A total of 143 competitors representing 60 countries have made the trip to Bitez in Turkey to compete in the 2004 Harken Laser world championship. But, with the wind strength varying between 0-28 knots and from 060 to 190 degrees racing had to be abandoned on the first day of the event.

It was a nightmare first day for the Race Committee who attempted to get racing underway on a number of occasions but each time had to re-set the course, causing racing to be postponed.

Eventually the fleet did get underway but within five minutes the wind had shifted again causing the race to be abandoned and, with no hope of getting racing underway, the sailors were sent back to shore.

The sailors will compete in qualifying rounds until the 16 May before going on to race the final series, which concludes on the 19 May.

For more information log onto www.lasterinternational.org