5.5m IC World Championship - Racing abandoned on day 1

by Tessa Wiechmann on 23 Sep 2014 Due to lack of wind, racing was abandoned on the first day of the 5.5m World Championship 2014 in Porto Santo Stefano, Tuscany. The weather forecast for Tuesday calls for 13-15 knots from the northeast and partially sunny skies.

Marcello Montis, President of the Race Committee explains: 'We decided to abandon the race during the second run because wind intensity had dropped to under three knots. We were hopeful that the thermal breeze would kick in once the cloud cover disappeared, and although direction shifted to the southwest, the breeze was not strong enough. At 3p.m. the Race Committee decided to abandon racing for the day given that according to Racing Rules, races must be completed 30 minutes before sunset.'

After the skippers briefing, crews from Bahamas, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and Italy made their way to the course just off the beautiful beach of la Giannella. The 37 yachts crossed the starting line favoring the Committee boat side at 12.05 p.m. under overcast skies and with a very light southeasterly breeze. A split fleet saw Maitresse – Piet Van Opzeeland (NED35) round mark one in the lead followed by Caracole – Bernard Haissly (SUI214) and by Sinewave – Thomas Muller (GER82). At the end of the first run, Duchess of B. – Victorine Bredero (NED31) was in command, rounding the port mark at the leeward gate. Sailing on the left hand side of the course, Duchess of B. extended her lead, but unfortunately the southeasterly breeze continued to decrease and halfway down the second run, the Race Committee announced that the race was abandoned. At three p.m. the Committee announced that racing was abandoned for the day.

On Sunday evening, the Opening Ceremony was held at the Yacht Club Santo Stefano Club House.

'When I realized that the Yacht Club Santo Stefano was also in charge of organizing the Argentario Sailing Week, I was absolutely confident that this would be a perfect World Championship! An excellent partnership and the remarkable number of 37 boats participating: I am very happy,' stated Kaspar Stubenrauch, President of the International 5.5 Metre Class Association. The President declared open the World Championship 2014 'I wish you very good sailing, lots of fun, and fairness on the race course as in past editions. Sail Fair and let’s keep the Jury out of work'. International Jury members are Tullio Giraldi, Chairman (ITA); Jamie Clark Barton (GBR); Peter Stucki (SUI); John Lewis (GBR); Luigi Cuccotti (ITA).

Racing continues until Friday, September 26 with a maximum of seven races to be completed in five days. A minimum of four completed races is necessary to constitute a championship. After six races have been completed the worst result shall be discarded. The Awards Ceremony will be held at the 16th century Spanish Fortress of Porto Santo Stefano in the late afternoon of Friday 26 September.

The World Championship of the International 5.5 Metre Class is organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano, with the patronage of the Region of Tuscany, the Province of Grosseto, and the Municipality of Monte Argentario and with the support of the Pro Loco of Porto Santo Stefano.