The Official
Website of the
International
Sailing Federation

However, what was fantastic for Pont was a nightmare for other athletes in the European Championship, now entering the halfway stage of competition in Sopot, Poland. As time went on in the morning the breeze progressively increased to around 35-40 knots, as this happened the Race Committee decided to postpone racing for the junior sailors.

Julien BONTEMPS (FRA), who's one goal it is this week to win the European Championship, commented on the big wind after his second and third place finishes kept him firmly in the running for the continental title. "Sailing here is very difficult because of this offshore wind, it is necessary to keep everything under control and not to take many risks".

With his two good results yesterday, Bontemps leads the overall standings, but the results of the day go to local sailor and renowned big breeze sailor Pont MIARCZYNSKI, who scored two bullets. Another sailor who clearly likes the breeze is German athlete Toni WILHELM, he emulated Bontemps' scores and as a result has lifted himself from 16 overall to lie sixth overnight last night.

Some of the girls seemed to struggle in the epic battle against gale force offshore winds and first race winner, young Spanishsailor Blanca MANCHON summed up what it was like out there. "I was close to giving up!" It might have been what she felt but the 17 year old is currently sailing beyond her maturity and leading the event.

Lise VIDAL (FRA) had a good day at the office, scoring a consistent third and fourth place finishes, but it was Australian Alison SHREEVE who won the last race of the day in fantastic style.

Full results are available on the event website at the address below.