Like the most difficult game of snakes and ladders you could possibly imagine was how Stuart Simpson of Team Barbarians described todays racing at the Ocean BMW Melges 24 European Championship in Torquay. Big fleet Melges 24 sailing is as tough as it gets, particularly in these light conditions.
9am - The teams are just preparing to go afloat here in Torquay and this morning it looks as if racing will start on time. We've currently got around 8 knots from the south west with broken sunshine and a forecast for around 8-10 knots.
The Ocean BMW Melges 24 European Championship 2005 got underway today with two classic light airs races that kept the 50 competitors from 10 nations on their toes and left several of the top favourites feeling decidedly off the pace.
After three days of frenetic activity 50 crews and boats from 10 nations have all been weighed, measured, inspected and stamped and are set to commence battle for the Ocean BMW Melges 24 European Championship 2005 tomorrow.
Would all competitors travelling to the European Championship please note that there is likely to be a fuel price protest in the UK on Wednesday 14 September. Protestors may blokade fuel stations, fuel distribution centres and possibly some major roads.
From the US Class - The 2005 US Gold Cup will take place from the Lake Geneva Yacht Club, Wisconsin, from 7-9 October. As always a great turn out is exepcted for this annual classic.
IMCA Press Release - The Ocean BMW Melges 24 European Championship gets underway in Torquay, England this weekend with 52 teams from 11 nations competing.
The Carloan.com King's Day Regatta and US Atlantic Coast Championship will be held between 18 and 20 November 2005 at the Florida Yacht Club, Jacksonville, Florida.
