Disabled Sailing

The windy condition were above all at the pleasure of the Dutch teams. In the 2.4 m, Barend Kol NED is now only one point behind the leading Megan Pascoe GBR, but in the race for rank one is still Helena Lucas GBR as 3rd. Positive also the performance ot Sven Reiger AUT advancing on the 4th place, a newcomer in Paralympic racing. In the Sonars, the Paralympic Champions Udo Hessels NED und his team with three race wins. Bruno Jourdren FRA follows 6 points behind as 2nd. The results, the daily report and the video of the day.

The two Paralympic classes 2.4 m and Sonar engaged in the Medemblik Delta Lloyd Regatta have also completed their full program, thanks to the good sailing conditions. With 29 participants from 9 nations, the 2.4 m fleet has a remarkable size. The usual British lady favorites are already in top positions with Megan Pascoe GBR two points ahead of Helena Lucas GBR. The only one to follow this duo more or less is the 3rd-ranked Barend Kol NED. Lasse Klötzing GER on rank 4 is already 13 points behind.
Leaders in the Sonars are Robertson/Stodel/Thomas GBR followed by Jourdren/Flageul/Vimont-Vicary FRA with the same number of points. 7 teams participate.
All results and the reports.

The European Championships of the Paralympic Skud-18 and different Access Classes ended yesterday on Lake Constance in the freshest breeze so far of 10-15 kn. Winning all six heats in the Skud 18, Alexandra Rickham/Nuki Birell GBR confirmed their role as favorites and finished clearly on top. First in the single hander Access 303 (28 participants) was Gilles Guyon FRA ahead of Joao Pinto SUI. The first position in the Access 303 (double) are Zoltan Pegan/Eva Mirczev HUN closely followed by Joshua Rothenhäusler/Dominique Scheller SUI. All ranking lists, the video of the last day and the final report (PDF).

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.

The foul weather delayed racing at the Skud-18 and Access European Championships on Lake Constance to the late afternoon yesterday. The Paralympic Bronze medalists Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR were the expected winners in both races of the SKUD-18 and lead ahead of Gualandris/Zanetti ITA and Cantelejo/Villa ESP. Also two heats were sailed by the Access 303 double, where four SUI-teams lead the rankings among the 24 teams. Joshua Rothenhäusler/Dominique Scheller SUI, day ranks 1 and 2 are on top. All other results and the event-website.

The foul weather delayed racing at the Skud-18 and Access European Championships on Lake Constance to the late afternoon yesterday. The Paralympic Bronze medalists Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR were the expected winners in both races of the SKUD-18 and lead ahead of Gualandris/Zanetti ITA and Cantelejo/Villa ESP. Parker/Moerch SUI follow on rank 5. Also two heats were sailed by the Access 303 double, where four SUI-teams lead the rankings among the 24 teams. Joshua Rothenhäusler/Dominique Scheller SUI, day ranks 1 and 2 are on top. All other results and the event-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.

The European Championships of the Paralympic SKUD-18 and the Access-class begins today on Lake Constance, boats-types that are specifically suited for handicapped teams. Among the participants are the Paralympic medalists Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birell GBR in the SKUD 18, where for the first time since a long period, the Swiss Boat of Patrick Parker/Philipp Moerch SUI participates. In total 70 boats are on the entry lists unqqd die Event-Website.

The Hyères Paralympic Worldcup ended yesterday as always without Medal Races. Heiko Kröger GER was the winner in the last 2.4m race as well and is the clear overall winner ahead of Helena Lucas GBR and Megan Pascoe GBR. The winner of 2012 Damien Séguin FRA missed the podium by just 2 points. With a French victory by Bruno Jourdren/Eric Flageul/Nicolas Vimonte-Vicary FRA ended the Sonar competition, ahead of Jens Kroker GER and Alexander Wang-Hansen NOR. The final report.

No change in the 2.4m overall rankings after yesterdays' two races in well established 15 - 20 kn conditions. Heiko Kröger GER keeps the lead ahead of Megan Pascoe GBR and Helena Lucas GBR. Aleksander Wang-Hansen NOR and his team replaced the tied Bruno Jourdren FRA on top winning both races in the Sonars. The report of the day.

The Paralympic Classes 2.4 mR and Sonar sailed also two races each yesterday. Heiko Kröger GER took the lead in the 2.4m ahead of the British women Helena Lucas GBR 2nd and Megan Pascoe GBR 3rd. The new leaders in the Sonars are Jourdren/Flageul/Viconte-Vicary FRA. Jens Kroker GER and Udo Hessels NED with their teams follow behind. The report.

The two Paralympic classes participanting in the Hyères Worldcup, the 2.4 mR and the Sonars, sailed two races yesterday. Leader in the Sonars is Udo Hessels NED with his team ahead of Jens Kroker GER and Bruno Jourdren FRA, in the 2.4m, Megan Pascoe GBR and Lasse Klötzing GER share the lead with one victory each. The report.

The only Paralympic class active at the Palma Trofeo was the one-person keelboat 2.4 m, ending the regatta yesterday without a Medal Race. Björnar Erikstad NOR ahead of Megan Pascoe GBR and Barend Kol NED was the final outcome. Lasse Klötzing GER was 4th, the newcomer Sven Reiger AUT 5th. 25 participants from 8 nations were racing. The ranking list, the daily report and the videos.

The Paralympic classes 2.4 m and Sonar concluded their World Cup competition in Miami yesterday as well. Thanks to two race wins, Megan Pascoe GBR climbed on rank 1 in the 2.4m. Allen Leibel CAN and Bruce Miller CAN complete the podium. Superior winners in the Sonars are Wang-Hansen/Solberg/Kristiansen NOR ahead of the two US teams of Andrew Fisher USA and Rick Doerr USA. All ranking lists and the report.

With Bruce Millar CAN, 2.4m, not sailing the last race of the day, Megan Pascoe GBR joined the Canadian on top. Only one point behind is Allen Leibel CAN. No changes in the Sonars, where Wang-Hansen/Solberg/Kristiansen NOR remain in the lead. All ranking lists and the report.

Bruce Millar CAN extended his lead in the 2.4m yesterday with another race win. Allan Leibel CAN and Megan Pascoe GBR follow on rank 2 at equal points. In the Sonars, Wang-Hansen/Solberg/Kristiansen NOR remain on top ahead of Twomey/Costelloe/Johnson IRL six points behind. All ranking lists and the daily report.

Bruce Millar CAN has taken the overall lead in the 17 boats' 2.4m fleet with two race wins. Björnar Erikstad NOR is 2 points behind. The Sonars have now also completed four races and Wanghansen/Solberg/Kristiansen NOR remain on top. Twomey/Costello/Johnson IRL are new on rank 2. All ranking lists and the daily report.

A fresh 4 bft breeze prevailed on day one of the second 2013 ISAF Olympic Classes World Cup event on Biscayne Bay. On top of the pretty representative 70 boats' Laser Standard fleet is Charlie Buckingham USA, followed by David Wright CAN and Jesper Stalheim SWE. Jean-Baptiste Bernaz FRA, the only French sailing in Miami, is on position 5. In the Lasers Radial, also with a remarkable number of competitors, a new name - Cagla Donertas TUR - is first after two races ahead of Isabella Bertold CAN and Tula Tenkanen FIN. Paige Railey USA and Erika Reineke USA are on the positions 4 and 5. Three races were sailed in the skiffs: the first leaders in the new 49FX-class are Giulia Conti/Francesca Clapcich ITA at equal points with Martine Grael/Kahena Kunze BRA. First in the 49ers are Sebastian Östling/Kalle Torlen SWE. In the Finns, Caleb Paine USA is on top in front of the Starboat Olympic Bronze medalist Bruno Prada BRA. The Austrians Schmid/Reichstädter AUT and Bargehr/Mähr AUT confirmed their results at the 470 North Americans and are on the positions 2 and 3 of the 470 men, where the US Olympian Stuart McNay USA with his new crew David Hughes USA is on top. Xiaomai Xu/Chunyan Yu CHN lead in the 470 women ahead of Oliveira/Barbachan BRA. Good fleets are present in the windsurfers: RS:X-men's leader is Nick Dempsey GBR ahead of Roberto Santos BRA and the Olympic Champion Dorian Van Rijsselberge NED. Tuuli Petejä FIN is first in the RS:X-women followed by Blanca Manchon ESP and Marina Alabau ESP. Leaders in the first appearance of the Nacra-17-catmarans are Sarah Newberry/John Casey USA. The daily report and all ranking lists. This afternoon, the races of the day can be followed live on the Internet.

The Paralympic 2.4 m and Sonars enjoyed a good 4 bft breeze at their second 2013 World Cup event on Biscayne Bay. Björnar Eriksen NOR is first in the 2.4 m ahead of Allen Leibel CAN. A Norwegian team is also on top of the Sonars with Wang-Hansen/Solberg/Kristiansen NOR. The daily report and all ranking lists. This afternoon, the races of the day can be followed live on the Internet.

Today begins the second of four 2013 ISAF Olympic Classes World Cup events on Biscayne Bay. As already in Melbourne at the first event, the participation with 300 athletes in 13 classes is rather small. With the Nacra17 and the 49erFX, the new Olympic classes are for the first time active, but with small 7 boats' fleet each rather modestly. The entry lists and the official preview.

The 2.4 mR World Championship ended yesterday with two races, both won by the former leader Stellan Berlin SWE, but Peter Andersson SWE defended the lead with just one point advantage. Megan Pascoe GBR, the first woman, finished 3rd, just ahead of the persuing duo Forsborn FIN and Heselius SWE. The final rankings and the event-website.

The three races of yesterday cleared up the positions on top of the rankings of the 2.4 mR Worlds. Peter Andersson SWE advanced on top with the day ranks 2/3/2, three points ahead of the former leader Stellan Berlin SWE. Another gainer of the day was Megan Pascoe GBR (1/7/6) moving up on 3rd. A trio, lead by Lennart Heselius SWE on the ranks 4-6 is already 6-10 points behind, but still with some chances for the podium in the last two races today. The results and the Event-Website.

Two more races were sailed yesterday by the tiny 2.4 mR yachts at the Italian Adriatic Coast. As most of the leading boats of day one finished with two-digit results, the fleet has come closely together and the ranks 1-7 are separated by 8 points only. New on rank 1 is now Stellan Berlin SWE. Jan Forsbom FIN advanced on the 2nd place. The ranking list and the event-website with illustrated reports from the previous days.

The 2.4 mR World Championship 2012 began yesterday in moderate conditions with three races. This year again, the Scandinavians dominate the fleet with Lennart Heselius SWE and Stellan Berlin SWE leading at equal points. 90 yachts from 10 nations participate. The ranking list.

Today begins the 2.4 mR World Championship at the Italian Adriatic Coast with non-handicapped sailors meeting the disabled persons. However, the three Paralympic Medalist from the 2012 London/Weymouth Games will not be present among the 90 participants from 10 nations. The event-website with an illustrated report.

No wind and no races on the last day of the Paralympics. Helena Lucas GBR is therefore the winner in the 2.4mR taking the Gold Medal in front of Heiko Kröger GER Silver and Thierry Schmitter NED Bronze. Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS had their Gold in the Skud-18 already before the last day. Silver goes to Jennifer French/Jean-Paul Creignou USA and Bronze to Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR. A position change without racing happened in the Sonars, as behind the 1st and 2nd Udo Hessels/Marcel Van Veen/Mischa Rossen NED and Jens Kroker GER and his team, Aleksander Wang-Hansen/Marie Solberg/Per Eugen Kristiansen NOR advanced on rank 3, as John Robertson GBR and his team were penalised by the Jury because of an unallowed cleaning of the keel ! The report and all ranking lists.

The first two Paralympic Champions are known before the final races today already with Udo Hessels/Marcel Van Veen/Mischa Rossen NED winning in the Sonars and Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS first in the Skud-18. In the 2.4mR, there remains a theoretical possibility to replace Helena Lucas GBR on top, but she needs 'only' a 9th place today to secure the Gold Medal. Heiko Kröger GER and Thierry Schmitter NED separated by 2 points only will race for the other two Medals. In the Skud-18 too, a duel for Silver and Bronze will take place behind the winners Fitzgibbon/Tesch AUS, as the gap between Jennifer French/Jean-Paul Creignou USA and Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR is also 2 points. Even more open is the situation in the Sonars with four teams on the positions 2-5 behind the Gold Medalists within two points. Jens Kroker GER and his team are on the pole position with John Robertson AUS, Alexander Wang-Hansen NOR and Bruno Jourdren FRA closely behind. All ranking lists and the reports.

Two more races were sailed at the Paralympics yesterday afternoon after some waiting for wind. With 8 of 11 planned races sailed, the ranking lists become clearer and clearer. Adding another race win, Helena Lucas GBR is now 11 points ahead of the 2nd-ranked Heiko Kröger GER in the 2.4mR. On rank 3 follows Thierry Schmitter NED, but the defending champion Paul Tingley CAN, best of the day on Tuesday, is now only 4 points behind a podium place. Damien Séguin FRA, another of the initial favorites, follows on rank 5. The 2.4mR report.
The leaders in the Skud-18 Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS have now an advantage of 4 points over the tied chasers French/Creignou USA and Rickham/Birrell GBR, who are 9 points ahead of rank 4. The Skud-18 report. Already 11 points is the lead of Hessels/Van Veen/Rossen NED in the Sonars, where the teams of Jens Kroker GER and Paul Callahan USA are the closest opponents. The ranks 3 to 7 are separated by 5 points only. The Sonar report.
All other details on the event-website.

Light winds prevailed on day three of the Paralympics 2012 in Weymouth GBR again and after two more races, the ranking lists with the discards have become more meaningful. In the 2.4mR, Helena Lucas GBR - winning both races of the day - in now well ahead with a 9 points' lead on Heiko Kröger GER on rank 2 and another 3 points back Thierry Schmitter NED on rank 3. Damien Séguin FRA, only one point behind the Dutchman, has also all options for a Medal. In the Skud-18, there is a trio separated by 2 points only, well ahead of the rest of the fleet. Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS stay on top ahead of Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR and Jennifer French/Jean-Paul Creignou USA. Superior leaders in the Sonars are Udo Hessels/Marcel Van de Veen/Mischa Rossen NED already 11 points in front of the second-ranked Jourdren/Vimont-Vicary/Flageul FRA, and closely behind follow the tied teams of Colin Harrison AUS, Jens Kroker GER and Paul Callahan USA. All daily reports.

Tight racing yesterday in the two races of day two at the Paralympics in Weymouth, and in both heats, the outcomes were extremely close. Some of the top teams even had to approve disqualifications or penalties. The new 2.4mR leader is Heiko Kröger GER - here the report and the ranking list. Only one point behind is Thierry Schmitter NED, while Helena Lucas GBR dropped on rank 3 after two penalty circles. Well positioned is also Damien Séguin FRA with the ranks 1/4/4, but for the moment, he counts a disqualification in his overall points Team of the day in the Skud-18 were Jen French/JP Creignou USA, winning both races and moving up to the two teams on top. Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS lead one point ahead of Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR. The report and the ranking list. After the disqualifications of Harrison/Harris/Churm AUS and Jourdren/Vimont-Vicary/Flageul FRA, Udo Hessels/Marcel Van de Veen/Mischa Rossen NED took the lead in the Sonars. Callahan/Brown/Johnson USA follow on rank 2, Colin Harrison AUS and his team are on rank 3 for the moment. Upon the discards this evening, the ranking list will see some changes. The Sonar-rankings and the report.
The event-website.

No surprises on the first day of the Paralympics in Weymouth, where - in moderate winds - favorites have taken the leads after two races in all classes. In the 2.4mR, Helena Lucas GBR leads ahead of Thierry Schmitter NED and Heiko Kröger GER. The co-favorite Damien Séguin FRA, ranks 1 and DSQ, follows on the 9th place of the 16 participants. As expected, there is a duel between Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR and Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS in the Skud-18. They share the lead with the day ranks 1 and 2 each. John McRoberts/Stacie Louttit CAN follow on the 3rd position. Harrison/Harris/Churm AUS are on top of the three-person-keelboats Sonar followed by Jens Kroker GER and Bruno Jourdren FRA with their teams on rank 2 with the same number of points. All results and the reports.

The Kiel Week was also the last event of the Paralympic Worldcup 2012 in the 2.4mR (one-person keelboat), the Skud-18 (two-person keelboat) and Sonar (three-person keelboat). The Worldcup winners are Helena Lucas GBR in the 2.4mR, Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR in the Skud-18 and Udo Hessels/Marcel Van de Veen/Mischa Rossen NED in the Sonars. No Swiss participating. The ISAF report.

The Paralympic one-person keelboat, the 2.4 mR, finished the competions with two more races, without Medal Race. Damien Séguin FRA was again the best of the day and finished clearly ahead of Thierry Schmitter NED and Heiko Kröger GER. 35 sailors from 13 nations participated. The rankings and the report.

Not only the Olympic 49ers, but also the Paralympic 2.4 mR were racing yesterday. Damien Séguin FRA extended his lead by one point with a 2nd-place finish. Thierry Schmitter NED follows four points behind on second. The winner of the day Hans Asklund SWE replaced Heiko Kröger GER from the 3rd position. Only the German Press Release informs on the updated top-6 rankings for the moment.

Finishing 2nd in the only race of the day, the World Champion Damien Séguin FRA slightly extended his lead in the 2.4mR. Thierry Schmitter NED follows 3 points behind, while the winner of the day's race Heiko Kröger GER is new on rank 3. The results and the daily report

The usual favorites occupy the top positions in the Paralympic one-person-keelboat, the 2.4 mR. Damien Séguin FRA leads after four races one point ahead of Thierry Schmitter NED, Hans Asklund SWE follows on rank 3. 35 sailors from 12 nations participate. The results.

The Paralympic 2.4 mR class sailed two races on day one of the Kiel Worldcup Event in moderate conditions, and the declared favorites are already in front. Damien Séguin FRA leads ahead of Thierry Schmitter NED and Paul Tingley CAN. The /8/]results and the event website.

The storm was building to its peak during the night and by Friday morning the wind had not abated calling an early end to the Paralympic Sail for Gold Worldcup regatta. Thierry Schmitter NED finished first in the 2.4 mR ahead of Helena Lucas GBR with the same number of points. Damien Séguin FRA is on the 3rd place. In the Skud-18, Alexandra Rickham/Nikki Birrell GBR are clearly in front of John McRoberts/Stacie Louttit CAN and Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS. The best Sonar team were John Robertson/Hannah Stodel/Steve Thomas GBR. The teams of Udo Hessels NED and Bruce Millar CAN completed the podium. The results, the daily report and the video of the day.

Too much wind for the three Paralympic Classes 2.4mR, Skud-18 and Sonar. Leaders after six races are Thierry Schmitter NED tied with Helena Lucas GBR in the 2.4mR, Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR in the Skud-18 and Robertson/Stodel/Thomas GBR in the Sonars. The results and the daily report.

Changes in the rankings also with the three Paralympic classes after the fresh breeze filling in yesterday and the discard result coming into effect. In the 2.4mR, Heiko Kröger GER and the Paralympic-Olympic Champion Paul Tingley CAN were the best of the day with the ranks 1 and 2 each. Overall, Thierry Schmitter NED remains on top at equal points with Helena Lucas GBR. Damien Seguin FRA follows on rank 3. Masterfully leading in the Skud-18 winning 5 of 6 races are Alexandra Rickham/Nikki Birrell GBR, and equally solid is the second rank of John McRoberts/Stacie Louttit CAN. The new leader in the Sonars is John Robertson GBR and his team, with Udo Hessels NED and Bruce Millar CAN following on the ranks 2 and 3. The ranking lists and the report.

The three Paralympic Classes 2.4mR, Skud 18 and Sonar are also part of the Sail-for-Gold event at Weymouth and have completed four races by class so far. In the 2.4mR, Thierry Schmitter NED is the clear leader ahead of the World Champion Damien Seguin FRA, winner of both races yesterday, who is on rank 2. The best Skud-18 sailors are Alexandra Rickham/Nikki Burrell GBR ahead of McRoberts/Louttit CAN and Fitzgibbon/Tesch AUS. In the Sonars, Udo Hessels NED and his team lead in front on Bruno Jourdren FRA and Aleksander Wang-Hansen NOR with the same number of points. The results and the report.

Some surprising changes on top of the rankings happened after the Medal Races of the Medemblik ISAF Worldcup Regatta 2012 yesterday. Owens/Flannigan IRL replaced in the 470 the long-leading Snow-Hansen/Saunders NZL having started prematurely. Bildstein/Hussl AUT took the Bronze Medal. Caleb Paine USA celebrated his first win in a Worldcup event. Björn Alansson SWE and Aleksey Selivanov RUS follow on the ranks 2 and 3. The dominating RS:X-windsurfer was Shahar Zubari ISR, leaving Louis-Benoít Hug FRA 20 points behind. Jean Le Coq FRA is third. In the RS:X-women surfers, Flavia Tartaglini ITA was the winner of the Medal Race and the overall rankings, ahead of Jessica Crisp AUS and Victoria Chan HKG. Bruno Jourdren/Nicolas Vimont-Vicary/Eric Flageul FRA are first in the Sonars, while Thierry Schmitter NED replaced Megan Pascoe GBR in the 2.4 mR. All ranking lists, the daily reports and the videos of the Medal Races.

Leader changes and some thrilling initial situations for today's Medal Races are the result of the races of Friday completed in a good 15 kn breeze. Snow-Hansen/Saunders NZL remain the leaders in the 470 with a 4 points' advantage on Ger/Flannigan IRL. The new leader in the Finns is Caleb Paine USA with Aleksej Selivanov RUS 3 points behind. No news with the RS:X windsurfers where Shahar Zubari ISR is the dominating athlete with 7 wins in 10 races taking the Israeli Olympic ticket with this outstanding performance. Zubari was the Olympic Bronze Medal winner at the 2008 Games in Qingdao. Omer Safer ISR and Louis-Benoit Hug FRA follow on the positions 2 and 3. In the female windsurfers, the duo Jannicke Stalstrom NOR and Victoria Chan HKG shares the lead. In the Paralympic 2.4 mR, two sailors on top have the same number of points: Thierry Schmitter NED and Megan Pascoe GBR. Third is Helena Lucas GBR three points behind. In the Sonars, Bruno Jourdren FRA is on the first place 4 points ahead of the day's best Colin Harrison AUS.The results, the reports and the video-interviews.

The Medemblik ISAF Worldcup continued yesterday with three races by class. Shahar Zubari ISR came back in strength and took the overall lead in the RS:X-Windsurfers with two race wins. Pierre Le Coq FRA is on rank 2. In the RS:X-women windsurfers, Victoria Chan HKG is on the first place ahead of Flavia Tartaglini ITA. On top of the 2.4mR Paralympics keelboats is Thierry Schmitter NED closely followed by Megan Pascoe GBR, and the best Sonar team after 5 races is Bruno Jourdren's FRA. All results, the reports and the video of the day.

Winning three races in a row, the World Champion Damien Séguin FRA was finally the clear winner in the 25 boats' 2.4mR fleet ahead of Helena Lucas GBR and Thierry Schmitter NED. In the Sonars, John Robertson GBR and his team are on top, ahead of Bruno Jourdren FRA. Best of the SKUD 18 were Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tresch AUS with four race wins in six races. Birrell/Rickham GBR are 2nd and Creignou/French USA 3rd. The report.

All three Paralympic classes could sail according to schedule in a 15-20 kn breeze after the windy start day, having reduced the program. In the Sonars, Bruno Jourdren FRA has taken the lead in front of Udo Hessels NED. New on top of the 2.4mR is Damien Séguin FRA followed by Bjornar Erikstad NOR and Helena Lucas GBR on the positions 2 and 3. 24 participants from 11 nations. Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birell GBR have taken the lead in the small Skud 18 fleet with two day wins. Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS follow on rank 2 with the same number of points. Jennifer French/Jean-Paul Creignou USA are 3rd. The daily report and the videos.

The Paralympic Worldcup races in the Bay of Hyères began yesterday in a fresh breeze around 25 kn increasing during the day. For the Sonars, scheduled for the afternoon, the wind exceeding 30 kn was too strong. Megan Pascoe GBR was the winner of the only 2.4mR race ahead of Helena Lucas GBR and the World Champion Damien Séguin FRA. In the Skud 18, Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tresch AUS were the winners in front of Alexandra Rickham/Niki Burell GBR and Jennifer French/Jean-Paul Creignou USA. The report and the videos.

Thierry Schmitter NED was not only the superior winner in the 2.4 mR Paralympic class with 7 wins in 10 races, but also the most dominant athlete of all classes, taking the Troféo Sofía home to the Netherlands. Helena Lucas GBR finished 2nd, Bjornat Erikstad NOR 3rd of the 2.4 mR. The results.

Thierry Schmitter NED continued his winning straight with two more race wins, and his overall victory is without doubt. Helena Lucas GBR and Barend Krol NED follow on the ranks 2 and 3. The results, the daily report and the video

Adding two more bullets, Thierry Schmitter NED extended his lead in the 2.4mR once more. His advance on Helena Lucas GBR on rank 2 is now 7 points behind, and another 7 points back, Barend Krol NED is on the 3rd place. The Paralympic Gold-Medalist Paul Tingley CAN is on position 8. The
results and the report of the day.

The only Paralympic class present in Palma are the 2.4mR, In absence of the World Champion Damien Séguin FRA, it is Thierry Schmitter NED on top after four races, one point ahead of Helena Lucas GBR. The ranking lists.

The first 2012 World Cup event in Europe will begin off Palma de Mallorca with the first races today, to be sailed in a very light breeze of up to 8 kn. All Olympic classes but the windsurfer (having just finished their Worlds) will be present. Top teams will start in all events. The official preview and the entry lists.

The Paralympic Classes terminated their MOCR Worldcup event with two races yesterday. As expected, the winner in the 2.4 mR is the World Champion Damien Séguin FRA 25 points in front of Paul Tingley CAN. Barend Kol NED moved up on rank 3. In the Skud-18, the podium is Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tresch AUS ahead of Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birell GBR and Jennifer French/Jean-Paul Creignou USA. Hessels/van den Veen/Rossen NED took the overall win in the Sonars with the day ranks 1 and 2, leaving the teams of John Robertson GBR and Aleksander Wang-Hansen NOR behind. The official report and the videos.

The three Paralympic classes have already completed the qualification races and will sail the Medal Races today. Damien Séguin FRA, with a 20 points' lead on the Paralympic Gold medalist Pau Tingley CAN, is already the winner in the 2.4mR at the MOCR. The fight will go on for rank 3, where Megan Pascoe GBR is only one point ahead of the tied trio Le Blanc USA, Kol NED and Finch USA. The victory in the Skud 18 will be decided between the tied Fitzgibbon/Tresch AUS and Rickham/Birell GBR. Udo Hessels NED and his team are the new leaders in the Sonars, but the chasers John Robertson GBR and Bruno Jourdren FRA are not far away. The daily report and the videos.

No changes on top of the three Paralympic Classes after yesterday's two races. Damien Séguin FRA clearly keeps the lead in the 2.4 mR. The new second - after the discard becoming effective - is Mark Le Blanc USA. In the Skud-18, Rickham/Birell GBR extended their lead on Fitzgibbon/Tresch AUS on 2 points. Bruno Jourdren FRA and his team kept his first place in the Sonars, despite of their weakest day so far. The daily report.

As in most of the ISAF World Cup events, the Paralympic Classes join the Olympic circuit, also in Miami, where the MOCR followed the Paralympics Worlds back-to-back. The World Champion in the 2.4 mR Damien Séguin FRA is on a clear leader position already, followed by Paul Tingley CAN and Megan Pascoe GBR with the same number of points. In the Skud 18 is a duel between Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birell GBR and Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tresch AUS going on, separated by one point only. Another French lead by Bruno Jourdren FRA stays in the Sonars, where Paul Callahan USA follows 4 points behind on rank 2. The dailry report.

The Olympic and Paralympic Wordcup event two racing starts today on Biscayne Bay with 521 competitors from 41 nations on the entrylist. A moderate easterly breeze around 15 kn has been forecast promising perfect conditions. The official preview.

No changes in the top positions after the final races yesterday. Damien Séguin FRA added another bullet taking the World Champion title with a big advance on Thierry Schmitter NED silver and Paul Tingley CAN bronze. On rank 4 follow with the same number of points Helena Lucas GBR and Heiko Kröger GER. Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birell GBR stayed on top of the Skud-18. To mention the improved performance of Jennifer French/Jean-Paul Creignou USA in the last races and winning the last heat, they took silver ahead of the tied Fitzgibbon/Tresch AUS. Alexander Wang-Hansen NOR and his team had the title in the Sonars secured already on Saturday, with Bruno Jourdren FRA finally with silver and John Robertson GBR bronze.
The final rankings and the reports and videos.

Two races by class were sailed yesterday on the penultimate day of the Paralympic Classes Worlds in a well established 3-4 bft breeze. The Sonar World Champions are already known, as Alexander Wang-Hansen/Marie Solberg/Per-Eugen Kristiansen NOR - with an 11 points lead - cannot be passed by the second-ranked John Robertson GBR and his team. Bruno Jourdren FRA and his team are 3rd, but four teams within 4 points fight for the Bronze medal . Damien Séguin FRA has a safe lead of 9 points on Thierry Schmitter NED, who - together with Paul Tingley CAN and another three points back Heiko Kröger GER will fight for the other medals. In the Skud-18, Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birell GBR are 4 points ahead of Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tresch AUS, and another point behind Jennifer French/Jean-Paul Creignou USA. All results, the video and the report.

Another light wind day witha 5-8 kn breeze allowed for a reduced program with two races only. Alexander Wang-Hansen NOR and his team were the dominators of the Sonars and clearly took the overall lead with two bullets. Bruno Jourdren FRA descended on rank 4. In the 2.4mR, Damien Séguin FRA extended his lead on Thierry Schmitter NED to 8 points. The best of the day was Helena Lucas finishing 1 and 2, climbing on the 4th position overall with the same number of points as Heiko Kröger GER as 5th. Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birell GBR extended their lead in the Skud-18 on 5 points. All results, the report and the video of the day.

Circling and unconstant winds made sailing difficult yesterday at the Paralympic Classes World Championship, and leader changes happened in all three fleets. Damien Séguin FRA is now on top of the 2.4mR, four points ahead of Thierry Schmitter NED. Paul Tingley CAN is now 3rd, Heiko Kröger GER 4th. John Robertson/Hannah Stodel/Steve Thomas GBR led in the Sonars two points in front of Alexander Wang-Hansen NOR and his team. Bruno Jourdren FRA follows on rank 3. Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birell GBR are now on top of the Skud-18. The results and the report with video.

As announced, the rain front brought a 15 kn breeze with 20 kn in the gusts, and the Paralympic classes sailed three races each yesterday. The new leader in the 2.4mR is Thierry Schmitter NED, day ranks 1, 2 and 3, with a 7 points lead on Heiko Kröger GER. Only one point behind the German is the Paralympic Champion Paul Tingley CAN. Racing for a medal is also Damien Séguin FRA on rank 4 after the discarded result. In the smallest fleet, the Skud 18 with only 8 boats, the leaders are Jennifer French/Jean-Paul Creignou USA one point ahead of Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR. Tightly packed are the leading teams in the Sonars with John Twomey IRL and his team tied on top together with Alexander Wang-Hansen NOR. Bruno Jourdren FRA folllows only one point behind. The results, the report and the .video of the day

The Paralympic Classes World Championship began yesterday in Florida in light winds, and only the One-Person Keelboat 2.4mR could sail two races on an inshore course. The Skuds and Sonars had their races postponed to today, when a passing bad weather front promises good sailing conditions. The Paralympic Champion Paul Tingley CAN took the lead with two race wins on day one, already 5 points ahead of Lasse Klötzing GER. Heiko Kröger GER follows as third, while one of the top favorites, Damien Séguin FRA, remains on the 13th position with the day ranks OCS and 2. The www.regattatech.com/scoring/action/showResultsRoster?clubCode=CHR&eventCode=IFDSWorlds12&divisionName=all]results[/url] and the report.

Tomorrow begin the World Championhips of the Paralympic classes 2.4mR (One-person keelboat), Skud-18 (2-person keelboat) and Sonars (3-person keelboat) in Florida. 42 yachts including all medalists from the last Paralympics participate. The event-website and a preview.

The first event of the 2012 ISAF Olympic Classes World Cup ended today with the Medal Races. The results in the different classes are: 470 men McNay/Biehl USA ahead of Belcher/Page AUS and Kivell/Ryan AUS. 470 women Rechichi/Stowell AUS ahead of Kondo/Tamata JPN and Clark/Lihan USA. 49ers Outteridge/Jensen AUS, RS:X-male windsurfers JP Tobin NZL closely followed by Dorian Van Rijsselberge NED, RS:X-female windsurfers Jessica Crisp AUS overtaking the leading Bryony Shaw GBR with a victory in the Medal Race. Finns Oleksiy Borisov UKR.
Please consult the next news item for the results of the Lasers. The keelboats did not compete in Melbourne. The complete result overview and the videos.

Racing goes on right now in rather light winds at the Sail Melbourne World Cup Event to complete the qualification phase by this evening Tomorrow, the Medal Races are on the program.
In the 470 men, McNay/Biehl USA are now on top three points ahead of Kivell/Ryan AUS and Belcher/Page AUS 5 points behind. In the 470 women, the lead of Elise Rechichi/Belinda Stowell AUS on Ai Kondo/Wakako Tabata JPN is now 8 points. The fight for the Bronze Medal will be between Amanda Clarke/Sarah Lihan USA and Kathrin Kadelbach/Friederike Belcher GER. The new first in the RS:X-men is JP Tobin NZL, while in the RS:X-women, Bryony Shaw GBR extended her lead. The clear favorites Outteridge/Jensen AUS only have a small advantage on Philipps/Philipps AUS and Burling/Tuke NZL in the 49ers. All results, the report of yesterday and the videos.

Today's racing is proceeding according to program, contrary to yesterday, when racing was cancelled in the afternoon due to too much wind. Here the first results of today: In the 49ers, Outteridge/Jensen AUS have joined Burling/Tuke NZL on top. A close-up on top also in the RS:X men windsurfers with Zach Plavsic CAN and JP Tobin NZL with the same number of points. In the RS:X women windsurfers, Bryony Shaw GBR is one point in front of Flavia Tartaglini ITA. Best of the day in the Lasers Radial was again Lijia Xu CHN (3/1), extending her lead on Tuula Tenkanen FIN to 7 points. Alison Young GBR follows on rank 3. The Lasers Standard sail now in a Gold- and Silverfleet with Ashley Brunning winning the first race, but Tom Slingsby AUS remains on top in the overall Laser rankings. The results overview and the event-website, a.o. with video-interviews by Tom Slingsby AUS and Nathan Outteridge AUS.

On day 3 of Sail Melbourne, the opening round of the ISAF Sailing World Cup, heavy winds brought a premature end to the day with gusts above 30 knots recorded on Port Phillip Bay. It was the complete opposite of Tuesday's conditions when light winds kept sailors ashore. The conditions today tested those crews that did go racing.
In the 470 men, Ryan/Palk AUS lost some of their advance on McNay/Biehl USA now only three points behind. Belcher/Page AUS as 3rd suffered a premature start. In the 470 women, the Olympic Champions Elise Rechichi (2008)/Belinda Stowell (2000) had their worst result so far and remain only one point ahead of Ai Kondo/Wakako Tabata JPN. Clark/Lihan USA, Kadelbach/Behrens GER und Maxwell/Kinsolving USA follow with the same number of points on rank 3. The results overview is continuously updated. In addition to the 470s, the RS:X windsurfer and Finns were racing. The video of the day and the official report. Read also the Sailworld report from down-under.

During the past week, the Open French Championship of the Mini JI ausgetragen, the French version of the 2.4mJI, has been sailed off Thonon on Lake Geneva. The 71 boats' fleet sailed 6 races with Guy Lassalle FRA winning ahead of Eychenne Gerard FRA and Eric Drye FRA. The results. In the disabled sailor rankings, Kevin Cantin FRA was first. The results.

No changes on top of the rankings of the 2.4 mR Worlds at Aalesund NOR during the last three races yesterday. Adding another bullet, Stellan Berlin SWE took the title prematurely ahead of Marko Dahlberg FIN and Rikard Bjurström FIN getting Silver and Bronze. As best of the day with the ranks 1, 2 and 7, John Ruf USA finished as best of the Paralympic circuit on rank 5 overall. The final rankings and the report.

Difficult racing yesterday in light winds and a strong current but nevertheless, three races were completed with Stellan Berlin SWE as man of the day with two victories. With 7 points' lead on Marko Dahlberg FIN, he is in the pole position for the title, but there are still 4 races left on the program for today. Burjström FIN 4 points behind Dahlberg is also on a good position for a medal. The Paralympic Goldmedallist Paul Tingley CAN is now 6th just ahead of the best-ranked woman Megan Pascoe GBR. John Ruf USA is down on rank 10 after a 17th in race 8. The results and the report of the day.

After a first day with very light winds, the breeze was back in Norway yesterday with 16-18 kn allowing to sail four races. The man of the day was Stellan Berlin SWE, taking the lead with three bullets, ahead of Marko Dahlberg FIN 8 points behind and Megan Pascoe GBR, first woman and best-ranked paralympic sailor on rank 4 in front of John Ruf USA 6th and Paul Tingley CAN 10th of the 57 participants. The results and the report of the day.

One race was finally sailed late in the afternoon in very light dying winds, so that the course had to be shortened. A big shift on the final leg brought Marko Dahlberg FIN on top. Ranks 2 and 3 went to John Ruf USA and Janne Laine FIN. Only 20 of the 58 participants finished this first race of the Worlds, as many, among them some of the favorits for the title such as the Paralympic Champion Paul Tinguely CAN, were of the opinion, that this race had been cancelled. The results and the report of the day.

The 2.4 mR World Championship with handicapped and non-handicapped skippers racing began yesterday at Aalesund NOR with the Practice Race. In a light breeze, Hans Ekhol SWE was the winner ahead of Hans Asklund SWE and Megan Pascoe GBR. The Paralympic-Gold-Medalist Paul Tinguely CAN finished 4th of the 58 participants from 9 nations. The results and the report.

The 41st ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships began at Zadar / Croatian Adriatic Coast yesterday in a light wind around 10 kn. The Laser Radial Boys sailed already 5 races and Giovanni Coccoluto ITA leads ahead of Maxime Masard FRA and Adam OzZ ISR. The Radial Girls sailed 4 races and Paulina Cuzbasowska CZE is on rank 1 in front of Tirill Boe NOR and Sandy Fauthoux FRA. The best in the 420-Boys after 3 races are Lahtinen/Rubenstain RSA followed by Van de Werken/Van de Werken NED and Galloway/Gough AUS. In the 420-Girls , the surprising leaders are Lara Vadlau/Frank AUT in front of Barnes/Barbuto ISV and Kiss/Lewis USA. Three races were sailed in both windsurfer fleets and the leaders are in the RS:X-Boys Wonwoo Cha KOR ahead of Louis Giard FRA and Pavel Tarnovsky POL. The best windsurfer girl is Veronica Vencilli ITA, clearly ahead of Ngan Siripurn THA and Audrey Young SIN. Lauie/Andrade BRA are the leaders in the mixed Sirena-catamarans and Robles/Trittel ESP in the mixed 29ers. All results and the event-website with reports, videos and photos.

A breeze exceeding 30 kn on the last day of the IFDS Paralympic World Championships on the Olympic courses in Weymouth GBR made racing on the last day impossible. Thursday evening results communicated yesterday become the official classifications. Thierry Schmitter NED and André Rademaker NED are on the ranks 1 and 2 in the 2.4 mR, Bronze goes to Helena Lucas GBR. In the Skuds 18, Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birell GBR had their title already on Wednesday in the pocket. Silver and Bronze goes to Jennifer French/Jean-Paul Greignou USA and Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS. In the Sonars, Cohen/Vexler/Efrati ISR are the Champions ahead of Robertson/Stodel/Thomas GBR and Wang-Hansen/Kristiansen/Solberg NOR. All ranking lists and the final report.

Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR are the World Champions in the Skud 18s, their third title in a row, on the penultimate day of the event already. Jennifer French/Jean-Paul Creignou USA and Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS will fight for Silver or Bronze today. In the other two Paralympic classes however, the situation is wide open. In the 2.4 mR, the fight for the title will be between the defending champion Thierry Schmitter NED and his training mate André Rademaker NED, and close battles will also be for Bronze as the 3rd (Helena Lucas GBR) and 8th (Heiko Kröger GER) are separated by 8 points only. In the Sonars, the first four teams have a chance to win a medal. At present, Cohen/Vexler/Efrati ISR are the leaders followed by Robertson/Stodel/Thomas GBR and the tied Wang-Hansen/Kristiansen/Solberg NOR and Jourdren/Flageul/Vimont FRA. All results and the report.

After a first half of the Championship with light winds, the Olympic venue 2012 showed another face yesterday with a breeze above 20 kn. With the day ranks 1 and 2, Thierry Schmitter NED is on a solid track to defend his title in the 2.4 mR, as his advantage on the second-ranked Helena Lucas GBR is now already 17 points with three races to go. Andre Rademaker NED follows on the 3rd place, and - with the day ranks 1 and 3 - there is Damien Séguin FRA strongly coming from behind now on rank 5 as another contender for a medal. No change in the Skud 18, where Rickham/Birell GBR maintain their lead in front of Fitzgibbon/Tesch AUS and French/Creignou USA. The day best of the Sonars Cohen/Vexler/Efrati ISR approached Jourdren/Flageul/Vimon FRA on 2 points, and Robertson/Stodel/Thomas GBR follow not far away. The situation remains exciting until the end. All rankings and the report of the day.

The US Paralympic-medalist John Ruf USA was the man of the day in the 2.4 mR finishing twice on rank 2 on a rainy day with inconstant winds. With this exploit, he is now on the 2nd place overall, only three points behind the leading defending champion Thierry Schmitter NED. The third Helena Lucas GBR has already a certain deficit. In the Skud 18, Rickham/Birell GBR continue their ride on top. Fitzgibbon/Tesch AUS and newly French/Creignou USA follow on the ranks 2 and 3. In the Sonars, Bruno Jourdren/Eric Flageul/Nicolas Vimont FRA, best of the day and discarding the worst result, are now on the first place. Robertson/Stodel/Thomas GBR and Doerr/Kendell/Freund USA follow leading a very crowded chaser group. The results and the report of the day.

Big changes on day two of the Paralympic Worlds in the 2.4 mR, where co-favorite Thierry Schmitter NED took the lead with two bullets after a flopped first day. Mark Leblanc USA, Megan Pascoe GBR and Helena Lucas GBR follow closely packed on the ranks 2-4. The 5th Lasse Kloetzing GER is already at some distance. In the Skud 18, Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birell GBR stay on top but with two race wins, Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS are getting close. Whitman/Dorsett USA follows on rank 3. The new leaders in the Sonars are Robertson/Stodel/Thomas GBR in front of Cohen/Vexler/Efrati ISR tied with Hessels/Van De Veen/Rossen NED. Bruno Jourdren FRA and his team dropped on position 10 after a disqualification. The daily report.

The joint IFDS World Championship of the three Paralympic classes began yesterday on the 2012 Olympic waters of Weymouth GBR in light winds. After a start postponement, two races by class were sailed. In the 2.4 mR, Helena Lucas GBR is on top with the day ranks 3 and 4, closely followed by Mark Leblanc USA and Megan Pascoe GBR. In the Skud 18, Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR are on the first place with two race wins, well ahead of Wei-Qiang Tan/Kok-Liang Lim SIN and McRoberts/Louttit CAN. In the Sonars, the leaders are Hessels/Van Den Veen/Rossen NED two points ahead of the tied three teams of Bruno Jourdren FRA, John Robertson GBR and Vasilis Christoforou GRE. The results and the report of the day.

Today, the three Paralympic Classes 2.4 m, Skud 18 and Sonar begin with their World Championships on the 2012 Olympic waters of Weymouth GBR . In addition to the Championship titles, the nation berths for the 2012 Paralympics are at stake. Yesterday's Practice Races were won by Niko Salomaa FIN (2.4m, 46 participants, 20 nations), by Tan/Lim CHN (Skud 18, 21 teams, 13 nations) and by Wang-Hansen/Kristiansen/Solberg NOR (23 teams, 20 nations). The official preview.

With a second rank on the last day, Megan Pascoe GBR replaced the local matador Heiko Kröger GER on top of the 2.4 m R, the only Paralympic Class present in Kiel. 8 races were sailed by 30 participants from 10 nations. The results.

Tomorrow Saturday, the Olympic and Paralympic classes will have the first starts at the 129th Keel Week. Many top sailors are on the entry list of the last Worldcup event 2011. However, France and England, two of the leading nations in Olympic sailing, will not participate at Kiel. The entry lists and the event-website. Tormorrow, the first races will be sailed in moderate winds, in the following days, the wind forecast announces a freshening-up Westerly breeze with up to 30 kn !

Yesterday was the final day of racing in the Paralympic classes – 2.4mR (9 races in total), Sonar (10 races) and SKUD-18 (8 races) – at the Skandia Sail for Gold, in Weymouth GBR in rather light winds. No change in the top three of the Sonars where the leader John Robertson GBR and his team is 3 points ahead of the tied teams of Udo Hessels NED 2nd and Bruno Joudren FRA 3rd. Despite of a brilliant win in the last race, Rick Doerr USA and his team remain on rank 5 behind the 4th Wang-Hansen NOR. No change on top the 2.4 m IJ, where Damien Séguin FRA defended his lead against the Andre Rademaker NED, winner of the last race, second, by one point. The former leader Thierry Schmitter NED came back as 3rd on the podium with an excellent 1 and 4 score last day, relegating the tied Paul Tingley CAN on rank 4. No change for the top three in the Skud 18, with Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS, Rickham/Birell GBR, Dunross/Cox AUS on the podium. All results and the report.

Less wind again - 15-18 kn - on day 4 of the Sail-for-Gold Regatta off Weymouth and all three Paralympic classes could sail three races yesterday. No change in the top three of the Sonars where the leader John Robertson GBR and his team have now a 5 points advantage on Udo Hessels NED, Bruno Joudren FRA is another 4 points behind on rank 3 tied with the 4th Aleksander Wang-Hansen NOR on rank 4. The 5th, Rick Doerr USA, is another 13 points back. In the 2.4 m IJ, Damien Séguin FRA is the new leader, followed by Paul Tingley CAN and Andre Rademaker NED on the 3rd place. The former leader Thierry Schmitter NED, with Z-flag 20% penalties in all three heats, is down on rank 4, followed on rank 5 by Mark LeBlanc USA. In the Skud 18, the three top teams Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS, Rickham/Birell GBR and Dunross/Cox AUS are on a safe way for the medals, as the 4th ranked Whitman/Scott USA are already 9 points behind. All results and the report.

In the three Paralympic classes, only the Sonars sailed yesterday at the Sail-for-Gold Regatta at Weymouth. The 25 kn plus breeze and the heavy chop were too strong for the Skuds and 2.4 m. In the Sonars, John Robertson GBR and his team leads after 5 races, followed by the teams of Udo Hessels NED and Bruno Joudren FRA. In the 2.4 m IJ with 4 races in the books, Thierry Schmitter NED leads tied with Damien Séguin FRA, followed by Andre Rademaker NED on the 3rd place. In the Skud 18 with only 3 races sailed, Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS are ahead of Rickham/Birell GBR and Dunross/Cox AUS. All results and the report

The three Paralympic classes sailed two races each at the Sail-for-Gold Regatta at Weymouth. In the Sonars, Colin Harrison AUS and Rick Doerr USA with their teams jointly lead the overall rankings with the day ranks 1 and 2. In the largest fleet, the 2.4 m IJ with 32 boats, Damien Séguin FRA has taken the command followed by Thierry Schmitter NED and Andre Rademaker NED. The best among 17 Skud 18 team are Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS ahead of the tied Dunross/Cox AUS and Rickham/Birell GBR. All results and the report.

The Swiss Team returns with a Silver- and Bronze-Medal from the Disabled Sailing European Championships on Lake Garda ITA. In a light 'Ora', one race was sailed on the last day, but the podium places remained unchanged. In the Paralympic Skud-18, Alex Hovden/Kate Mannings GBR were the winners. In the largest class with 12 teams, the Access 303-Two Persons boats, Joshua Rothenhäusler/Domnique Scheller SUI and Julian Müller/Fabio Rosa SUI took the Silver and Bronze medals behind the superior defending champions Pegan/Mircsev HUN. The final results and the report of the Swiss Team.

In a light 'Ora', one race was sailed on the last day of the Disabled European Championships on Lake Garda ITA, but the podium places remained unchanged. In the Paralympic Skud-18, Alex Hovden/Kate Mannings GBR were the winners. In the largest class with 12 teams, the Access 303-Two Persons boats, Joshua Rothenhäusler/Domnique Scheller SUI and Julian Müller/Fabio Rosa SUI took the Silver and Bronze medals behind the superior defending champions Pegan/Mircsev HUN. The final results and the report of the Swiss Team.

A decreasing Northerly in the morning and a moderate 'Ora' in the afternoon on Lake Garda for the Disabled-Europeans in a number of classes yesterday. In the Paralympic Skud 18, Alex Hovden/Kate Mannerings GBR remain on top, in the Access-Two-Persons, the largest fleet with 12 teams, a strong Swiss Team occupies the ranks 2-4 behind the defending Champions Zoltan Pegan/Eva Mircsev HUN. Joshua Rothenhäusler/Dominique Scheller are 2nd. Julian Müller/Fabio Rosa SUI realised a race win yesterday. The Ranglisten, der official report (Ital.) and the weblog of the Swiss Team.

A short race day yesterday as an upcoming thunderstorm forced the Race Committee to cancel further races after one heat sailed on Lake Garda. The event-website does not yet contain updated rankings but a report has been posted.

Yesterday was the first day of the Skud 18 and Access European Championships awarded in various categories. Two or three (Skud 18) races were sailed in a 1-2 bft breeze on Lake Garda. Leaders in the Paralympic Skud 18 class are Alex/Hovden GBR. 5 SUI-teams participate in the Access-303-Two-Person dinghy, and Joshua Rothenhäusler/Dominique Scheller SUI are on the excellent 2nd place. Julian Müller/Fabio Rosa SUI follow on rank 4 of the 12 teams. All results, the official website and the report of the Swiss Team.

Today at 11 a.m. CET, the start to the first Delta-Lloyd Regatta - the fifth event of the 2011 ISAF Olympic Classes Worldcup - will be given on the Ijssel-Meer. Except tomorrow Wednesday, the races will be held in a fresh westerly breeze, according to the wind forecasts. 600 athletes from 61 nations are present in all Olympic Classes plus the Paralympic 2.4 m singlehanded keelboats. Here the entry lists. The top cracks in all classes are present, such as Tom Slingsby AUS in the Lasers, Percy/Simpson GBR in the Starboats or Belcher/Page AUS in the 470s. The only Swiss names on the starting lists are Olivier and Adrien Gremaud SUI in the 470 men and Christoph Bottoni SUI in the Lasers Standard. The official preview.

The three Paralympic classes sailed on race each in the tricky, light afternoon breeze, with no changes at all when it comes to the results. Damien Séguin FRA added another win to his score line in the 2.4 m R single-handed keelboat, as did Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR in the Skuds and Bruno Jourdren FRA with his team in the Sonars.

Two more races yesterday for the Paralympic classes in a moderate shifty breeze. In the 2.4 m R single-handed keelboat, Damien Séguin FRA added a 1st and a 2nd place to his account and remains the undisputed leader. Unchanged also the top position in the Skuds, where Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR added two more wins, and also with the Sonars, where Bruno Jourdren FRA and his team, ranks 1/4 yesterday, clearly remain on the 1st place.

A windy day also for the Paralympics classes who completed two races each. In the sof.ffvoile.net/results/24mr.htm]2.4 m R[/url] single-handed keelboat, Damien Séguin FRA is the leader with two race wins. In the Skuds, Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR, also with two bullets, are the clear leaders. Bruno Jourdren FRA and his team dominated the Sonars also with two first ranks in yesterday's races.

Two races were sailed on the last day of the Paralympic 2.4 m keelboats, ending the 2011 Palma Wolrd Cup event as first. Finishing again with the ranks 1 and 2, Thierry Schmitter NED , having lead the fleet since the first race, made everything clear to win ahead of Heiko Kröger GER and Megan Pascoe GBR completing the podium. The final rankings, the video of the day and the daily report.

Both with 1/2 race ranks yesterday, Thierry Schmitter NED and Heiko Kröger GER consolidated their top positions yesterday. The two will fight for the title today with Schmitter leading with 4 points. The results and the daily report.

Heiko Kröger GER as best of the day with the ranks 3 and 1 advanced to the 2nd place behind Thierry Schmitter NED 4 points ahead. Megan Pascoe improved of the 3rd position. The rankings and the report of the day.

Both with a 1/3 record yesterday, Thierry Schmitter NED and Barend Kol NED have moved to top of the 2.4m Paralympic keelboat. While Schmitter is in command with a 5 points lead, Kol NED on rank two is tied with Heiko Kröger GER, while Megan Pascoe GBR is now another point behind. The daily report.

With gusts over 30 kn, the Troféo Princesa Sofía began in a much stronger wind than predicted. No problem for the big-breeze specialist taking clear control over their opponents in most of the fleets. Giles Scott GBR is on rank 1 with the Finns with two bullets (in his group) leading ahead of Tapio Nirkko FIN and Pieter-Jan Postma NED. The Olympic Champion Ben Ainslie GBR is on position 7 after two 9th race ranks. In the RS:X-men, Dorian Van Rijsselberge NED booked also two race wins with Nick Dempsey GBR and Toni Wilhelm GER on the 2nd and 3rd places. Fletcher/Sign GBR in the 49ers were also 1/1 dominators in front of Heil/Plössel GER and Draper Greenalgh GBR. No surprise that Tom Slingsby AUS as double winner in his Laser group is on position one overall, followed by Simon Grotelüschen GER (2/3) und Wannes Van Laer BEL (5/1). And there were more English domintors with Percy/Simpson GBR (1/1) in the Starboats ahead of Kusznierwicz/Zycki POL and Scheidt/Prada BRA. Two bullets also for Evi Van Acker BEL in the Lasers Radial with Annalise Murphy IRL and Marit Bouwmeester NED on the positions 2 and 3. A surprise however on top of the 470 men, where the two newcomers Snow-Hansen/Saunders NZL, both age 20, took two race wins ahead of the experienced Rogers/Grube GBR and Asher/Willis GBR. And last but not least, also Ai Kondo/Wakako Tabata JPN booked two victories in the 470 women, followed by Cohen/Clark ISR and Clark/Hughes GBR. The veteran Alessandra Sensini ITA leads in the RS:X-women with the ranks 1/2. In Women's Matchracing, all 24 teams sailed 3 or 4 flights in three groups. 8 teams, mostly favorites, remain without loss. See the results overview and the daily review. The breeze from the shore will continue today but less strong, according to the wind forecast.

The 2.4 m IJ Paralympic class fleet went afloat as first yesterday even before the stormy winds declined during the afternoon. Thierry Schmitter NED with two bullets is the clear leader ahead of Heiko Kröger GER and Megan Pascoe GBR. 10 boats from 6 nations sailing. The results and the report of the day.

Today is begins the first 2011 World Cup event in Europe on the island of Mallorca with a record partictipation from 53 nations. Practically all of the worlds best sailors are on the entry lists, except the Croatian Finns and Lasers. Switzerland is represented in the 470 Open by Bühler/Brügger, Brauchli/Hausser, Gremaud/Gremaud and in the 470 women by Hasler/Hasler. In the Lasers Standard, Guillaume Girod, Lauri Kalkkinen SUI and Christian Steiger SUI will participate. In the Lasers Radial, Nathalie Brugger SUI, Manon Luther SUI and Erika Frederiksson SUI are on the starting line. For once, there are three Swiss Finn joining a World Cup event, i.e. Thomas Gautschi, Christoph Christen and Silvan Hofer, and three Starboats are also present with Marazzi/De Maria, Chatagny Ducommun and Niklaus/Pulfer). Two members of the National Team are not on the entry lists, i.e. Christoph Bottoni SUI (Laser Standard) and Richard Stauffacher SUI (RS:X-Windsurfer). After a sunny training clinic with the well-known local thermal breeze, the weather is about to change today with a North-Easterly wind from the inland. Racing starts at 10 a.m. (Match Race women), respectively 11 a.m. and can be followed live on the Internet. The official preview.

Today is begins the first 2011 World Cup event in Europe on the island of Mallorca with a record partictipation from 53 nations. Practically all of the worlds best sailors are on the entry lists, except the Croatian Finns and Lasers. After a sunny training period on the waters of the Bay of Palma with the well-known local thermal breeze, the weather is about to change today with a North-Easterly wind from the inland. Racing starts at 9 a.m. GMT (Match Race women), respectively 10 a.m. GMT and can be followed live on the Internet. The official preview.

Vicky Sheen/Nick Donnini/Dennis Manning GBR defeated Russell Lowry/Tom Donaghy/Paulien Eitjes NZL 3-1 in the final of the Blind Match Racing Worlds, getting the title. Luigi Bertanza ITA won the bronze medal in the petite final against Craig Gordon AUS with 3-0 victories. The report.

No changes after the Medal Races of the Athens Eurolymp Week. The winners are Ioannis Mitakis GRE (Finn), Mantis/Kagialis GRE (470), Vagelis Cheimonas GRE (Laser Standard), Anna Agrafioti GRE (Laser Radial), Papathanassiou/Dragoutsis GRE (Star), Byron Kokkalanis GRE (RS:X-Men), Ageliki Skarlatou GRE (RS:X-Women) and Georgios Delikouras GRE (2.4m. Stratis Andreadis sailing for Switzerland, is on rank 29 of the Lasers. The event-website.

The winners of the semi-finals of the Blind Match Racing World Championship 2011, sailed in light winds, were Vicky Sheen GBR (2-0 against Craig Gordon AUS) and Russell Lowry NZL (2-1 against Luigi Bertanza ITA). In both matchs, numerous penalties were imposed. The report.

Vicky Sheen GBR, Russell Lowry NZL, Luigi Bertanza ITA and Craig Gordon AUS qualified yesterday for today's semi finals of the Blind Match Racing Worlds in Perth AUS. The report.

The final matches of round robin 1 were completed along with 10 matches in the second round in a moderate, but persistently shifting breeze under sunny skies at the IFDS Blind Match Racing Championship in Perth. Vicki Sheen (GBR) maintains her lead in the event with eight wins from nine matches. Her loss to Russell Lowry (NZL) today is the only mark on her otherwise perfect score card. Luigi Bertanza (ITA) and Lowry are the two skippers pushing Sheen. Bertanza has six wins from eight matches, while Lowry has seven from 10. A report in boatingOZ.

Yesterday began the Blind Match Racing World Championship 2011 on the Swan River in the center of Perth in a 15 kn breeze. Sound signals on the yachts and marks indicate the correct direction and the position of the opponent. Up to now, five matches of Round Robin 1 have been sailed. With four wins each, Vicky Sheen GBR (4-0), Luigi Bertanza ITA (4-1) and Russel Lowry NZL (4-2) are currently on the ranks 1 to 3. The report.

Sail To Prevail, a national disabled sailing program, held its 1st Annual Paralympic Regatta and Clinic from February 23-27. Thirty Paralympic aspirants completed in ten races in Sonar and 2.4 Metre Classes. Although the fleet was unable to race on Sunday due to lack of wind, the ten races on Friday and Saturday was plenty to satisfy the highly competitive sailors from the USA and Canada. In the Sonar Class, Rick Doerr (Clifton, NJ) took top honors with 18 points, followed closely by Paul Callahan (Newport, RI / Cape Coral, FL) with 21 points and Bert Foster (Wazato, MN) with 22 points. In the 2.4 Metre Class, Sandy Hayes (Scituate, MA) finished first with 7 points, with Dennis Peck (Port Charlotte, FL) and Daniel Evans (White Plains, MD) finishing second and third with 15 and 21 points. See full results.

Yesterday was the final day of the Paralympic Classes World Cup event. Winner in the 2.4m one-person keelboat is Damien Séguin FRA. Thanks to two race wins on the last day, Thierry Schmitter NED climbed on rank 2. Bronze goes to Allan Leibel CAN. With six wins in nine races, Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS are the clear winners in the Skud 18 ahead of Scott Whitman/Julia Dorsett USA and Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birell GBR. In the Sonars, victory goes to John Robertson/Hannah Stodel/Steve Thomas GBR in front of Jourdren/Flageul/Vimont FRA and Udo Hessels NED and his team. The official daily report.

In addition to the Olympic classes, the three Paralympic classes 2.4m, SKUD 18 and Sonar are also racing on Biscayne Bay. In the 2.4m class, the largest one with 28 boats, Damien Séguin FRA and Allen Leibel CAN are tied on top after 4 races. Thierry Schmitter NED follows one point behind on rank 3. The top boats are also very close in the SKUD 18 (7 Teams). Daniel Fitzgibbon/Liesl Tesch AUS lead one point ahead of Jennifer French/Jean-Paul Creignou USA. In the 3-person-keelboat Sonar, John Robertson/Hannah Stodel/Steve Thomas GBR are first after 5 races followed by Forster/Burdett/Hersey USA. The report.

Good sailing conditions with a 12-15 kn breeze on day one of the Miami Olympic Classes Regatta (MOCR), second event of the ISAF 2011 World Cup, on the Biscayne Bay, where all classes sailed two races according to the program. Switzerland is represented in the classes Star and Laser.
The best Starboat, ranks 1 and 2, is Scheidt/Prada BRA, in front of the tied Lööf/Salminen SWE and Mendelblatt/Fatih USA second. The two Swiss Star teams Chatagny/Ducommun SUI 43rd and Niklaus/Pulfer SUI 48th had some difficulties in their first World Cup regatta.
The Laser fleets sailed on courses close to the shore and the heats were therefore tactically quite challenging. Nevertheless, there are no surprises when it comes to the rankings with Clay Johnson USA and the Olympic Champion Paul Goodison GBR, both with a 1 and 2 ranking, jointly leading in the Lasers Standard, followed by Julio Alsogaray ARG and Ivan Taritas CRO on rank 3. Guillaume Girod SUI, ranks 30 and OCS, follows on the 86th position of the 102 participants. Favorites leading also in the Lasers Radial with Evi Van Acker BEL closely followed by Marit Bouwmeester NED and Nathalie Brugger SUI. Erika Fredrikson SUI is 31st of 59 participants. The official report and all results.

Good sailing conditions with a 12-15 kn breeze on day one of the Miami Olympic Classes Regatta (MOCR), second event of the ISAF 2011 World Cup, on the Biscayne Bay, where all classes sailed two races according to the program. In the 470 men, the favorites are on top with Asher/Willis GBR ahead of Patience/Bithell GBR and Fantela/Marencic CRO. In the 470 women, Petitjean/Douroux FRA and Lecointre/Geron FRA are already at some distance from the rest of the fleet. In the Finns too, the helmsmen on the first places are well known with Giles Scott GBR, Zach Railey USA and Ben Ainslie GBR. Brits rule also in the 49ers with ranks 1 to 3. The best Starboat, ranks 1 and 2, is Scheidt/Prada BRA, in front of the tied Lööf/Salminen SWE and Mendelblatt/Fatih USA second. Nick Dempsey GBR is on top of the RS:X-men whereas .Marina Alabau ESP leads the RS:X-women. The women's matchrace is still in an early phase of the Round Robin with no surprises so far. All results and the report.

The breeze filled in more and more this Friday and racing was abandoned when gusts of over 40 kn rushed over the Bay. The Finns completed their qualifications with Ben Ainslie GBR on top for tomorrow's Medal Race. Giles Scott GBR and Ed Wright GBR complete the English ‚podium' of the qualifiers. Jonathan Lobert FRA folllows on rank 4. Only one race was completed by the 470s, where the lead in the men's class has changed to Schmid/Reichstätter AUT one point ahead of the previous leaders McNay/Biehl USA. In the women's, Vogl/Flatscher AUT are two points ahead of Kadelbach/Belcher GER. Also the progam of the 49ers was reduced to one heat, with Burling/Tuke NZL replacing Delle-Karth/Resch AUT on top. Storck/Moore USA follow on the 3rd place. All other results and the event-website.

After the unplanned lay day due to gale force winds yesterday, Sail Melbourne continuous today with a light to moderate breeze around 10 kn. The development classes (see results) and the 470s have already competed their program of this Thursday. In the 470 men, Mc Nay/Biehl USA have taken the lead, tied with Schmid/Reichstädter AUT, and closely followed by Kivell/Ryan AUS and Belcher/Page AUS. Remaining on top in the 470 women are Vogl/Flatscher AUT ahead of Kadelbach/Belcher GER advancing on rank 2 with the discard coming into effect. The 49ers – leaders Delle-Karth/Resch AUT – and the RS:X-windsurfers have only completed one race today. HoLeung HKG in the RS:X men and Zhu Hualz CHN in the RS:X women remain on top up to now. All other results will continuously be published during this morning and the race-blog informs live about the action up front.

Gale force winds and rain forced the organisers today to cancel racing for all classes on day 3 of Sail Melbourne. This allows us to present the intermediate results after protests. In the Finns, Zach Railey USA took the lead followed by Thomas Le Breton FRA and Ed Wright GBR. The 470 men sailed 4 races already and with Belcher/Page AUS, the favorite is in the lead followed by McNay/Biehl and Schmid/Reichstädter AUT. Austrians are on top in the 470 women with Vogl/Flatscher AUT and - surprisingly - in the 49ers with Delle-Karth/Resch AUT. The two windsurf events however are dominated by China and Hongkong: Ho Tsum Leung HKG in the men's class and Zhu Hualz CHN in the women's class. All other results and the daily report.

After a difficult day with only one delayed race at least for some of the classes, the 425 participants are on the water today in a lovely up to 15 kn breeze. The Lasers Radial already completed their program with 3 races, and Zhang Dong Shuang CHN is the clear leader ahead of Marit Bouwmeester NED, Sara Winter NZL and Nathalie Brugger SUI. The 470s too have finished their Tuesday races. In the 470 men, Belcher/Page AUS are first followed by McNay/Biehl USA and Schmid/Reichstädter AUT. In the small 470 women fleet, Vogl/Flatscher AUT lead in front of Wagner/Steinherr GER GER. The leaders in the good-quality 49ers fleet are Delle-Karth/Resch AUT, on top after 5 races followed by Burling/Tuke NZL, Storck/Moore USA and Outteridge/Jensen AUS. The Finns begin todays' races in the afternoon only. Yesterday, Giles Scott GBR was the winner in the only race followed by Zach Railey USA and Ben Ainslie GBR. The Lasers Standard sailed two heats in two groups with Tom Burton AUS leading ahead of Nick Thompson GBR. The results will be continuously updated during this morning, and the race-blog informs real-time on the happenings on the race courses. The event-website.

The missing wind caused a delay in the start of the first races at the Sail Melbourne Regatta, the first event of the 2011 ISAF World Cup Series. In the meantime, most of the classes are afloat, and the Paralympic 2.4 m have finished their first heat with Peter Russell AUS winning in this all-Australian fleet.In the coming hours, more results will be pouring in. The Race Blog informs continuously about the situation in the Bay of Melbourne. The report.

The Olympic and Paralympic classes begin the World Cup 2011 season - the important pre-olympic season - tomorrow in Melbourne. In addition, the development classes 420, 29er, Optimist and Laser 4.7 are in the program. The strongest fleets are the Lasers Standard and Radial, but also the 470s and 49ers are well represented, including a number of non-Ozs among others from Germany (49er, 470 m+w, Laser), Austria (470m+w, 49er, Laser). France (Finn), the US (MacNay/Biehl 470 men and Zach Railey Finn) and Switzerland (Christophe Bottoni and Guillaume Girod Lasers Standard and Nathalie Brugger, Manon Luther and Erika Frederikson Lasers Radial). The entry lists and the event-website.

The latest edition of the International Federation for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) Bulletin contains reports on past regattas as well as the invitiation to the Annual Meeting, including an interims status regarding the evaluation of a new Paralympic boat class.

Paul Tingley, CAN the Paralympic Gold medalist of 2008 added a 2.4 mR World Championship to his trophy collection. Standing in second prior to the final day of racing at the 2010 Worlds in Hoorn NED, Tingley did a masterful job in controlling his most dangerous competitor Stellan Berlin SWE who finished second in the last heat with Tingley fourth, which was just about enough to secure the title with a slim two-point margin. It was a dramatic turnaround because after 10 races the frontrunner was Friday's leader Hans Asklund SWE who had finished third to Berlin's 25th and Tingley's 14th. But Asklund added an 18th in the last heat, which he could not discard. In fourth, Bruce Millar CAN, who also sailed a consistent series, followed by Helena Lucas GBR. Several favorites, including Heiko Kroeger GER (6th), Thierry Schmitter NED (12th) and defending champion John Ruf USA (48th) had trouble with the difficult conditions with chop, light air and poor visibility through most of the week. The final results and the Canadian report.

Difficult conditions with poor visibility and wind in the 5 to 9-knot range prevailed again yesterday at the 2.4 mR Worlds in Hoorn NED. Posting a 1-3 Hans Asklund SWE toppled Friday's leader Paul Tingley CAN who finished 4-14 and now is one point behind in second overall. Back in the top three is Stellan Berlin SWE who continues to sail brilliantly with the odd double-digit finish strewn in. In fourth now is Bruce Millar CAN. These sailors are expected to fight the Battle Royal for the medals today in conditions that should bring a bit more breeze, finally. The event site.

Light wind and poor visibility due to haze marked a difficult first day at the 2.4 mR World Championship in Hoorn NED. Three races were held and points quickly accumulated for most sailors as only two managed to put three single-digit finishes on their scorecard. The Swedes, it is safe to say, blitzed the 85-boat fleet with three sailors in the Top 5, but the two Canadians are not far off the pace. Stellan Berlin SWE (18 pts.) is in the lead, but tied with Paralympic Gold medalist Paul Tingley CAN. In third Helena Lucas GBR (19) followed by Lennart Heselius and Hans Asklund SWE. Bruce Millar CAN is in 7th, one spot ahead of event favorite Thierry Schmitter NED. Defending champion John Ruf USA had a mediocre start, but improved with each race, scoring 42-25-10 for 18th overall. See all the standings. Disappointing press work by the Dutch: No report was posted from the opening day of a world championship in a Paralympic class, so chek the event Web site.

Currently 86 entries from 16 nations are registered for the 2.4 mR World Championship in Hoorn NED that will start today on the Ijselmeer. The Paralympic One-Person-Keelboat, also known as 'mini-twelve', is sailed by handicapped and non-handicapped sailors, but normally, the professionally prepared Paralympic athletes such as 2008 Paralympic Gold-Medalist Paul Tingley CAN or the Dutch with Thierry Schmitter NED are the favorites. The formidable opposition includes also Heiko Kroeger GER, Barend Krol NED and Andre Rademaker NED, as well as the ladies from UK, Helena Lucas and Megan Pascoe. Not entered at this point is Damien Seguin FRA, the 2004 Olympic champion and one of this year's dominant sailors at the ISAF World Cup in the 2.4 mR, but with Sonar-Paralympic-Medalist Bruno Jourdren FRA, the Equipe de France is well represented. The event website.