Day one of the Tasar worlds, which is taking place at Whitstable YC from 19-24 August, gave the fleet a taste of a viscous Thames chop as wind against tide in the deep channel of the Swale estuary generated multiple capsizes and broken top masts.

While leading competitors remained able to handle wind conditions that remained within the class parameters throughout, the sheer volume of capsized boats obliged top RYA Race Officer, Jack Edwards, to abandon racing for the day while the safety fleet was fully engaged ensuring that all competitors were safely brough ashore.

A light wind practice race on the previous day (Saturday 18 August) has thrown up an unexpected early candidate for the title – local sailor Richard Perkins, better known for racing RS800 skiffs. Local knowledge clearly paid off for Richard, who is a past Fireball national champion, as he beat the 100-strong fleet that included national champions and Olympic contenders from all corners of the world including Australia, Japan and the USA.