Mistral means one start, but no racing at Hyeres

by Corinne McKenzie on 23 Apr 2008
Who said the Mediterranean is unpredictable?

Since last week-end, the weather experts had predicted a strong Mistral for this Tuesday. This afternoon, the increasing white caps on the bay have proved them right!

Despite the alarming forecast, the racing committee tried its best to give a chance to the classes sailing in groups (RS:X men and Women, 470 men, Laser and Radial) to add a fifth race and a discard to their score before the start of the final’s. 'We reduced the racing areas to two and brought them closer to shore to increase the security' explains Event Director Bernard Bonneau.

Soon after the start of the 470 men fifth race, the Mistral increased cancelling further racing for the day. 'The wind was blowing at 25/28 knots average with gusts reaching 35. We knew that it was supposed to increase by 5 knots by early afternoon.' indicated Bernard Bonneau.

The fleets will be divided in Gold, Silver…groups on Wednesday and two to three races are planned to be sailed if the weather allows.

Every year, the Mistral gives a day off to the sailors. 'One year, the Mistral was present all week and we only managed to sail three races!' It will not be the case this year with the Mistral expected to stay in the 15/20 knots marks on Wednesday.

Trip to Milan for Dutch Womens 470

Top Dutch Womens 470 team of Marcelien de Koning and Lobke Berkhout blessed the strong Mistral and the cancelled race. 'We broke our boat yesterday and sent it to get repaired at Nautivela in Milan last night. With the cancellation today we haven’t lost a day and should get our boat on time!'

The Dutch pair have enjoyed the strong conditions and are looking forward another windy day to come back to the score after discarding their DNF in Monday’s last race. Racing in Hyères for the 11th time, de Koning admits that the organisation had little to improve along the year.

'This has always been a very well organised event. The racing quality has improved with less waiting on the water. The racing committee is reacting faster. The event is also gaining in media exposure, with more and more TV’s and journalists covering the racing.' With an 11th race as best result in Hyères, the pair has one objective this week. 'The Medal race!'