The Tornado world championships in Palma de Mallorca, got underway yesterday with 62 of the world’s best Tornado catamaran sailors, representing 24 countries, competing at the event.

Two races were sailed in a tricky 8-10kts of breeze and RYA Team GBR sailors and 2003 world silver medallists Leigh McMillan and Mark Bulkeley scored a 12th and a fourth to place them sixth overall, just one point behind the reigning world champions Darren Bundock and John Forbes of Australia.

Mark Bulkeley commented: “It was a really tricky day with lots of holes in the wind and some notable shifts, so we are quite happy with the start we have made to the regatta.”

Taking an early lead in the event are Princess Sofia Trophy winners John Lovell and Charlie Ogletree of America, who lead the fleet from 2003 world bronze medallists Santiago Lange and Carlos Espinola of Argentina.

Two races are scheduled for tomorrow with the event concluding on the 18 April.

Results

1, John Lovell/Charlie Ogletree, USA (5,1) 6 pts

2, Santiago Lange/Carlos Espinola, ARG (1,8) 9 pts

3, Yann Guichard/Christophe Espagnon, FRA (4,11) 15 pts

GBR 6, Leigh McMillan/Mark Bulkeley (12,4) 16 pts

44, Leo Farrow/Tristan Lamb (40,46) 86 pts

47, Jonathan Hutchcroft/Marcus Lynch (51,40) 91 pts

49, Andrew Walsh/Ed Barney (46,48) 94 pts

56, John Bernard Ready/Angus Roberts (54,54) 108 pts