The first day of racing saw Team Shirley Robertson win the first race of the ISAF World Championship, in Cascais, Portugal, by 100 metres to fellow GBR Yngling team, Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson. See previous yachtingworld.com news story about Robertson and Olympic prospects here.

The second race was equally as close with Shirley posting a second and Sarah Ayton coming a close third. Team Shirley Robertson is currently in first place overall in the 34-boat fleet.

The two teams were swapping places throughout both races in the strong and shifty conditions. Shirley commented: “We were very happy with our starts today and the boat speed. I am very pleased with how the new boat is sailing. It’s going like a glamour upwind, but we are still a little rusty on the corners. We have a long week ahead of us.”

Two races are planned for each day, with a reserve day on Sunday 8 July. After the five days of racing, the top 10 boats in the fleet compete in the medal race, where each place counts for double points. The weather looks set to stay constant for the next few days, with the breeze predicted to reach a perfect 20 knots each afternoon ready for the day’s racing.