On the first day of the Yngling Europeans in Blanes, Spain 3 races were sailed in sunshine and 8-12 knots of southerly winds.

In the lead after the first day the team of Sally Barkow (USA). With the series 4-1-4 the American team is having a good grip at the early stages of the regatta. The weather situation in Catalonia in the northeast of Spain was complicated. 30-40 knots had been measured only 30 km to the north, but the mountains shielded the Blanes Bay from this weather system. After the sun had heated the land enough a sea breeze stabilized.

However the swell from the windy north came down to the race area creating difficulties. World Champion Sarah Ayton (GBR) and team found themselves trapped on port tack in front of the fleet in the second start unable to find a gap to go down in. They were pushed above the line and forced to restart after an individual recall. As usual in Yngling racing the time difference is small between the first and last boat in the fleet and it was very crowded in some mark roundings. The jury received protests hence results are preliminary.

The weather forecast for the rest of the week is light winds, with a breeze building later in the day.

For results, images and reports, visit www.yngling.org .