What an awesome day of racing at Capo Gallo! The start was posted for 10:00 AM but due to the lack of wind the race committee hoisted the AP flag onshore. Locals forecasted a day of building breeze and the race committee picked the perfect time to send men’s Gold and Women’s fleet to ever increasing north west breeze on the orange course. Then shortly after the Silver fleet was sent to the yellow course. winds further increased to 20 knots.

First start to the Gold men 12:50 PM, general recall due to over eager sailors at the pin end, which was favoured. Slight wind change and the AP flag was raised during the last minute of the second start and in turn a period of time was spent to reset the course and the starting line.

Starting sequence, black flag and the third start was away for Gold fleet men’s. First men off the line were Nikos Kaklamanakis (GRE-1) and  Nicolas Beudou (FRA-178) were blazing up wind towards the Capo Gallo cliffs.

Fresh conditions produced explosive, spray throwing turns and lightening speed manouvers.

The race was dominated by Joao Rodriguez (POR-75), Samuel Launay (FRA-112), originally from New Caledonia, and French heavy wind specialist Nikolas Huguet (FRA-8).

Women were released on the course with the second start of the day. Lise Vidal (FRA-24), newcomer and only 19 years old Lee Korzits (ISR-1111), local Alessandra Sensini (ITA-25) and British Natasha Sturges (GBR-1) were smiling ear to ear from the stronger conditions.

At the end of the day there were a lot of heroes on all the courses with extraordinary athletic performances from both men and women. A grueling three races for all divisions made it an exhausting day for all competitors. Great stories were told at the Albaria chill area.

Some protest’s, some measurement checking and lots of satisfied sailors longing for their beds.

Tomorrow’s racing is scheduled again at 10:00 AM.

Mahalo Aline and Belly