The Brits kicked off the Princess Sofia Regatta on fire! Debbie, Kirsty & Bryony were 1,2,3 around the first windward mark of race one! A winter of training at the venue had really paid off.

One hundred and thirty boats were entered so racing took place in two fleets, which was almost not enough of a divide as the start line was massively congested. Pre-start was a dangerous time with two fleets of men's Europes to be dodged too.

The first two days of racing were in light winds with calm seas and beautiful sunshine. All six British entries qualified for the Gold fleet again this year.

By dawn break of day three however, a very different scene presented fierce winds and rough seas and to add to it, massive, irregular shifts due to the offshore direction! Only one race was sailed in the Europe class but no other fleets raced that day.

The last day was pouring with rain, grey and cold but the winds were less so racing got underway but only for the Gold Fleet as the race officers feared more wind was on its way. After race one the abandonment flag went up and we were all sent home. Word soon spread that this was due to an Austrian Tornado crew drowning under the upturned trampoline of his boat after a collision with a 49er.

The prize giving was cancelled and the rain kept pouring making a somber end to the regatta.

British Results:
9th - Debbie Winstanley
15th - Kirsty Bonar
27th - Bryony Percy
32nd - Andrea Brewster
36th - Laura Baldwin
48th - Lizzie Vickers