Canned on day one

The first day of the 49er European Championships saw big winds and waves

Wind of over 25 knots and huge waves today in the bay of Palma have brought the cancellation of the first day of the 49er European Championship at Club Nàutic S’Arenal.

“The wind is not the problem; the waves are the main concern. They are over two metres high and are very dangerous for the 49ers because they can cause broken masts and other structural damages”, explained Ferran Muniesa, sports manager of Club Nàutic S’Arenal, minutes after displaying the cancellation flag.

The same storm is forecast for tomorrow, with north westerly winds of 25 to 30 knots. The wind could decrease from 16:00 hours but the waves are expected to remain. In any case, three races are scheduled with the first start at 12 hours.

With all the equipment ready for the start of the event, some will take the opportunity to rest this afternoon, specially after their participation at the Trofeo S.A.R. Princesa Sofia Mapfre last week, while others will practice sport. The competitors participating in the regatta are top level athletes and most of them will represent their nation at the Beijing Olympics.

“In fact for two nations, specifically France and Austria, the European Championship– Madrid 2016 is the last selection event to chose the Olympic team” pointed out Marcus Spillane, 49er class CEO, today. “Besides [he added] it is the last official event for the class before the 2008 Beijing Games, so there is a very high level od competition.”

Nations such as Spain, Great Britain and Australia have finished their selections. The Olympic representatives are on the list of favourites to win the European championship – Madrid 2016 title. The Spanish team formed by Iker Martínez and Xabi Fernández (Gold in Athens 2004 and 2007 European champions), British team Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes (2007 World champions) and Australian crew Nathan Outteridge and Ben Austin (current World champions) are the focus of attention in Club Nàutic S’Arenal. An exciting battle will also be fought by others such as the Italian Sibello brothers, the leaders of the class' world sailing ranking list.

The 49er European Championship is sponsored by Fundación Madrid 2016, the regional ministries of Tourism, Sports and Youth of the Govern de les Illes Balears and Llucmajor city council. Firms Engel & Völkers and Cadillac are collaborators and Seiko is the class sponsor.