Saturday Update From Hyeres

First thing this morning the wind in Hyeres dropped briefly allowing some of the boats to get out for a few hours practise, but this afternoon the Mistral is back and with winds gusting over 30 knots only the very brave have headed out of the marina to practise.

Despite the strong wind keeping many people ashore the sun is still shining and there is plenty going on. At noon today the skippers' briefing was held with the Race Officers and Jury Chairman answering questions and confirming details for the sailors. Final measurement and registration continues and there are still a few boats and sailors making their way to Hyeres from across Europe. At approximately 6pm tonight the fleet allocation lists will be published for the initial round robin fleets after which all of the sailors will take part in the official opening ceremony which includes a parade along the main street in front of the moored boats and the bars and restaurants.

In other news we have had a few dramas with several broken boats and people. One of the teams was preparing their boat in the parking lot and put their mast on the ground only to have a car driver over the mast and break it in two. Fortunately they were able to obtain a replacement immediately and have already been out on the water to check their new rig. People have also be getting broken and so far an Austrian sailor has been forced to withdraw from the championship after breaking his arm and a British sailor was also forced to withdraw after being taken ill during his journey to Hyeres. Fortunately replacement crews have been found for both boats and both injured parties are recovering well and we send them our best wishes. As I write the UK Class Secretary Karon Mahy is at the local hospital waiting for a doctor to attend to her badly injured toe after a nasty port and starboard incident with a French sailor on the dance floor last night. We believe Karon had right of way and the French sailor took penalty turns!

Here in the press office we've been going through the media information forms submitted by the crews. As usual there are a host of world, continental and national champions, Olympic medallists, America's Cup sailors, etc, but our favourite entry so far is from GER586 who clearly have a great sense of humour and note on their media form "Always Last!"