Preparations Near Completion in Porto Cervo

It's now 1330 and event measurement and registration is now nearing completion at the Volvo Melges 24 Worlds in Porto Cervo. The final deadline is 1400 and there are just a few crews still to complete their formalities.

For the measurement team it has been a very hectic morning. The weather is overcast but very humid and warm - not ideal conditions for lugging around sails and clambering up and down from the floor. Our picture shows IMCA International Measurer Jean-Louis Conti, who is here on behalf of the Class to oversee the registration and measurement procedures on behalf of the class and assist with measurements, taking a few moments well earned break!

There is no formal racing today but the Race Committee is out on the water training and giving competitors a final chance for start practise. PRO Hank Stuart explained that their objective today is to test their systems and run through a few of the less common procedures which could not be tested during the Pre-World Racing. For example they will be simulating the loss of a racing mark to ensure their procedure for replacement with a committee boat flying Code Flag M is running smoothly. They will also be testing some of their emergency and safety procedures just in case.

The skippers briefing will take place at 1800 this evening and will be followed by the official Volvo Melges 24 World Championship Welcome Party.