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Although the Europes are sailing, and practice races were scheduled for both the Yngling and Star classes, all the crews made decisions not to race.

It is planned to get as much championship racing as conditions allow today, and with Olympic qualification and World Champions to be decided, all the athletes are ready for action in what are physically demanding, mentally tough conditions. Group A have had their first start, and they are in sequence for the second group, group B.

This evening in the Royal Plaza del Toros in Puerto de Santa Maria, the official opening ceremony of the 2003 ISAF World Championship will take place.

12,000 athletes, officials, volunteers, members of the sailing and local communities will be treated to a spectacular show of Andalusian and Spanish tradition, lights, sound and Music.

After a few parachutists drop into the bullring wearing the championship and Spanish flags, there will be a parade of the 70 nations competing here in the Bay of Cadiz, official speeches and the official opening of the championship. The audience will then be introduced to the championship mascot, Marino, and treated to the championship hymn.

The Royal Andalusian Equestrian School will perform "The Dancing Horses of Andalusia", an authentic equestrian ballet from the "Doma Classica" and "Cowboy" Genres, featuring Spanish music and dress from the 18th Century.

We will bring you the latest news from the championship, as it happens here in Cadiz.