Tornado Worlds Day 6- Final day - all racing cancelled

by Sail-World on 1 Mar 2008 Winds of 14 to 35 kts are being recorded in various locations around the Hauraki Gulf today for the final scheduled day of the 2008 World Tornado Championships.

The scheduled start for 1100hrs has been put on hold due to a combination of the wind conditions and rain which has reduced visibility to around 200 metres, and competitor safety is as big a factor as the wind in these conditions.

A very solid sea has built up over the last 24 hours and the only people enjoying the conditions are the kitesurfers who operate close to Takapuna Beach.

The update at 1146hrs is that still no decision has been made. The start boat has returned to her base, however a start can still be made using other craft launching from Takapuna.

Wind conditions can be guaged by looking at www.wind.co.nz and looking at the stations relaying data every few seconds. The wind strengths are the average not the gust. In the race area there is currently an average of 27kts from a very northerly direction, which is unusual - normally there is more east at 045. The sea conditions are not too bad.

At 1230hrs the PRO went on the water to check conditions for himself. He has not yet returned and an announcement is expected when he does so.

At 1245 hours racing was abandoned for the day, and the regatta has concluded.

The final cut off for a decision on racing was at 1300hrs today.