Tornado Worlds - Shifty Conditions For The Tornados Racing In El Arenal, Palma De Mallorca
April 14, 2004

The boat park and the Jury Room were busy last night. While the competitors were repairing their boats, the Jury had 7 protests to hear. Out of the 7 four were dismissed and one was considered invalid.

Gusty conditions Photo © Oscar Pipkin

"The sailors do not seem to understand the requirement to fly the red flag when protesting and that's why some protests were not heard", explains International Jury Chairman Pat Healy.

Day 2 of the Tornado Worlds started with shifty conditions on the water. The 2 races were very difficult and the boats had to wait for more than1 hour before the wind direction was stable enough to start racing. Southeast to east - 14 knots and gusty.

The Dutch team Mitch Booth/Herbert Dercksen had a very good day with a second and a first. British McMillan/Bulkeley had 2 thirds and are currently the leaders.

"The races today weren't easy. Really shifty and we tacked and jibed at least 10 to 12 times on each leg", says Mitch.

"In such conditions one little mistake cost us 20 positions in 200 meters and it was difficult to recover them. The first race was easier than the second", explains German Roland Gaebler, 4th in race 3 and 27th in race 4.

French Youth team Gabart/Romain had another excellent result, finishing 5th in race 3.

"We feel very motivated to be sailing amongst the best sailors in the world. I'd rather be the last Youth but 15th overall in such a high level fleet" says Francois Gabart. "But it would be excellent if we could win the Youth Title and finish top 15" adds David Romain.

The weather forecast for the 2 races scheduled for tomorrow is Easterly wind - 15 knots.

Event's webpage: http://www.cnarenal.com/regata.php