EUROPEAN SEASON OPENS WITH SNIM REAGATTA IN MARSEILLE

Some 60 Melges 24s will compete over the Easter Weekend in the SNIM Regatta to be held at the French Mediterranean port of Marseille. Crews will take part in four days of windward leeward racing with some of Europe and Scandinavia’s top crews competing again the hot home French fleet for the honours.

Amongst those likely to be in the chocolates are Frenchman Laurent Pages and his P&P Racing Team and current UK National Champion Mike Budd aboard Gul, both of whom sneaked in some winter practise at Key West and have their sites firmly set on this year’s major championships.

With over 100 boats expected for both the Europeans (Torbole, Lake Guarda, September) and the Worlds (Ft Lauderdale, November), big fleet practise is going to be essential for those hoping to do well this season so the SNIM has attracted an even larger entry than usual.

The warm spring weather and good breezes combined with the excellent race management and shore side facilities laid on by the Salon Nautique de Marseille have made this one of the most popular events on the European circuit. Already the entries have exceeded the 58 seen in 2000 and we can expect some great racing. A full report of the regatta will follow early next week.