OVERNIGHT REPAIR MARATHON SEES ALL BOATS READY TO RACE ON DAY TWO IN HELSINKI

The boat builders and sailmakers of Helsinki burnt the midnight oil last night to ensure that all boats in the Jacob's Creek Melges 24 European Championship would be ready to race again this morning.

The biggest of the repairs was to the bow of Egidio Babbi's "Citta di Cesena" which was severely damaged in an incident with Jean Francois Cruette of "Scutum". The damage was so severe that the bow towing eye on Babbi's boat was pushed approximately 10cm back into the boat along with the reinforcing stainless steel plate, leaving a gaping hole in the bow. Remarkably the damage to "Scutum" was relatively slight with just a small hole in the deck edge. Initially it looked as if Babbi's boat may be a write off but an incredible effort by a local boat builder working with the crew saw a temporary repair in place by this morning and they will race again today.

After overnight rain we now have sunshine and a moderate wind from the NW so prospects are good for another day of great sailing. We'll bring you all the news and results straight after sailing.