Inmarsat Hedgehog looking strong

Crewman Chris McLaughlin reports on the practice race for the J/24 Worlds

Race officer, Peter Reggio had his work cut out as the 78 strong fleet tested out his line for the practice race at the J24 World Championship on Sunday.

The event at Cannigione, Sardinia, has attracted entries from 18 countries including the current World Champion, Mauricio Santa Cruz from Brazil.

After two general recalls and a Black. Flag, the bulk of the fleet took the race officer at his word when he warned by VHF that another premature mass start would result in abandonment for the day. The fleet lined up and was led over by United 5 of Germany and World Champion, Santa Cruz.

But starting to leeward and behind, it was Ian Southworth sailing Inmarsat Hedgehog, who led the race to the weather mark, followed by Canada's Rossi Milev, sailing class Chairman, Bob Turner's boat Headcase second and Santa Cruz in Bruschetta third.

In a repeat of their Italian Nationals performance, Hedgehog led on every course leg. Only when two thirds of the way up did the fleet realise the race officer had recalled the fleet via a last minute postponement flag.

Commented Ian Southworth: "Conditions were great and and although we saw the AP, most of the top competitors were around us, so we just kept going".

After a run and two beats Hedgehog had extended her lead over the main fleet and as the Race committee lifted the old windward mark in front of him, he bore away, hoisted spinnaker and led the sinners home toward the bar.

Much lighter wind is foecast tomorrow and Tuesday when the World Championship starts in earnest.