Europe Masters Championships at Haying Island Sailing Club Day 1

Europe Masters at Hayling Island Day 1 © Mike Partridge TV

Europe Masters at Hayling Island Day 1 © Mike Partridge TV

Europe Masters at Hayling Island Day 1 © Mike Partridge TV

It was with some relief that the rain came overnight and the morning of the 2nd July was showery, grey but importantly much cooler, a big change to the last few days.

'Woodsy' the race officer gave an excellent briefing at 11 to all competitors - a few sailors left slightly concerned about 'The Bar' - but with assurances that if you followed a local you would be fine.

The wind was strangely from the NW, but slightly above forecast, setting a tricky first beat - those who went up the middle did at their peril, with the left generally paying.

The Brits showed the fleet their experience in Hayling Bay with Steve Cockerill (GBR) 1st, followed by Rob Gullen (GBR) in 2nd and Cyril Richard (FRA) in 3rd. A few boats where on the naughty list from the international jury giving out some penalty spins for bad behaviour.

Race 2 saw 2 general recalls with 5 boats not making it to the 3rd and final start (under black flag) again it paid to not go up the middle with the left paying and some waves to be able to surf downwind - with the O flag flying, those who were fit enough and capable enough made gains with the open pumping. Cyril lead from start to finish, with Steve in a comfortable 2nd ahead of Vincent Pham (FRA) taking the 3rd spot.

Overnight after day 1, 3 Brits in the top 5, joining them are Cyril in 2nd and consistency from Martin Kotte (GER) to round off the top 5. Weronika Glinkiewicz_Madej, taking 6th spot and first female.

For the Youth & Juniors today was a day of measurement and some practice, ahead of their event starting on the 3rd.

Early evening saw all competitors meeting Neptune Njord Poseidon and following him back to the club where each nation shared their local sailing waters and Neptune anointed the mixed waters to wish all sailors friendship and fair sailing. A celebration of the class that brings sailors together from across the nations.

Thursday sees the start of the Youth Europeans and the continuation of the Masters, with all to play for and a good forecast its going to be another fantastic day in Hayling Bay.

'Woodsy' the race officer gave an excellent briefing at 11 to all competitors - a few sailors left slightly concerned about 'The Bar' - but with assurances that if you followed a local you would be fine.

The wind was strangely from the NW, but slightly above forecast, setting a tricky 1st beat - those who went up the middle did at their peril, with the left generally paying.

The Brits showed the fleet their experience in Hayling Bay with Steve Cockerill (GBR) 1st, followed by Rob Gullen (GBR) in 2nd and Cyril Richard (FRA) in 3rd. A few boats where on the naughty list from the international jury giving out some penalty spins for bad behaviour.

Race 2 saw 2 general recalls with 5 boats not making it to the 3rd and final start (under black flag) again it paid to not go up the middle with the left paying and some waves to be able to surf downwind - with the O flag flying, those who were fit enough and capable enough made gains with the open pumping. Cyril lead from start to finish, with Steve in a comfortable 2nd ahead of Vincent Pham (FRA) taking the 3rd spot.

Overnight after day 1, 3 Brits in the top 5, joining them are Cyril in 2nd and consistency from Martin Kotte (GER) to round off the top 5. Weronika Glinkiewicz_Madej, taking 6th spot and first female.

For the Youth & Juniors today was a day of measurement and some practice, ahead of their event starting on the 3rd.

Europe Youths measuring at Hayling Island - photo © Mike Partridge TV

Early evening saw all competitors meeting Neptune Njord Poseidon and following him back to the club where each nation shared their local sailing waters and Neptune anointed the mixed waters to wish all sailors friendship and fair sailing. A celebration of the class that brings sailors together from across the nations.

Thursday sees the start of the Youth Europeans and the continuation of the Masters, with all to play for and a good forecast its going to be another fantastic day in Hayling Bay.

Masters Results after Day 1: