At the 2011 Snipe Class World Championships organised by the Royal Danish Yacht Club in association with Espergaede Yacht Club patience has been the key word today, the first scheduled day of racing. After the opening event of last night which was addressed by the Councillor responsible for Culture and Leisure of the local Horsholm Council, Ms Hageskov, all eyes were set on a bright and breezy first days racing. However with sudden and severe rain storms lashing the coast not 10 km to the south not long after the opening ceremony, those with an eye for weather forecasting were a little more nervous. And so their fears came to pass - with winds during most of the day of 20 - 28 Knots (approx. 10 -14 m/s) and gusting, racing was postponed early on. In fact it was the gusts that seemed the principle issue as the sea conditions were basically flat with wave height closer to shore described as minimal and further out on the course as between 0.5 and 1 meter. The gusts coming from the land and across the Oersund were in the region of 30-32 Knots (approx. 15 -16 m/s). The PRO has the fleet on the water currently (as of 17:00) and will try to get at least one race in the bag and will be hoping for 2 as the forecast is not promising for tomorrow. Results of the racing are posted under the results section of this site and further updates will follow.
SDYC Junior Director John Fretwell comments "Wow, 12 hour day to get Race 1 done at Snipe Worlds. Blowing 25+ most of the day. Finally started around 5:00 PM and sailed in like 15 to supposedly 29 [knots]! 16th of out of 60 [boats] I think. I'll take it. Came SO close to breaking the mast! Hoping for more sailing and less drama tomorrow!"