The first day of the Europe European Championship kicked off yesterday (Sunday) in Belgium, attracting 124 boats in the women’s fleet.

The fleet has been split into two groups and the groups raced in windy conditions and big waves. Heading the two groups after day one, were Sari Multala of Finland, fresh from success at Kiel Week, and Carolijn Brouwer of the Netherlands, who has stepped back into the Europe after taking time out to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race, both women scored two first places to see them set a high standard that is expected to be seen at this championship.

Team GBR sailor Bryony Percy, sister of Olympic Gold Medallist Iain Percy, had the best day of the British scoring a fourth place and a 16th, to put her into 16th place overall.

Percy commented: “I am very pleased with the start that I have made to the regatta. In the first race I had good boat speed to finish in fourth place, in the second race I made a bad start and had to fight from quite deep in the pack at the windward mark to finish 16th.”

Team mate Debbie Winstanley was having a good first race and was looking to finish in fifth position but then capsized, resulting in an 18th place finish. Scoring a 12th in the second race puts her in 28th place overall. Kirsty Bonar scored a 22nd and a 16th to see her in 34th place overall after day one.

Racing continues through until Thursday when the European Champion will be decided.

Results (after day one)

1, Carolijn Brouwer, NED (1,1,) 2 pts

2, Sari Multala, FIN (1,1) 2 pts

3, Julie Trine Abraharnsen, DEN (2,2) 4 pts

Team GBR

16, Bryony Percy (4,16) 20 pts

28, Debbie Winstanley (18,12) 30 pts

34, Kirsty Bonar (22,16) 38 pts