Challenging Conditions in Hyeres

To Race or not to Race? Yesteday that was the question which was once again being considered by the race officials at Semaine Olympique Francaise. Sailors spent the day waiting for wind, on and off the water, until late afternoon when the wind consistently filled in from the southwest. Then it was go time. Some classes banged out three races before the sun set, with it close to 2100 hours before all the classes were back ashore.

For the 470 fleet, it was one race for the men and three for the women.

The top three have increased their lead in the men's 470. French pair Nicolas Charbonnier and Baptiste Meyer are on equal points with Panagiotis Mantis and Paul Kagialis (GRE). Anton Dahlberg and Sebastian Östling (SWE) are placed in third position after winning the day’s only race.

Currently in fourth are Mathew Belcher and William Ryan (AUS), Mat's training partner while Malcolm Page has been competing in the Farr 40 Worlds. The new pair are fresh from winning the International 470 Spring Cup.

“We are using this regatta to keep developing and improving before the Worlds this summer. We are used to stronger winds but it is a good opportunity to get good in these conditions as well. The hardest thing today was the eight hours wait!” 

Camille Lecointre and Mathilde Geron (FRA) had a near perfect day with two victories and a 6th in the Women’s 470 class. They have leapt to the front position and hold a slender three point lead over team mates Emmanuelle Rol and Hélène De France.

“We understood the situation on the water but it was hard. The waiting tested everybody’s nerves. It is mentally hard. On the water we had good speed and could get away from the group. We will take it easy tomorrow and try to limit the damages! There are still three races to do and the medal race, so everything is still possible.”

Giulia Conti and Giovanna Micol (ITA) posted an interesting 4, 32, 1 yesterday to slowly move their way up the standings. With victory at last month's Princess Sofia Trophy to their credit, today could prove to be a turning point for the pair.

More Information:
Event Website
470 Men Results
470 Women Results

Image: Top: Late evening racing for the 470 Men in Hyeres © Victor Kovalenko. Right: Team Chat! © Victor Kovalenko