’ because they mean you are competing for something important, keeping you focused. In other words, he can stay focused during a 10-hour regatta.
The most demanding event was the European Championship in August 2025, an intense five-day regatta that required constant technical problem solving and faced high temperatures. Nuno described it as ‘undoubtedly a great test of endurance and resilience’.
3. Leadership and Team Dynamics
Team dynamics are a decisive factor in performance. Nuno explains their importance using the pyramid metaphor: ‘If you divide a pyramid into three parts, team performance is the base. Next come tactical choices during the race, and at the top of the pyramid, and least important, is the boat’s performance and optimisation.’
As project manager and leader, as well as helmsman, Nuno recognises the complexity of managing nine people with different personalities. The method for maintaining group cohesion is through example: ‘I would say that the best way to maintain motivation and group cohesion is through example.’ His persistence inspires the team, generating a positive cycle: ‘Their dedication ends up generating new motivation in me, creating a loop of mutual support, which is ultimately the driving force behind the project.’
The competition routine includes a briefing before each race to adjust roles and motivate the crew. After the race, the learning and improvement process is immediate, with a debriefing to ‘correct mistakes’ and tactical preparation for the next race.
4. Notable Achievements and Future Goals
One of the proudest moments was the acquisition of the latest boat, a more competitive model, which represented an ‘important milestone, an incredible level that the project had reached.’ This investment was quickly rewarded with the conquest of the first National Championship, ‘the first of a series of three consecutive titles.’ Nuno emphasises that ‘you never forget your first, and it was also confirmation that all the dedication and persistence had been worth it’.
The most unexpected victory was at the Prince of Asturias Trophy in Baiona in 2023. The team set off ‘without high expectations, especially since we had never won an international regatta,’ but managed to win the trophy, making it ‘one of the project’s greatest moments so far.’
The ambition to evolve is constant, even if it means changing equipment: ‘We are now on our fourth boat in twelve years, which shows our constant desire to improve.’ The next big goal is to ‘win an international competition again and renew the National Champion title,’ with a focus on ‘permanent consistency.’
5. The Personal Rudder: Balance and Curiosities
Nuno Neves’ dedication to high-level competition sometimes poses a challenge in balancing his personal and professional life. The sailor admits that this balance has not always been possible, recalling his preparation for the ORC European Championship in Palma: ‘It was a time when my mind was totally focused on preparing for this event.’ He ended up putting ‘everything else on the back burner,’ but emphasises his family’s support: ‘My family understood and supported me. They know that when I really want something, I go for it.’ This is his perspective on managing priorities: ‘Maybe all this is part of that balance, but sometimes the scales tip more to one side.’
When he is not on board, his focus on improvement does not disappear, as ‘usually when I’m not on board, I’m thinking about how to optimise the boat to be more competitive.’ However, there is life beyond racing, and Nuno enjoys spending time with his family, especially since he recently became a father. Other interests include following the cryptocurrency market news, driving in ‘sport mode’ and doing home improvements, as well as snorkelling and skiing.
6. School of Life and Final Message
Nuno Neves advises young people to view sailing as a ‘school of life’, where they can develop both personally and athletically. His advice is to remain curious, disciplined, and persistent, as the results will follow.
Regarding the evolution of sport, Nuno advocates transparency and quality in competitions. ‘I have a maxim: the winner must always be a fair winner.’ To achieve this, the scoring system must be fair and the events well organised, raising the quality of sport in Portugal and creating a ‘positive cycle’ with stronger clubs, better events and greater business involvement.
For future athletes, the final message is one of resilience and adaptation: ‘At sea, as in life, the wind does not always blow in our favour. We must adjust the sails and steer towards a safe harbour.’
With his words, Nuno Neves not only documents the triumphs and challenges of the Syone Sailing Team, but shares the essence of a passion and dedication that transforms effort into great victories.
“Editor’s note: Nuno Neves was a sailing instructor for the Lisbon Sight Sailing team in its early days. It’s always good to learn from the best. He continues to support us and help us whenever necessary. Thank you, Nuno. Fair winds!”
