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23 April 2005, 09:33 am

Strong Winds Trouble Competitors

Santarelli Trophy - Joker Regatta 2005

Riva Del Garda, Italy

Competitors were on the water for two races yesterday at the beginning of the Joker Regatta for the Santarelli Trophy. Racing concludes on the Riva del Garda, Italy, tomorrow.

With strong winds of 15-16 knots the first starting signal sounded at 1300 hours local time. All boats were on the water, but soon two crews had to leave the race course, because of some difficulties. In the second race, another six boats failed to finish, with the strong wind causing crashes and inflicting damage, including one dismasting.

After one day of racing, skipper Olivier CHABLAIS (SUI) leads followed by Hubert FRENZER (GER) and Alain ARCHAND (SUI). In third is Klaus WENDE (GER) and his crew.

There are no Italian crews this year competing for the trophy, so the battle is being fought between Swiss and German teams.

Today and Sunday more races are planned, with the crews hoping the difficulties caused by the wind are well behind them.

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