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An up to 25 kn breeze prevailed on Lake Constance yesterday morning to bring the quarter finals to a successful end, but afterwards, the wind stalled and kept the teams waiting until late in the afternoon to initiate the semi finals. Both matches, Mathieu Richard FRA vs Adam Minoprio NZL and Ian Williams GBR vs Johnie Berntson SWE, are tied 1-1 for the moment. Today is the crucial day of this first Act of the 2013 World Match Racing Tour at Langenargen. Taylor Canfield ISV was out after a close 3-2 loss against Berntson SWE. The report and the results.

No Warm-up in La Rochelle FRA yesterday at the Finn World Masters 2013, as the weather was almost winter-like with a very fresh breeze and low temperatures for the season, as never encountered in the last four Finn Masters, leaving ample time for the 284 Finn sailors to celebrate the comradeship, an important part of the event, ashore. The first start is now planned for 2 p.m. CET, and 8 races are planned until next Friday. The news, the updated entry list and the official website.

Close racing in the semi finals at St- Quay-Portrieux FRA between Lucy MacGregor GBR defeating Klaartje Zuiderbaan NED, respectively the local Julie Bossard FRA with the upper hand on Stephanie Roble USA. The final went in favor of MacGregor, having lead the classifications as from day one of the Round Robins, with a 3-1 score. Roble USA completed the podium winning the Petite Final against Zuiderbaan NED. The news and the rankings.

Just one race has been sailed on Friday so far at the Melges 20 European Series off Elba, as on Saturday, a heavy storm filled in and yesterday, the wind was too unconstant. After four races in total, Achille Onorato ITA with his 'Mascalzone Latino' and Lorenzo Bressani ITA calling the tactics was the winner ahead of Russ Lucas/Harry Melges USA and Robert Wilber/Anthony Katoun GBR. 29 teams from 6 nations particpated. The results and the report.

Sun and a 7-12 kn wind prevailed yesterday on Lake Constance for the conclusion of the Round Robin with Ian Williams GBR as winner, directly qualified for the semi finals. Mathieu Richard FRA, Taylor Canfield ISV, Björn Hansen SWE, Adam Minoprio NZL, Johnie Berntsson SWE and Karol Jablonski POL fight for the remaining three semi final places today. Among the eliminated teams is also the world nbr 3 Pierre-Antoine Morvan FRA. The first duels for the semi final have been completed with Johnie Berntsson SWE leading 2-0 vs Taylor Canfield ISV, while Richard FRA and Jablonski POL as well as Minoprio NZL and Hansen SWE are tied 1-1 each. The report and the results.

Lucy McGregor GBR, Stephanie Roble USA, Klaartje Zuiderbaan NED and Julie Bossard FRA are the semi finalists in the French Match Race Championship today. The Bericht und die reports.

Ideal conditions allowed the 16 OneDesign-fleets up to 9 races within two racing days. Among the leaders we find Michael O'Brien in the Laser Standard, Keith Hammer in the Melges 24 or Brian Ledbetter in the Star. See all results and the event website.

A record-size 309 Finn fleet from 30 nations and 4 continents begin their Masters Championship (40+) today. The favorite is again the defending champion and 4-times Olympian Michael Maier CZE. The entry list and the preview (in French).

Ideal conditions prevailed on Lake Constance on day two of the Match Race Germany with a 10-15 kn West wind. Four duels of the Round Robin are still pending, an interesting constellation, as the first three teams - Ian Williams GBR, Matthieu Richard FRA and Taylor Canfield ISV - are tied on top of the interim's rankings with 7 wins each, and the winner will qualify directly for the semi final. The ranks 2 to 7 will fight for the remaining three places in the semis. The invited German development teams of Philpp Buhl GER and Sven-Erik Horsch GER are out. The results and the report of the day.

Round Robin 2 of the French Women's Match Race Championship is almost terminated at the French Northern Bretagne Coast. Lucy McGregor GBR keeps rank 1 with a 12-2 wins' score followed by Julie Brossard FRA and Stephanie Roble USA with 11-4. The results and the daily report.

After the fatal accident of 'Artemis', the 'Sailing Team Germany/NRV' organisation decided to withdraw their team qualified for the Youth America's Cup with the development athletes Philipp Buhl GER and Erik Heil GER for safety reasons. The young sailors insist on a participation, as they are convinced to master the challenges of the proven AC-45 multihulls. On their own, they plan to stay in the competition .... and are now looking for financial support for their trip to San Francisco in the early autumn 2013. The report.

The extended Whitsun weekend is - as every year - the time for an intense 3 or 4-days' regatta activity all over Europe, with important events such as the World Match Racing Tour on Lake Constance, the Youth European Sailing Regatta ('YES') in Kiel (as from today) or the Finn-Masters in La Rochelle (beginning tomorrow). Our 365 days' events coverage will bring you the latest news by 7 hrs CET on Whitsun Sunday and Monday as usual.

The constant breeze on Lake Constance granted a very busy first day at Act one of the 2013 World Match Racing Tour off Langenargen, where five flights of Round one were completed. Three teams - Pierre-Antoine Morvan FRA, Ian Williams GBR and Mathieu Richard FRA - lead on the results table with 4-1 scores. In difficulties however the invited German development teams of Phikipp Buhl GER and Sven-Erik Horsch GER at the end of the rankings. Buhl had the upper hand in the direct duel of these teams. All results and the report of the day.

Round Robin one has almost been completed at the French Women's Match Racing Championship on day one of the event. As expected, Lucy McGregor GBR is the clear leader with a 7-0 score ahead of Klaartje Zuiderbaan NED, 6-1, and Stephanie Roble USA, 6-2. The results, the report and the event-website.

69 A-Cats started to the French A-Cat Champions in the Bay of Hyères over the past weekend. Five races were completed, partially in a strong Mistral breeze. Overall winner was Bob Baier GER ahead of Chris Field GBR and Eugenio Calabria ITA. But the most spectacular appearance was Mischa Heemskerk NED, who finally got his A-Cat equipped with foils thru the measurement control. Inspite of the modifications asked for by the measurers, he succeeded to make his A-Cat fly. He won the last two races and finished 6th overall. The results and the report.

Today begins the first Act of the 2013 World Match Race Tour - reduced to six events - on Lake Constance. The wind forecast announces mostly light winds, a special challenge with the rather heavy Bavaria 40S requiring smooth steering under the given conditions. The entry list contains most of the top matchracers such as Ian Williams GBR, Björn Hansen SWE, Adam Minorpio NZL or Mathieu Richard FRA. Two young German helmsmen - Philipp Buhl GER and Sven-Erik Horsch GER - have been invited as well. The latest Communiqué.

After the eventful Vendée Globe 12/13, bringing Stamm for the first time to finish, however hors concours, as he had to rely on outside help to continue the race after an severe equipment failure, leaving him without electric power, the new program for the season 2013 was announced yesterday. The main objective is the Transat Jacques Vabre starting in Le Havre in November, that he will tackle together with Philipp Legros FRA, a long-time crew membe of the 'Cheminées Poujoulat' team, who best knows Stamm's Open 60. The report.

Today is the first day of the French Women Match Racing Championship at the Breton North Coast. Key favorite is Lucy McGregor GBR, the nbr 4 of the World Ranking list. Julie Brossard FRA, nbr 10, and Alexa Bezel SUI, nbr 14, are the next ISAF ranked participants. The Championship will take place on Elliotts 6, the former Olympic women's matchrace boat. The entry list and the event-website.

Over the past weekend, the ISAF Council and the Events Committee met in Copenhagen for the 2013 Midyear Meeting of the International Sailing Federation. The Agenda of the Meeting, led for the first time by the new President Carlo Croce ITA were mostly ISAF internal house-keeping items. The structure of the Organisation, number of Committees and the decision-making proces shall be improved in the future. Communication and an improved media approaches shall help to make sailing, especially the Olympic Classes Worldcup, a recognised product to sell our sport. This is high time in our opinion, as the confusing Olympic events policy and the race format experiments far from the real needs of the sport have done much harm to Olympic sailing, and the decreasing participation in major events with classes not racing due to lack of entrants this confirms this, ... impossible in other Olympic sports ! Time will tell whether the President's report will revitalise ISAF.

No change on top of the Match Race World Rankings: Ian Williams GBR and Claire Leroy FRA stay on rank 1. While the Open Ranking remain quite stable - Taylor Canfield ISV remains 5th -, there are major changes in the women's rankings, as the retired 2012 Olympic Games campaigners disappear more and more in the classifications. The long-time nbr 1 Anna Tunnicliffe is now on 3rd. The ISAF report.

The first event of the 2013 World Match Racing Tour, taking place over the Whitsun weekend off Langenargen/Lake Constance, begins today with the free training sessions. And again this year, the defending champion Ian Williams is the major favorite for the title. Among the participants on the entry list are the former Tour winners Adam Minoprio NZL and Matthieu Richard FRA. The official preview.

The 34th America's Cup will remain on track with first starts in 7 weeks from now according to AC Management, inspite of the fatal accident of the AC Challenger of record 'Artemis'. However, a Review Committee, directed by Iain Murray AUS, Regatta Director for the 34th America's Cup and CEO of America's Cup, shall investigate on all matters of importance to improve the safety of the participants. The report.
The lawyer and America's-Cup specialist Cory Friedman USA criticises this approach and requests a truly independent investigation. A position paper in Scuttlebutt.

The Garda Olympic Week ended yesterday with the Medal Races, sailed in a moderate 10 to 14 kn breeze. The new format carries the total result of the Qualification and Final Series forward to the results of the short Medal Races. No wonder, that in some classes major throw overs happened such as in the 49ers - the only ones with three Medal Races - where Markus Hansen/Josh Porebski NZL climbed on top with constant race results ahead of Frei/Rocherieux FRA and Angilella/Zucchetti ITA. The clear dominators of the week Delle-Karth/Resch AUT had to content themselves with rank 4. An Austrian triumph was to note however in the Nacra 17 with Thomas Zajac/Tanja Frank AUT in front of Waterhouse/Darmanin NZL and Bissaro/Sicouri ITA. While Damian Rijsselberge NED defended his first place in the RS:X male windsurfers, the day was disappointing for Byrony Shaw GBR in the RS:X women who was overtaken by Flavia Tartaglini ITA, the winner of the Medal Race. Farrah Hall USA, the only NorAm participant in one of the Medal Races, is on rank 6 of the female windsurfers. Change also on top of the 470 women where Jo Aleh/Polly Powrie NZL moved on top ahead of Tina Mrak/Veronica Macarol SLO on the last day. No problem to hold their lead had Sime Fantela/Igor Marencic CRO in the 470 men, adding another race win in the Medal Race. Ed Wright remained first in the Finns followed by Ivan Klijakovic CRO and Piotr Kula POL. The videos of the Medal Races and the event-website.

A solid 12-14 kn Ora breeze prevailed for the Laser Medal Races at the Garda Olympic Week. The new results format carries the total result after the Qualification and Final Series as one result forward to the Medal Race rankings.
Annalise Murphy IRL (who did not even make the Goldfleet in Hyères due to the prevailing light wind) left no doubt about her class her and clearly stayed on top with another race win in the Medal Race of the Lasers Radial ahead of Tuula Tenkanen FIN and Tina Mihelic CRO.
A big throw over however happened in the Lasers Standard, where the World nbr 1 Tom Burton AUS, outstanding dominator during the whole week, lost all on the last ('casino') day and finished on rank 5 ! Andy Maloney NZL took rank 1 followed by Jean-Baptiste Bernaz FRA and Ryan Palk AUS. The videos of the Medal Races and the report.

Four race wins on the last day lifted Damian Suri SUI on top of the Optimist rankings at the Dutch Youth Regatta - at the same time the Netherlands Optimist Championship - attended by 406 sailors from 15 nations. At equal points on rank 2 follows Scipio Houtman NED, Lennert Steelandt BEL is on 3rd. The best girl Esmée Van Drielen NED is 7th. Justin Vittecoq CAN is 44th. The results. Winner in the younger Benjamin Optimists is Yigit Citak TUR ahead of Alvaro Valido ESP and Valentin Müller GER. 117 participants. Another Swiss victory is to note in the Lasers 4.7 with David Biedermann SUI. Quentin Swaelen BEL and Timo Gruis NED follow on the ranks 2 and 3. In the Lasers Radial, Van Aanholt, a famous name of Laser Sailing in the late 70s of the last Century, is showing up again with Just Van Aanholt AHO as winner. 43 participants from 4 nations. All other results - 10 youth classes in total particpated - and the event-website.

Round two of the Melges 32 European Series ended yesterday on Elba ITA with three more races. Winner in this owner-driven class was Lanfranco Cirillio ITA with Michele Paoletti ITA as tactician. Edoardo Lupi/Pietro Sibello ITA and Andrea Pozzi/Lorenzo Bressani ITA are on the positions 2 and 3. Edoardo Pavesio ITA/Chris Rast USA, follows on position 5, ahead of a number of prominent tacticians such Vasco Vascotto ITA, Hamish Pepper NZL or Mark Mendelblatt USA. The report and the results.

Good sailing conditions prevailed yesterday on Lake Geneva off Versoix where the Décision 35's completed six races in an oscillating South-West / West breeze, making sailing very challenging. Team 'Alinghi' mastered these conditions the best and won the GP of Versoix in front of 'Realstone' and 'Zen Too'. The communiqué, and the Trophy website with results.

The Final Series of the Garda Olympic Week were concluded yesterday in a Northerly breeze with up to four races by class. As from today, the Medal Races of the best 6-8 boats per class are on the program. With a 15 points' advance, Ed Wright GBR will not let fade away the victory in the Finns. Deniss Karpak EST and Ivan Klijakovic CRO follow on the ranks 2 and 3. Even more predominant were Sime Fantela/Igor Marencic CRO in the 470 men. Barreiros/Curbelo ESP are already 26 points behind. Gerz/Follmann GER progressed on rank 3. Closer is however the situation in the 470 women, where Tina Mrak/Veroca Macarol SLO are now only one point ahead of Jo Aleh/Polly Powrie NZL, the winners of two races yesterday. The outcome in the 49ers seems to be clear as well. Delle-Karth/Resch AUT are 21 points ahead of Januszewski/Nowak POL. Tight is the situation in the Nacras 17 with Thomas Cajak/Tanja Frank AUT only one point in front of Gemma Jones/Jason Saunders NZL. Dorian Van Rijsselberge NED in the RS:X male windsurfers and Byrony Shaw GBR in the RS:X women can also start to the Medal Races very relaxed with the results on their accounts up to now. The report of the day, all results and the videos.

Tom Burton AUS starts to today's Medal Races with a five points' advance in the Lasers Standard and only Tonci Stipanovic CRO could replace the World nbr 1 on rank 1 today. New on rank 3 is Ryan Palk AUS closely followed by Jean-Baptiste Bernaz FRA and Andy Maloney NZL fighting for the podium today.
Very close also the gaps between the top sailors in the Lasers Radial, where Annalise Murphy IRL defended her lead inspite of a medium day. But Tina Mihelic CRO is now only 4 points behind and also Tuula Tenkanen FIN as 3rd has still her chances to win the regatta.
The daily report, all results and the video of the day.

The four Access single handers were on the water yesterday in rain and light winds. In the Access 303, Carlos Araujo ESP leads with just one point ahead of Gilles Guyon FRA. Lindsay Burns GBR is the clear leader in the Access 2.3, while Gérard Eychenne FRA is on top of the Liberty's. All other ranking lists, the event-website and the video of the day.

Five races have been completed on the first two days of the Melges 32 European Series. Lanfranco Cirillo/Michele Paoletti ITA are the leaders ahead of Filippo Pacinotti ITA/Nathan Wilmot AUS. Edoardo Pavesio ITA/Chris Rast USA/SUI follow on rank 5 of the 21 teams. The results and the daily report.

Tributes from around the world are pouring in for British Olympic hero and double Olympic medalist Andrew 'Bart' Simpson, who was tragically killed when Artemis Racing team's AC72 capsized on San Francisco Bay on Thursday afternoon. The America's-Cup-Website. Around the globe, minutes of silence were held in memoriam of the very popular and successful Starboat sailor, such as at Olympic Garda in Italy or the Star-Trophy on Lake Uri Switzerland.
The reason for the accident is still under investigation. Fact is, that 'Team Oracle' stopped their training prematurely because of the freshening breeze. The 'Artemis AC72' capsized in a bear-away-manoeuvre but is is not yet clear, whether a damage at the AC72 caused the turn-over or the turn-over damaged the multihull. The 'Artemis' AC72 had previously shown some performance and structural problems and was during quite some time ashore for a modification process before being launched again a few days ago. AC management and the Californinan Authorities have started their investigations. The report.
The Olympic success of the duo Ian Percy/Andrew Simpson GBR has also been the history of a long-lasting close friedship since the early Optimist days. On the occasion of the English Championship of the Starboats in January, one of the last video interviews including Andrew Simpson GBR was recorded.

Rain prevented the Ora from filling in on Lake Garda and only the Finns and Nacra-17 catamarans at Malcesine a couple of miles farther South down the lake were able to complete some races.
Ed Wright GBR took the lead in the Finns with the day ranks 2/2/9 followed by Filippo Baldessari ITA and Deniss Karpak EST. Gordon Lamphere USA is now 8 places up on rank 26. The Nacra-17 even sailed four heats and Thomas Cajak/Tanja Frank AUT moved on top of the rankings, in front of Gemma Jones/Jason Saunders NZL at 5 points on rank 2. Federica Salva/Francesco Bianchi ITA follow on rank 3. The weather outlook for today is improving and hopefully all classes will be able to sail according to program. All results, the video of the day and the event-website.

Rain prevented yesterday racing for the Laser fleets and after the 6 Qualification Series heats, the competition will continue today with the Final Series in Gold- and Silverfleets.
Tom Burton AUS leads in the Lasers Standard 3 points ahead of Tonci Stipanovic CRO. Jean-Baptiste Bernaz FRA follows on rank 3. Not sailing in the Goldfleet is the superstar Robert Scheidt BRA, who - after his convincing comeback in Hyères - left Lake Garda prematurely after day one. In the Lasers Radial, it was the Weymouth 4th-ranked Olympian Annalise Murphy IRL who confirmed her fresh wind skills winning all 4 heats. She holds the lead 10 points ahead of Tuula Tenkanen FIN. The event-website.

Artemis Racing crewman Andrew "Bart" Simpson, a British double Olympic medalist, died yesterday when the team's AC72 catamaran capsized while training on San Francisco Bay. Simpson was one of the 11-man crew aboard. All other crewmembers were successfully rescued. Simpson GBR who joined the team a few month ago, was trapped underneath the boat and despite attempts to revive him, by doctors afloat and subsequently ashore, his life was lost. Officials believe he was trapped underwater for about 10 to 15 minutes. Sadly this is the first confirmation of the concerns that the AC72 racing machines are admittedly very spectacular, but at the same time also extremely hazardous. Helmsman of 'Artemis' is either Loïck Peyron FRA or Nathan Outteridge AUS. The report on the America's Cup Website and a video.

The Olympic Week continued yesterday in a well established Ora filling in with up to 16 kn in the afternoon. The Finnswere already out off Malcesine in the morning in the North wind and Giorgio Poggi ITA took the lead after the first races ahead of Deniss Karpak ESTand Michael Maier CZE. Ed Wright GBR moved up on rank 4. Gordon Lamphere USA is 34th. A class of their own remained Sime Fantela/Igor Marencic CRO in the 470 men. They are already 14 points in front of Gulic/Nevecny SLO. Crawford/Crawford AUS remain on rank 3 of the 29 teams. In the 470 women, Tina Mrak/Veronika Macarol SLO stay on top but the best of the day Jo Aleh/Polly Powrie NZL closed the gap to two points. Progressing is also the Olympic Champion 2008 Elise Rechichi AUS with her new crew Sarah Cook AUS now on rank 6 overall after the day ranks 1 and 2. In the 49ers are Delle-Karth/Resch AUT clearly on top. Januczewski/Nowak POL are now 2nd. Gemma Jones/Jason Waterhouse NZL took the lead in the Nacra-17 with two bullets. Thomas Zajac/Tanja Frank AUT follow on rank 2. Dominator in the windsurfers are Dorian van Rijsselberge NED in the men and Byrony Shaw GBR in the women. Carson Crane USA is on rank 20 RS:X men, Farrah Hall is 5th in the small RS:X women fleet. The report of the day, all ranking lists and the video of the day.

The Ora, the classic thermal South wind on Lake Garda filled in with up to 16 kn in the afternoon, and both Laser fleets completed three races. Booking three bullets, Annalise Murphy IRL is the clear leader in the Lasers Radial. Tuula Tenkanen FIN on rank 2 is already 10 points behind. Tina Mihelic CRO is now 3rd. Tatjana Droszdovskaja BLR advanced on the 4th place. Isabella Bertold CAN now 6th is on her way up after an ocs in race 1.
Close together are, however, the top boats in the Lasers Standard: Tom Burton AUS remains in the lead, but Tonci Stipanovic CRO is only 2 points back. Jean-Baptiste Bernaz FRA - two bullets yesterday - and Daniel Mihelic CRO share rank 3. Best of the 5 CAN Lasers ist David Wright on rank 17.
All ranking lists, the daily report and the video of the day.

The breeze was not good enough on the last day of the first Slalom Worldcup 2013 to terminate the fourth elimination round. Alberto Menegatti ITA gained his first Worldcup title in his career ahead of the multiple World Champion Antoine Albeau FRA. Karin Jaggi SUI added in Ulsan KOR another Worldcup victory to her immense palmares ahead Delphine Cousin FRA. All other details on the PWA-website.

Very light winds prevailed on Lake Constance on the first day of the Access- and Skud-18-Europeans. In the morning, the single-hander Access 303, Access 2.3
and die Access Liberty sailed a race each, in the afternoon, the breeze was not strong enough for the first races of the two-person Skud-18 and Access 303. Lindsay Burns GBR was the winner in the (Access 203), Gérard Eychenne FRA in the (Liberty) and an Zoltan Pegan HUN in the (Access 303 Single). The daily report and the video of the day.

Only one race was sailed by the Finns off Malcesine while the other classes at tje upperside of Lake Garda completed 3 to 4 heats, partly with surprising results. Filippo Baldessari ITA was the winner of the only Finn race ahead of Deniss Karpak EST, while the top favorite Ivan Kljiakovic CRO began the event with a premature start. In the 470 men, Fantela/Marencic CRO are in the lead with two race wins in three races ahead of Mikulin/Bozic SLO and Crawford/Crawford AUS. In the small 470 women fleet, the leaders are Mrak/Macarol SLO while the Olympic Champions Jo Aleh/Polly Powrie NZL are only 5th after a disqualifcation. In the 49ers, Warrer/Lang DEN are in front of Delle-Karth/Resch AUT and Hansen/Porebski NZL. Federica Salva/Francesco Bianchi ITA are the leaders in the 20 boats' Nacra-17 fleet ahead of Gemma Jones/Jason Saunders NZL On top of the windsurfers are the Olympic Champion Dorian Van Rijsselberge NED in the men's category and Byrony Shaw GBR in the women's category. The event-website.

The Lasers sailed three races each at the Lake Garda Olympic Week with the World nbr 1 Tom Burton AUS taking the oveall lead in the Laser Standard with the day ranks 2/1/6, followed by Daniel Mihelic CRO and Jean-Baptiste Bernaz FRA. Andy Maloney NZL, another favorite, is on position 4. Robert Scheidt BRA, had a bad first day and is only on rank 20 among the 103 participants from 29 nations.
Tuula Tenkanen FIN leads the ranking in the Lasers Radial, followed by Tina Mihelic CRO and Annalise Murphy IRL. The World nbr 1 Tatjana Drosdovskaya BLR is on rank 5 of the 46 paricipants from 20 nations.The event-website.

The gradient wind enhanced the seabreeze and created perfect conditions in South Korea yesterday, allowing to sail two complete eliminations during eight hours for men and women. Alberto Menegatti ITA defended his lead in the men's category but the World Champion Antoine Albeau FRA advancing on rank 2 reduced the points' gap with the day ranks 1and 3. In the women's, Karin Jaggi SUI stays on top with the day ranks 1 and 2. Report, video and results as always on the PWA-website.

Today begins the 'Garda Trentino Olympic Week' on Lake Garda, the first event of the 'EUROSAF Championship Sailing Cup', a series of non-Worldcup Olympic Classes regattas in Europe. With 122 participants from 33 nations, the Laser Standard fleet has an excellent attendance with the World nbr 1 Tom Burton AUS, the Olympic Bronze medalist Pavlos Kontides CYP or Philipp Buhl GER as favorites. In the 470s, the winners of the Italian 470 men Championship of last week, Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI will meet a strong international competition with the past World Champions Fantela/Marencic CRO, the German Olympians Gerz/Follmann GER and four French teams.. In the Lasers Radial the Worldcup leaders Tatjana Droszdowskaja BLR and Isabelle Bertold CAN as well as the Olympia-forth Annalise Murphy IRL are the favorites. All entry lists and the event-website.

After a break due to an injury, the Swiss Olympians Yannick Brauchli/Romuald Hausser SUI completed on Lake Garda their first 470 regatta of this year. The Italian 470 Championship of the past weekend was meant to be a first test and tune-up for the 'Olympic Garda' event beginning next Wednesday ... and ended with a victory after six races. Sofian Bouvet/Jeremie Mion FRA finished 2nd, Capurro/Puppo ITA 3rd. The Olympic Champions Jo Aleh/Polly Powrie NZL are on rank 5. 29 participants. The ranking list, the pictures and the video.

The best sailing conditions of the Extreme Sailing Series Act 3 prevailed yesterday and 9 races could be sailed in a breeze around 12 kn with the last heat awarding double points. 'Alinghi' with Morgan Larson USA finished first in this last race, but Leigh McMillan GBR on 'The Wave - Muscat' succeeded to defend the overall lead with a 2 points' advantage winning the Qingdao regatta. 'SAP Extreme Sailing Team' had an excellent last day and advanced on rank 3. 'Alinghi' stays on top of the annual rankings. The ranking lists, the report and the videos.

193 Optis sailors competed in the U.S. Optimist Team Trials, an event
that qualifies sailors to represent the U.S. at International and Continental
championship. Organised by Pewaukee Yacht Club (WI) 12 races have been sailed. Victory went to Shawn Harvey (Coral Reef YC) ahead of his team mate Ivan Shestopalov, on 3rd was Romain Screve from San Francisco. See the complete results. More news on the event website.

Men and women sailed a complete round at the PWA Slalom Competition in Ulsan KOR in good sailing conditions. In the men's category, the favorites Antoine Albeau FRA and Björn Dunkerbeck SUI were eliminated with equipment damage, leaving the first places to Alberto Menegattî ITA 1st and Antoine Questel FRA 2nd. Winner in the women's category was Karin Jaggi SUI ahead of Delphine Cousin FRA. The PWA-Website with video, report and ranking lists.

After 8 races saield it was Bennet Greenwald who won the 49-boat J/70 class. The victory earned Greenwald's team of Jeff Madrigali/Steven Pickel/Morgane Renoir as the even'ts overall winner, earning an invite to participate in the Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Championship Regatta in the British Virgin Islands this fall. See the complete results og all 16 classes.

The last meters of the last race decided on the overall winner of the RC44 Series on Sicily ITA: Chris Bake GBR/Cameron Appleton NZL ('Team Aqua') succeeded to gain the necessary two ranks to take the overall victory just before the finish line, leaving Igor Lah SLO/Michele Ivaldi ITA ('Cereef') on rank 2. 'Katusha' with Steve Howe/Andy Horton USA remained 3rd. The report.

A lot more racing took place this weekend all over the US. See all results on Yachtscoring.com, on regattanetwork.com and on sailingscuttlebutt.com.

The Moth European Championship ended yesterday on Sicily ITA with two moderate wind races that just permitted foiling. A class of his own in these conditions was Chris Rashley GBR, winning the Champion's title for the third time in a row. The only serious opponent was Michael Lennon GBR taking Silver 3 points behind. Another Englishman, Jason Belben GBR, won Bronze. The best non-Brit was Pablo Arandia ESP on the 6th place. Chris Rast USA/SUI follows on rank 10 of the 30 participants. The ranking list, the official report (in Ital.), the video and the report (Engl.) by Chris Rast SUI/USA.

The fog over Qingdao disappeard late in the afternoon and only four short races could be sailed in a barely 5 kn wind. Leigh McMillan GBR with 'The Wave - Muscat' won two heats and took the overall lead, replacing 'Alinghi' with Morgan Larson USA on top hurt by a collision with the second Swiss X-40 'Realteam' of Jerôme Clerc SUI. Before the last double-points races today, 'Alinghi' has a backlog on 'The Wave' of 12 points. The report and the results.

As a tune-up to the 'Olympic Garda' Regatta beginning next Wednesday, the 470 Class is running the Italian Championship off Riva ITA. Three races were already sailed in a well-established 'Ora' breeze by the 29 boats' fleet from 6 nations yesterday. James Turner/Carl Evans NZL are on top ahead of Matteo Capurro/Matteo Puppo ITA and Barreiros/Curbelo ESP. The Olympic Champions Jo Aleh/Polly Powrie NZL follow on rank 4. The results.

Another three races were sailed on the second day of the Annapolis NOOD Regatta 2013. On their home waters the J-Class boats are by far the strongest fleets: In the J/70 (49 boats) Brian Elliott is holding a four point lead on Bennett Greenwald, in J/22 (28 boats) Allen Terhune is clearly leading the fleet, Brian Keane is on top of the J/80 fleet (23 boats). Racing continues today - see the complete results of all 14 classes.

The Sicilian RC44 Act of the 2013 Championship Series continued yesterday with three races sailed in a moderate 12-14 kn breeze. The new leader is SLO on 'Cereef' (tactics Guiseppe Ivaldi ITA) ahead of 'Team Aqua' with Chris Bake GBR (tactics Cameron Appleton NZL) and 'Katusha' mit Steve Howe USA (Tacticsk Andy Horton USA) on the ranks 2 and 3. Considering the small gaps between the boats, nothing is decided yet. The report.

Finishing third in the final race of the 5o5 Worlds, Claas Lehman/Leon Oehme GER crowned their over 30 years career in the Class with their first World Champion's title. Boehm/Roos GER 2 points behind took Silver, the defending Champions Hunger/Jess GER had to content themselves with rank 3. Holt/Smit USA did not reach the podium inspite of a first place in the last race. The report, the final ranking list and the video highlights.

No luck with weather and wind on Sicily for the 30 participants of the Moth Europeans. After the excessive breeze at the beginning of the Championship, keeping the Moths ashore, the wind had disappeared yesterday and no races were possible. The defending Champion Chris Rashley GBR, ranks 1/1/2 is on top after the only 3 heats completed so far in this regatta dominated by the British. The www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151370602121701&set=a.433143116700.223241.690751700&type=1&theater]results[/URL].

Act 3 of the Extreme Sailing Series continued yesterday with 8 short 'stadium' races inside the Qingdao harbour. Leigh McMillan GBR, best of the day on his 'The Wave Muscat', reduced the points gap on the leader 'Alinghi' with Morgan Larson USA to three points. Less successful was the former 2nd 'Realteam' with Jerôme Clerc SUI, dropping from rank 2 to 6. The gaps between the boats are still very small and nothing has been decided yet. The report and the ranking list.

The 2013 Sperry Top-Sider Annapolis NOOD opens with a stellar day of sun and wind, quickly seperating those who'd been sitting idle in the off-season from those with a few days of sailing under there belts. Five races have been sailed the first day, see the complete results.

Round 2 of the Italian Melges 32 circuit began yesterday off Scarlino ITA in sunshine, warm temperatures and an 8-12 kn breeze, and three races were completed. Leader after day one is Matteo Balestrero ITA and his team, one point ahead of Gianluca Perego ITA on 2nd and Tonu Toniste EST, Olympic medalist 1996, on 3rd. The best Swiss Sacha De Micheli SUI follows on rank 15 of the 24 teams from 10 nations. The report with results.

Ideal conditions for the overpowered RC44s prevailed yesterday with a moderate 12-14 kn breeze. Three fleetraces were sailed and the new leader now is Chris Bake GBR with his 'Team Aqua', 2 points ahead of 'Cereef' of Igor Lah SLO. The report and the results.

The races nbr 7 and 8 were preliminary decisions for the 5o5 Worlds title with the fact, that the Champion will be German again. Who among the top-three is still open. Boehm/Roos GER lead two points ahead of Lehmann/Oehme GER and Hunger/Jess GER five points behind rank 1. The fourth-ranked Holt/Smit USA have a backlog of 15 points already. The results and the report.

The slackening wind allowed only one race to be sailed yesterday by the 32 participants. In the breeze around 8 kn, the Brits were even more impressive as on the previous day. Their Moths have larger foils letting them lift easier, and the weight of the pilots was important as well to start flying in these light airs. The defending Champion Chris Rashley GBR finished 2nd and kept his interims lead, but the winner of the day Michael Lennon GBR is only two points behind. Ben Patton GBR ist 3rd. The best non-Brit is now Morgan Good BEL on rank 6. Chris Rast USA remained on ranks 9.The rankings and the report.

The Springtime Championship on Lake Garda continued yesterday with a North wind race in the morning and two light-wind 'Ora' heats. Dominating are the Dutch occupying the first five positions in the overall rankings. The new leader are Robert-Jan Kentgens NED and his team, 4 points ahead of Tom Otte NED. Last year's winner Jamin Maarten NED follows on 3rd. The results and the report.

Light winds prevailed yesterday in Qingdao, the 2008 Olympic city, on day one of the 3rd Act of the 2013 Extreme Sailing Series. As always, the event started with longer races on the 'Open-Sea', and as from today, Stadium racing in the harbour will begin. The two Swiss teams mastered the light-wind conditions the best. 'Alinghi' with Morgan Larson USA steering took the lead after 4 races ahead of 'Realteam' with Jerôme Clerc SUI. 'The Wave Muscat' with Leigh McMillan GBR is 3rd. The report and the rankings.

Moderate winds prevailed yesterday for the fleetraces at the RC44-Championship Series on Sicily. Four races were sailed and 'Ceeref' of Igor Lah SLO with Michele Ivaldi ITA as tactician took the lead ahead of 'Synergy' of Valentin Zavadnikhov RUS with Ed Baird USA calling the shots. The report and the results.

After the lay day, the 5o5 Worlds are now in its crucial second phase. Two races were sailed yesterday, and today, two more heats are on the program before the final race on Friday. The day's best Böhm/Roos GER, rank 2 and 5, reclaimed the first place, but the defending champions Hunger/Jess GER are only 4 points behind. Holt/Smit USA remain on rank 3. The rankings and the report.

Finally the Scirocco calmed sufficiently to begin racing yesterday at the Moth Europeans off Marsala ITA, but the shift and unconstant 12 - 14 kn breeze made it very difficult for the competitors. The defending champion Chris Rashley GBR mastered these conditions the best and booked two race wins. The British dominance continues with Michael Lennon GBR, Ben Paton GBR and Tom Offer GBR on the positions 2 to 4. The first non-English is Matthias Renker SUI on rank 5. Chris Rast USA is 7th. 35 participants sailing. The report (PDF) with top ranks.

The Springtime Championship of the Ynglings on Lake Garda began yesterday with a first race. Tom Otte NED and his team were the winners followed by Patrick Haag/Peter Newel/Thomas Grueble SUI and Klaus Diem AUT and his team. 30 teams from 6 nations. The results.

At Trapani ITA, 20 kilometer North of the Moth-Europeans, the RC44 have been fighting with the same unconstant South wind during the opening day, as usual dedicated to matchracing. Andy Horton USA, tactician on the Russian 'Katusha' and steering the boat while matchracing, controlled the situation winning all 4 duels
sailed without losses, as already done in Dubai. The report.

The 69 teams at the 5o5 Worlds 2013 on the Barbados had their lay day yesterday. As from today, 6 more teams from the US West Coast, whose boats arrived late, will join the Championship. The video of the day reports on the heavy tropical rain of Monday preventing racing, as well as details on the comprehensive GPS tracking used at this Championship. Today at 13 hrs local time (19 h CET), the start will be given to the 5th race, that can be followed live on the Internet. First after 4 races are Lehmann/Oehme GER two points ahead of Boehm/Roos GER. Holt/Smit USA and Hunger/Jess GER are only one point behind on the ranks 3 and 4. The results.

Another day with a 30 kn plus Sirocco at the Western Coast of Sicily and the start to the first race of the Moth Europeans had to be postponed again. For today, the wind forecast should be ideal with a 10 - 14 kn breeze and racing will most probably begin. Some participants dared to go afloat anyhow yesterday to attack the speed record established by Chris Rast SUI/USA some days ago, but this with no success. The event-website with a report in Italian and the Communiqué in English.

After the position papers of the International Sailing Federtion ISAF and the International Laser Class Association ILCA regarding the accusations of the Laser designer Bruce Kirby CAN, the Canadian answered with the official lawsuit lodged at the Conneticut USA Court against a number of manufacturers, ISAF and ILCA. Here the original text. ISAF and ILCA - here the statement of the Laser Class - are of the opinion, that the patent rights of Kirby have expired since a long time. The objective of some modifications in the agreements is to protect the future of this most popular Olympic class. The Governing Body and the Class informed very reluctantly so far because of legal reasons. The case will be thoroughly discussed at the forthcoming ISAF Midyear-Meeting next week.