31st Primo Cup - Trophée Credit Suisse at Monaco Weekend 2 Day 2
by Isabelle Andrieux 8 Feb 2015 07:27 AEDT
30 January - 1 February 2015
An Orange weather alert for the Southern Alps with a high risk of avalanches inevitably had an impact on the Principality, where a strong 28-knot easterly as forecast by the Bulletin Météorologique Spécial whipped up the sea off the Bay of Monaco.
A Race Committee boat was out on the water all day to test the conditions, with the decision being taken to cancel racing for all classes at 3.00pm, not least because the wave recorder installed last November by Monaco's Public Works Department was recording waves of more than three metres.
"Safety comes first in unpredictable conditions like this," commented Thierry Leret, head of the Race Committee. "With more than 25 knots blowing all along the coast and a strong current, the risk was too great. My sailor's heart wanted to get everyone out there racing, but my head was telling me it would be much wiser to wait until tomorrow."
For the 94 teams divided into J/70, Melges 20, IRC, Longtze Premier and Platu 25 it meant staying on shore and enjoying the facilities provided by the Yacht Club de Monaco's new building. A village has been set up on Quai Louis II focused on this classic Mediterranean regatta which traditionally kick-starts the season. They were free to discover areas reserved for sailors, such as the gym and Sports Bar which was broadcasting France's first Six Nations rugby match against Scotland, before the crew party.
A very festive friendly atmosphere prevails before the battle begins again at 11.00am.