The race committee signalled a postponement ashore when the rain clouds burst open, taking into consideration their forecast of 30-40 knots in the storm. The teams went back out after the rain stopped at 3:00 p.m. local time for two more races to finish out the day. A shift in the wind direction flattened out the seas that had been piling up in the bay.

The post-frontal winds for the racing in Hyeres after the shoreside postponement were predictably lighter and shifty, with a persistent backing to the left as the weather system moved through. The competitors were a bit anxious to get restarted after the storm, which resulted in several general recalls before the ominous black flag was hoisted. The fifth race of the series finally got started around 5:00 p.m. local time, and it was quite the battle in the mercurial conditions. The shifty winds were a challenge, and nothing was certain until the finish line was crossed. The dark blue boats of Tony de Mulder (Victric) and Lang Walker (Kokomo) worked their way through the fleet to finish first and second, respectively, with the Dutch boat owned by Peter de Ridder in third place. A fourth place finish for the German team on Struntje Light perpetuates their reign as the regatta leaders.

Sunshine and lighter winds are predicted for tomorrow, to further test the all around skills of the sailor's competing at the European Championship.

Source: Event Editor