Germany early favourite

Jesse Falsone reports from the International 505 Pre-Worlds in Warnemünde, Germany

The German team of Christian Kellner and Klaus Stammerjohann have won the International 505 Pre-World Championship in Warnemünde, Germany. The duo posted a 2,2,3 in the first three races, and opted to sit out the final heat.

Former College Sailor of the Year (USA), Mark Ivey, with Aussie crew, Shane Illidge, were very impressive in the light to moderate air series, posting a 3,3,7,2. Had they won the final race, Ivey and Illidge could have won the regatta, but the last heat was won handily by the young German team of Jens Findel and Johannes Tellen, who moved into third overall by winning a tie-breaker with Mike Martin and Jesse Falsone (USA).

Former world champions, Howard Hamlin and Cam Lewis, were 5th in the series. Hamlin, now sailing in his 25th 505 world championship, has proven that he's still a force to be reckoned with on the race course.

About 100 boats competed in the Pre-World Championship, so another 70-80 boats will be sailing during the World Championship. Without question, Warnemünde Segel Club will have its hands full managing that many boats on the course, especially if conditions get windy. Thus far, the regatta staff have learned some valuable lessons in the smaller fleet, and seem confident that they can optimise their procedures for this huge turnout.

Today is measurement day in Warnemünde, and with 175 boats, the process is being managed with strict control by the regatta staff and chief measurer. The Opening Ceremonies are tonight, and the first two races of the championship are scheduled for tomorrow.