The second edition of the iShares Cup got off to a windy start in Hyères today with the Mistral gusting up to 28knots delaying racing until 14:00. The race committee managed to squeeze in three races before conditions built again and the fleet retired. Team Origin capsized during race three, but were righted again quickly and the crew are all safe.

 

The Alinghi crew progressed well throughout the day taking a 6^th, 7^th and a 2^nd place in the final race.

 

Quotes from the race course: Ed Baird, helmsman, gives some insight on the conditions in Hyères and discusses the Team Origin capsize…

 

“It was very windy for much of the day until about 14:00 when the race committee decided that it was moderate enough to send the fleet out. The first race was 19-20 knots and very gusty, the second there was a little more breeze and the third was fresh! The committee wisely sent us in after that.”

 

“Last year's iShares Cup winners [Team Origin] went over today, which just goes to show that this racing is not just about skill and experience. It’s also about positioning and timing and where you position yourself among the other boats; where you are when the puff hits and whether you have an escape area.”

 

The forecast for tomorrow is better.