Col off to a good start

A report from day one of the Melges 24's SNIM regatta in Marseille

The SNIM Regatta in Marseille is the opening event of the Melges 24 European Ranking and this year 63 boats from nine European nations are racing in this four day regatta off the French Mediterranean coast.

The quality of the Melges 24 fleet at this event is always exceptional and attracts the top teams to race in Marseille's perfect conditions. Sebastien Col aboard Partner & Partners, one of the favorites for this SNIM 2004, is a French match racing champion and a member of the Le Defi Areva, French America's Cup challenge. Col opened the regatta at full speed, winning both of the two races of the first day.

"Such a racing day is pure happiness!" commented Col after racing. "We enjoy it immensely - we race, it's beautiful weather, it is just the SNIM! I have a very full season, within the team Partner & Partners, focusing on match racing, sailing on the Foncia trimaran and I hope to be in a team the next America's Cup! And of course, in addition, the Melges 24!"

Among the favorites, Flavio Flavini aboard Blu Moon performed well in the first race where he finished secodnd, but his boat then suffered gear failure in the second race and did not finish. This second race started under a black flag after a first general recall. Several crews were disqualified as a result. Several incidents occurred affecting either boats or sails, but all will be repaired ready to race Saturday morning at 11.00 am.

Provisional Results (subject to protest)
1 Sebastian Col/Philippe Ligot - Partner & Partners
2 Jerome Vaudelet - Minnie the Mooncher
3 Andrea Racchelli - Altea
4 Bruno Jourdren - Daucy
5 Remy Arnaud - Nantes St Nazaire