| ROTA, BAY OF CADIZ, SPAIN-(17-9-2003) Today, 470 sailors had their first opportunity to experience the circumstances during racing on the Bay of Cadiz. A practice race took place as final preparation prior to tomorrow's 1st day of qualifying races.
It was obvious that the sailors` awareness of what is going to happen the coming days is rising. Less words and higher concentration. Only some light winds brought most of the sailors out of the harbour this morning. Fortunately, in the early afternoon wind came up to allow the sailors to have their first Fleet race in the circumstances they have been training in during the last few days.
The venue at Rota, the weather conditions and circumstances on the water seem to please the sailors pretty well. Lots of positive reactions are heard around the boat park.
Not only the fun of sailing is well appreciated, but also a certain degree of difficulty formed by waves, shifts and current is applicable.
The most enthusiastic reaction sofar came from the Canadian camp. Canada's Nick Beaudoin named it in one word: `awesome!`
Between the sailors we do not only find Pros in the middle of their Olympic campaigns.
In the process of Olympic Qualifications, the process for development of new Olympic talents for future Olympiads has already started.
In this pond of talent, we find Michael Anderson-Mitterling (19) and Graham Biehl (17). Both guys sailed the 420, quite successful as they ended up 7th at the 2002 420 Worlds. `In San Diego we almost never have over 10 knots of wind.` said Micheal. `We enjoy these circumstances very much and try to pick up information and learn as much as we can`. Both guys emphasize the importance of the help they have from the 470 Pros in the USA, like Paul Foerster and Kevin Burnham, who are one of the favorites for the Worlds Title.
Neil Marsden of Great Britain thinks the same way. `Nick Rogers & Joe Glanfield are here for the big Challenge. Me and my crew started in the 470 about two years ago and we are here to learn and look forward to any future Olympiad after Athens`. he said
Sweden`s Karin Almquist and Theresa Enander are enthusiastic and talented sailing girls as well. `The wind and the waves are quite difficult. Shifts come in quite quickly and you have anticipate and act fast. Obviously, we were on the wrong side of the course in the practice race. But being here is great to learn, and that' s why we're here for!` said Theresa.
At this moment the formation of the Qualifying groups has not been decided yet.
What has been decided is that at the Finals, Gold Fleet Men has a limit of 35, Gold Fleet Women a limit of 25.
The weather forecast for tomorrow predicts similar conditions as applicable today: Light winds in the morning, increasing to 12-16 knots in the afternoon. This would be a great start of the Championship. Two races are scheduled for tomorrow, the first race starting at 12am.
More information and future results are available at the event web site www.cadizworlds2003.com or the web site of the Int'l 470 Class, www.470.org
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