Disabled Sailing

The Paralympic classes did sail four races each already. In the Three-Person-Keelboat Sonar, Udo Hessels NED and his team are first ahead of John Robertson GBR and Jens Kroker GER. In the small 5-boat-fleet of the Skud-18, Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birell GBR are on top and in the 2.4mR One-Person-Keelboats, Damien SéguinFRA and Thierry Schmitter NED share the first place. The daily report.

It was an exciting sailing day in Medemblik with ‘fireworks’ in all classes. Fantastic weather, and , at last, good wind varying from 20 – 30 knots. In the 2.4 mR local hero Thierry Schmitter NED saved his best for last with two bullets to wrest away the title from Heiko Kröger GER. Bronze for Megan Pascoe GBR. Paul Tingley CAN finished 4th, ahead of Damien Sequin FRA. In the Skud 18, ther was nothing to stop Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR from winning the title ahead of Scott Whitman/Julia Dorsett USA and Daniel Fitzgibbon/Rachael Cox AUS. Another Dutch winner in the Sonars, with Duo Hassles/Marcel van de Veen/Mischa Rossen who came from behind to edge the team of Jens Kroker GER. In third the team of John Robertson GBR. The final outcome hinged on a protest of NED vs. USA which was ruled in favor of the Dutch who won their second title after 2003. The event Web site, Sander van der Borch’s gallery and the last day’s video.
Ed. note: Due to technical problems with the IFDS Web site, we were unable to provide links to the class results. We apologize for this inconvenience.

After Monday’s cancellation conditions were much better yesterday in Medemblik NED at the IFDS World Championships with winds SW to W, 6-10 kts, and blue skies. In the 2.4mR class , Heiko Kröger GER (22) holds ma narrow lead over Megan Pascoe GBR (24). Thierry Schmitter NED(30) is third. A pattern is emerging in the Skud 18 where Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR (8 pts.) always seem to remain half a step ahead of Scott Whitman/Julia Dorsett USA (11). The Brits had a pair of bullets, while the US team had a pair of deuces. In the Sonar the team of Jens Kroker GER (18) has a two-point edge over Udo Hessels NED (20) and six over Team Dror Cohen ISR (24) who are in third place. Two races are scheduled for today. The event website with images and videos.

Up in Medemblik NED, the 470s’ story was repeated. All racing was canceled due to bad weather and high risk of thunderstorms, and the races were rescheduled according to the RC’s announcement. Current class leaders: Sonar: Jens Kroker/Robert Prem/Siegmund Mainka GER; 2.4 mR: Heiko Kroeger GER; Skud 18: Skud 18: Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR.

Tropical conditions with sun and light to moderate winds prevailed on the first two days of sailing at the IFDS World Championships in Medemblik NED. Three classes are vying for the title, four races are in the books, no discards yet. The ultra-competitive 2.4 mR singlehanded fleet (48 boats) is led by Megan Pascoe GBR. Battling behind her is a group of four sailors who are separated by two points: Heiko Kroeger GER, Thierry Schmitter NED, Bjørnar Erikstad NOR and Paul Tingley CAN. In the 12-boat Skud 18 fleet it is a duel between Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrell GBR, who have 1-2-1 on their scorecard. In second Scott Whitman/Julia Dorsett, who have two seconds and a first, but also an OCS in the third race. In third the team of Al Musatakim Matrin MAS. In the 19-boat Sonar fleet, the Top 3 are the teams of Christoforou Vasilis GRE, Dror Cohen ISR and Jens Kroker GER. More on the event site.

Delta Lloyd IFDS Worlds 2010 are under way in Medemblik NED with titles on the line in the singlehanded 2.4 mR class, the Sonar and the Skud. Ten races are scheduled in each class, with a separate course for each class. Sailors to watch in the 54-boat 2.4.mR class are reigning World Champion Thierry Schmitter NED André Rademaker NED, Heiko Kröger GER, Olympic champion Paul Tingley CAN plus British ladies Helena Lucas and Megan Pascoe. In the 20-boat Sonar fleet defending World Champions Jens Kroker/Robert Prem/Siegmund Mainka GER will battle Dror Cohen/Arnon Efrati/Benny Vexler ISR and Rick Doerr/Hugh Freund/Brian Tabler USA. Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birell GBR are defending their title in the 12-boat Skud 18 class, competing against Scott Whitman/Julia Dorsett, USA and John McRoberts/Brenda Hopkins CAN amongst others. Racing to start today with light wind and sun in the forecast. The event www.ifdsworlds2010.com Web site.

In an all-Italian final Luigi Bertanza and Sylvia Parente ITA beat Anna Gamba/Enrico Sosio ITA 2-0 to claim the title at the IFDS Blind Match Racing World Championship for IBSA B1 classified blind sailors. In the B1 petit final Manuel Ugarte/Federico Albir ESP beat Kylie Forth/Erin McGlew AUS 2-1 to claim third place overall. In class B2, Lucy Hodges/Toby Davey GBR won the International Championship over local favorites Alessandro Malapiero/Elisabetta Bardella ITA. In the B2 petit finals first-time match race helmsman Pekka Rantanen FIN sailing with local crew Egidio Carantini beat Andrea Pesaresi/Gianluca Battisti ITA 2-0. The event Web site.

The semi finals of the IFDS Blind Match Racing Championships were sailed in 4-6 knots of wind in Gargnago on Lake Garda ITA. In B1 Gamba/Sosio ITA, who were third before yesterday, beat favorites Forth/McGlew AUS for a berth in today’s finals where they will meet fellow Italians Bertanza/Parente who eliminated Ugarte/Albir ESP. If history is any indication, Bertanza will be difficult to beat when they race for the B1 World Championship. Experienced blind match racers Malapiero/Bardella ITA, swept the semifinals in B2 against Rantanen/Carantini FIN and will meet Hodges/Davey GBR who beat Pesaresi/Battisti ITA in the other semifinal yesterday. In B2 they are racing for an International Championship. The event Web site.

Through the first three days, light air has plagued the racers at the IFDS Blind Match Racing World Championships in Bogliaco, Lake Garda ITA
Still, the B2-classified sailors, competing for an IFDS International Championship, have completed their round robin with semifinals scheduled for today. Hodges/Davey GBR (5-0) lead Malapiero/Bardella ITA (4-1) and Rantanen/Carantini FIN (4-3).
In the World Championship for B1-classified sailors, 18 of the 21 matches have been sailed in the round robin. Bertanza/Parente ITA (5-0) lead Forth/McGlew AUS (4-1) and Gamba/Sosio ITA (3-2). The sparse event website.

After twelve races and one discard in 2.4 mR, the defending champion Heiko Kroeger GER has climbed into the lead helped by the sub-par day of former leader Megan Pascoe GBR, who slipped to third behind Helena Lucas GBR who dropped her last race. 34 boats from 14 nations sailing.
Read the full report. The medal races start at 9 am GMT and can be watched live on the event Web site.

Racing commenced on Lake Garda, Italy for the IFDS Disabled Sailing World Championships, 2010 Homerus Blind Match Racing. Conducted in conjunction with Homerus Associazione Onlus, the event is using the ISAF Experimental Appendix CBS for Blind Match Racing and the innovative Homerus system of acoustic buoys. The championships are sailed in pairs of identical keelboats by a two person blind or vision impaired crew with a sighted observer on board. Three acoustic buoys, each with a unique signal, define the course and each boat has its own acoustic device that changes signature when it is on port or starboard tack. Yesterday’s winners on the B1 course include Forth/McGlew AUS, Bertanza/Parente ITA, and Gamba/Sosio ITA, On the B2 course Malapiero/Bardella ITA and Hodges/Davey GBR had two wins each. The Web site and a report by David Staley.

Whereas most Olympic Classes have their unplanned lay days due to lack of wind, the 34 Paralympic One-Person Keelboats 2.4 m R from 13 nations, sailing close to the harbor, were racing every day. The standings after nine contests confirm that the podium spots are shaping up. Megan Pascoe GBR has been outstanding, holding off defending champions Heiko Kroeger GER, who is improving with each passing day. In third, next is another British Lady, Helena Lucas, one point ahead of Barend Kol NED. Paralympic Champion Paul Tingley CAN is in 9th.

Racing had been cancelled yesterday evening for safety reasons due to the prevailing Southerly breeze with gusts over 40 kn on Lake Constance. The event magazine Moon shiner did seize the opportunity to present the Sailability class for disabled, particiating for the first time.

Racing commenced on Rutland Water in the UK East Midlands today for the Bruce Wake 2010 Access Class Worlds and SKUD18 International Championships with 100 competitors from 10 countries. In a light and variable breeze under an overcast sky all classes sailed two races. In the Access 303 Double the leaders are Molesworth/Alton GBR, followed by Takeshita/Germain FRA and Kodaira/Ariyoshi JAP. In the single classes, the 2.3 Single is led by Angus MacGregor AUS, followed by Monique Foster GBR and Carlos Alberto Araujo POR. In the 303 Single class Zoltan Pegan HUN leads Chris Ruston AUS and Gerard Eychenne FRA while in Access Liberty Magali Moraines FRA is ahead of Chris Cook AUS and Clare Andrew GBR. In the SKUD 18s, Rickham/Birrell GBR lead Cogswell/Foreman GBR and Mirc/Eychenne FRA. More on the event Web site.

The latest edition of the International Federation for Disabled Sailing contains a preview on the 'Access'-class Worlds beginning next Monday, sailing back-to-back with the Skud 18 at Rutland GBR. The Bulletin.

During the past weekend, Georges Scherler/Peter Murset SUI won the French Championship of the Neo495 class after 8 races disputed in a light 1-3 bft wind in the Bay of Cherbourg. The report (PDF).

Today at 1 a.m., the starts for the first races of the Olympic Garda regatta will be given. 8 Olympic classes are present. The Finns and Matchracing Women are missing, as they have their European Championships during these days. The Laser Standard and Radial, the 470 and the Starboat fleets have a good quality. Almost 300 boats are on the entry lists.
The event-website.

The latest edition of the Bulletin, published by the International Federation for Disabled Sailing (IFDS), contains a preview on the World Championship of the Paralympic classes with 13 nations enrolled up to now. In addition, the Worlds of the Access class and the Match-Race-Worlds of the blinds on Lake Garda are covered. The Bulletin.

The brisk pace was kept up after passing the scoring gate, but three boats have caught up to 'Saveol' with Samantha Davies GBR/Romain Attansio FRA. New leader is 'Cercle Vert' with De Broc/Morvan FRA, but the top four boats are seaprated by only 1.5 miles. Fifth-place 'Gaspe 7' sailed by Brault/Koch FRA is already 55 miles back. Check the standings, browse the race viewer and see the video of the day.

Jamie Dunross started on March 18 in Rockingham AUS to be the first quadriplegic sailor to circumnavigate Australia counterclockwise solo. After a stop in Hobart, Jamie wants to sail up the East coast of Australia as fast as possible. This round-Australia-trip is supposed to be a preparation to sail around the world single-handed and unassisted. End of this week, he plans to arrive in Sydney. Jamie's website and his blog.

After two light-air races in the Paralympic classes in Hyeres, Damien Seguin FRA and Helena Lucas GBR are tied in points for first in the 14-boat 2.4 mR class with three points each. In third is Megan Pascoe GBR, followed by Palma winner Thierry Schmitter NED and Barend Kol NED. The 9-boat Sonar class is led by the Norwegian trio of Aleksander Wang-Hansen/Per Eugen Kristiansen/Marie Solberg.

Today the 4th event of the 2010 Isaf Sailing World Cup gets under way in Hyeres FRA. The famous Semaine Olympique is contested in 10 Olympic and three Paralympic classes. The forecast predicts a slow initial phase with circulating light winds. The overcast sky on the coast of Southern France probably prevents the sea breeze to fill in as it normally does. The event-website covers the competitions again live as in previous years. The first starts are scheduled for 11 a.m.

On Sunday it’s show time for the 42nd issue of the Semain Olympique Francaise in Hyeres in the South of France. A long entry list of 745 boats from 58 countries is divided into 10 Olympic and three paralympic classes. It’s doubtful however that all the entrants will make the starting line, due to the chaotic air travel situation after the volcanic eruption in Iceland. Read the eventpreview on the official website.

The Circolo Vela Gargnano on Lake Garda ITA will host the IFDS Disabled Sailing World Championships 2010 from 20-27 June. The event will employ the ISAF Experimental Appendix CBS for Blind Match Racing using the innovative system of acoustic buoys. Teams from Italy, Spain, Great Britain, USA, Australia, New Zealand et Finland have already confirmed their entries in this inaugural event to be conducted as an IFDS authorized World Championship. The preview on the ISAF site.

Quadriplegic Geoff Holt has just sailed solo across the Atlantic (more ...), the brave quad Hilary Lister has circumnavigated Britain (more...), and now there's an Antipodean quad, Jamie Dunross, who has just begun circumnavigating Australia solo, commencing from his home town of Rockingham, just south of Perth in Western Australia. Jamie's first goal might be 'To be the first quadriplegic sailor to circumnavigate Australia', but he has future ambitions to be the first quadriplegic sailor to circumnavigate the world solo. The report, Jamie's blog and hie website.

Victory for second consecutive year for Thierry Schmitter NED in the Paralympics class 2.4mR. In second Helena Lucas GBR and third Andre Rademaker NED. Schmitter deserved to win as he controlled the standings all week long, while Lucas won her third race at the end to vault past Rademaker. Paul Tingley CAN constantly improved his results in the individual races, but remained stuck in sixth overall.

Separated by three points Thierrry Schmitter and Andre Rademaker NED are duking it out for the lead in the 15-boat 2.4 mR class at the Princes Sofia on the Bay of Palma. But watch Helena Lucas GBR, just one point behind with the advantage of two first-place finishes, which could decide a tie break in her favor. She already took third here last year. Canada’s Paralympic hero, Paul Tingley, is clawing back from a bad first day and stands in 6th overall after five races and one discard.

The third event of the 2010 Olympic Classes Worldcup will begin on next Sunday on the waters of the Bay of Palma de Mallorca ESP with the largest and most competitive fleets in the ISAF Sailing World Cup this year. Not less than 20 Olympic medalists will participate. According to the weather forecast, the first races will be sailed in moderate 10-12 kn breeze conditions. At the beginning of next week, a depression with a fresh wind of up to 30 kn will arrive.
The German Olympian Ulrike Schümann, rank 4 in Qingdao 2008, has announced her retirement. In a detailed report (PDF), she predicts a hard time for the new Olympic discipline Women's Matchrace. With an entry fee of approx. 2'800 €, a world-wide interest will hardly be achievable. The '11th Olympic class', the Coach boats, does not have this problem: with 170 participants, this is by far the largest fleet ! The event-website.

The march bulletin of the International Federation for Disabled Sailing IFDS contains among other items the Notice of Race for the joint World Championship of the three Paralympic classes to be held at Medemblik NED. In addition, there is an article concerning the new IFDS management. Last but not least, disabled sailors are invited to participate numerously in this year's Worldcup events to demonstrate the importance and strength of disable sailing. The Bulletin.

Larchmont Yacht Club and American Yacht Club (Rye, NY) will hold their second annual Robie Pierce One-Design Regatta for sailors with disabilities from June 3 to 6 in Larchmont, NY. Last year's inaugural regatta at American Yacht Club saw 22 teams compete in Ideal 18s. Robie Pierce has been a driving force in National and International disabled sailing for nearly 20 years. A life-long sailor prior to his 1985 diagnosis with MS was Pierce’s impetus to share his sailing experience with the disabled community. Registration

The latest IFDS-Bulletin reports on the Miami Olympic Classes Regatta of last week with a record participation in the three Paralympic classes. The Bulletin.

We did already inform on the results of the Miama Olympic Classes World Cup Regatta, sailed in light winds, in our Sunday news (scroll down). The most impressive performance from a Swiss standpoint was the 5th final position of Nathalie Brugger in the Laser Radial class. Coming back after a year concentrating on studies, she was the only representative of the Swiss National Team in Miami. In the meantime, a video of the last day with the Medal-Races has been published.

The three Paralympic Classes terminated their Worldcup yesterday without Medal Races. Scott Whitman/Julia Dorsett USA in the Skud 18 class added another win in the first race and did not have to start to the final race afterwards. Alexander Wang-Hansen/Per Kristiansen/Marie Solberg NOR defended their first position in the Sonar class.
In the 2.4 m class however, the very last race brought the decision in favour of the Paralympic Champion Paul Tingley CAN who climbed on the first place after a rather slow start in the Miami series. The positions 2 and 3 went to Thierry Schmitter NED and John Ruf USA. The daily report.

Whereas the Skud 18 fleet with Scott Whitman/Julia Dorsett USA and the Sonars with Wang-Hansen/Kristiansen/Solberg NOR had no change on top of the rankings, the much disputed 2.4 m fleet has a new leader since yesterday with Thierry Schmitter NED on top, followed by John Ruf USA. Also progressing is the Paralympic Champion Paul Tingley CAN on the 3rd position. The daily report.

In the three Paralympic Classes, the leaders could defend their first places, but John Ruf USA, 2.4 m keelboat, had to let Thierry Schmitter NED come close to one point. The Paralympic Champion Paul Tingley CAN follows on the 3rd place. With the Sonars, Alexander Wang-Hansen NOR and his team remain on top. Bruno Jourdren FRA - co-skipper of Bernard Stamm SUI during the Class 40 Transatlantic Regatta 'Solidaire du Chocolat' - progressed on the 2nd position, being the best of the day. Scott Whitman/ Julia Dorsett USA did add two more race wins in the Skud 18 class. The daily report.

Sunshine and very shifty winds around 10 kn now for all Olympic and Paralympic classes on the Biscayne Bay yesterday. After three races of the 470 men, Gideon Kliger/Eran Sela ISR took the lead followed by Dahlberg/Östling SWE and Patience/Bithell GBR. With 7 teams within three points, the rankings of the 470 women is very even: Petitjean/Douroux FRA are ahead of Maxwell/Kinsolving USA and Lecointre/Geron FRA. Less convincing than on the first day Will and Sam Phillips AUS with the 49ers. However, they just could defend their first place against Dyen/Christidis FRA and Lehtinen/Bask FIN. In the Finn class, Giles Scott GBR and Zach Railey USA pulled already clear of the rest of the fleet. Despite of the fact that the Starboat Worlds just finished last Friday, some teams just made it in time for Miami. The actual ranking is Horton/Lyne USA ahead of Melleby/Pedersen NOR and Mendelblatt/Von Schwarz USA. Dorian Van Rijsselberghe NED was the winner of the two RS:X-board races yesterday ahead of Kevin Stittle CAN and the World Champion Nick Dempsey GBR. With the RS:X-female windsurfers, once again the Spanish women dominate with Blanca Manchon ESP leading after two race wins ahead of Marina Alabau ESP and Charline Picon FRA. All results and the daily report.

As the majority of the Olympic classes, the Paralympic classes 2.4m, Sonar and Skud 18 stayed ashore on the first day because of the passing thunderstorm. Yesterday all three classes sailed three races. John Ruf USA is the clear leader of the 2.4m with the day ranks 2/1/2, followed by Thierry Schmitter NED and Megan Pascoe GBR. Damien Séguin FRA follows on the 4th place of the 28 participants. Alexander Wang-Hansen NOR and his team are on the first position of the Sonars, ahead of Kroker/Prem/Mainka GER. The Olympic Champion Bruno Jourdren FRA and his team are at present on the 4th place, despite of a race win. The leading Skud 18 team are Scott Whitmann/Julia Dorsett USA. The daily report.

The Race Committee of the Olympic Worldcup reduced yesterday's program in view of an upcoming thunderstorm. Only the 49ers and the matchracing women with courses close to the shore were on the water during the whole day. After the thunderstorm, the Lasers Standard and Radial sailed a regatta each. In decreasing winds, the favorites did finish on top with Nick Thompson GBR and Luke Ramsey CAN as leaders of their Laser Standard groups, followed by the duos Jean-Baptiste Bernaz FRA / Chris Dold CAN, and Diego Romero ITA / Rasmus Mygren SWE on the 2nd and 3rd place each. With Paige Railey USA, the key favorite is on rank 1 with the Lasers Radial, followed by Alberte Holm DEN and Alison Young GBR.
In Women's Matchracing, two of the three groups were sailing: With a 3-0 score each, Claire Leroy FRA and Anna Tunnicliffe USA are on top of group A, in group B, Lucy MacGregor GBR, Anna Kjellberg SWE and Renée Groenveld NED lead with a 4-0 score. The results.
Three races were sailed with the 49ers: In absence of the top teams, Will and Sam Philipps AUS took the lead ahead of Dyen/Christidis FRA and Delle-Karth/Resch AUT. The daily report.
All other classes will have their first race today The wind forecast mentions moderate winds aroung 10 kn.

Tomorrow Monday, the second event of the 2010 ISAF Olympic and Paralympic World Cup will begin on the waters of the Biscayne Bay off Miami. 640 participants form 44 nations are on the entry lists, with strong fleets in both Laser classes, the RS:X windsurfers and the Women's Matchrace. A preview and the event-website.

Geoff Holt has just arrived in Tortola to become the first quadriplegic to sail across the Atlantic. He has sailed the 2,700 mile journey on a 60ft purpose built catamaran 'Impossible Dream', unassisted in every aspect of the sailing. It has taken twenty eight days in total from his departure in Lanzarote to the arrival and emotional return to Cane Garden Bay where he will revisit the place of his accident that paralysed him 25years ago (plus...). 500 miles before arriving, Holt had severe engine problems. This was Holt's forth passage of the Atlantic, the first since his accident. An article in Sail World.

The latest edition of the IFDS-Bulletin contains a report on the ISAF Annual Meeting 2009 and the decisions taken. There are some changes in the composition of the IFDS Executive Committee to note. As always, the Notices of Race of the next events of disabled sailing have been published. Here the Bulletin.

The medal races were sailed today according to the program with the following winners: Outteridge/Jensen AUS (49er), James Paterson AUS (Finn), Belcher/Page AUS (470 Men), Aleh/Powrie NZL (470 Women), Leonard Ong SIN (RS:X Men) und Jessica Crisp AUS (RS:X Women).
In the close fight on top of both Laser fleets, the first positions changed in the very last moment. Michael Leigh CAN replaced Clayton Johnson USA in the Laser Standard fleet. Malte Kamrath GER finished 3rd. In medal race of the women's Lasers Radial, Marit Bouwmeester NED overtook Paige Railey USA, who finished the final with only a 9th place. All other results and the event-website with reports and videos.

A decreasing breeze in the morning and shifty puffy thunderstorm winds in the afternoon did not allow for much racing yesterday. The only Olympic class with a valid result were the 49ers. Nathan Outteridge with the Irish crew Matt McGovern IRL as subsititue for the sick Ian Jensen AUS added another win to his series.
Re today's regattas, only the results of the Paralympic and youth classes are available. In the 2.4m class, Michael Leydon AUS could replace the Paralympic champion Paul Tingley CAN on the first place. In the two races scheduled for the Olympic classes today, the top-10 ranks for the medal race are at stake. The daily report and all results. Updates will follow continuously during this morning.

Very puffy and shifty winds prevailed on the third day of the 'Sail Melbourne' Regatta. However, the favorites in the classes 470 M, 470 F, Finn and RS:X-F mastered these conditions defending their leads. In all other classes, the situation re the top places remains very tight, and the heat goes on today and tomorrow, final day of this World Cup event with the Medal Races.
In the 49er class, the duel between Outteridge/Jensen AUS and Burling/Tuke NZL continues. In the 2.4m class too, the Paralympic-champion Paul Tingley CAN and Peter Thompson AUS are in a head-to-head race separated by one point only, as well as Leonard Ong SIN and Nicolas Lonzano COL in the RS:X-M fleet. The fight for victory is also full of emotions in the Laser Standard class with Michael Leigh CAN just in front of Clayton Johnson USA. The bullets of the day in the Laser Radial class went to Paige Railey USA and Marit Bouwmeester NED, both candidates for the final win.
The daily report, the video of the day and all other results.
Results of today have not yet been posted, but they will no doubt follow continuously during this morning.

Yesterday's races were sailed in rather light winds. Here the Tuesday report. The favourites Belcher/Page AUS and Aleh/Powrie NZL continue to dominate the 470 fleets, winning all races, and in the Laser Radial class, Paige Railey USA has retaken the first position. Only in the Laser Standard class, Clayton Johnson USA did surprisingly replace Michael Leigh CAN on rank 1 with two bullets. Malte Kamrath GER, only ranks 9 and 12 yesterday, is now third. Here in addition the video of yesterday.
In the meantime, the first races of today have already been completed downunder in Australia. With the 49ers, Burling/Tuke NZL have approached the leading Outteridge/Jensen AUS at one point. Peter Thompson AUS has taken the lead with the 2.4m, replacing the Paralympic-Gold-Medalist Paul Tingley CAN on top, thanks to two bullets. The first results of the other classes racing actually will follow during the morning on the event website.

The World Cup season 2010 started yesterday in Melbourne with excellent sailing conditions and a breeze around 18 kn. See the video of the 1st day. We informed already yesterday morning about the first results. Here the update: In the 470 open/male class, the champions Belcher/Page AUS are the dominators with two bullets, similare to Jo Aleh/Olivia Powrie NZL in the 470 female category. In the Laser Standard class, Mike Leigh CAN is on the first place ahead of Malte Kamrath GER. In the Laser Radial class, Franziska Goltz GER has taken the lead in front of the favorite Paige Railey USA and Marit Bouwmeester NED. The official report of the first day.
In the meantime, the regattas of the second day are under way, and the Paralympic Classes 2.4 m and Skud have already completed their program. The youth classes 29er and Laser 4.7 are currently completing their races. As far as the Olympic Classes are concerned, only the 49er have completed their program of the day. The World Champions Nathan Outteridge/Iain Jensen AUS have now taken the lead. During the coming hours, the results of the other classes will be posted on the official event website.

The first results of day one of the Sail Melbourne ISAF World Cup Regatta, disputed in medium winds just arrived (6.00 h GMT). A big surprise happened in the 49er class where the young Australians William and Samuel Philipps took the lead after three races ahead of Burling/Tuke NZL and Outteridge/Jensen AUS.
The results of the Paralympic Classes are also available: Peter Thompson AUS leads in the 2.4m class. MacGregor/MacGregor AUS are first with the SKUD 18s. As far as youth classes are concerned, there are the Laser 4.7 results - Josh Franklin leads among the 17 Australian starters - and the 29er results - Sly/Gillies AUS are first of 14 teams - which have been published. During the next hours, the results of all other classes will follow. The event-website.

The Englishman Geoff Holt has set out to become the first quadriplegic yachtsman to cross the Atlantic. The 42 year old father became the first disabled yachtsman to sail around Great Britain in 2007 and has now departed Lanzarote on his latest challenge, headed for Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Just before he left, Geoff commented, 'It feels good to finally be under way and off on my journey across the Atlantic. The weeks and months of planning are over and now I am facing 2700 miles at sea. I am excited about what lies ahead but naturally there are nerves too. (...) I am looking forward to returning to the beach in Tortola that I left in an ambulance 25 years ago. Back then I thought I would never sail again and now I will be returning in command of my own vessel.' An article in Sail-World.

The 2010 Olympic Classes sailing season begins on next Monday with 'Sail Melbourne', the first of seven events of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Classes World Cup 2010. During the Annual Conference, ISAF has approved some minor changes to the rules: Now, two of seven results can be discarded, with one of them being a European event. The first 20 ranked boats receive points. 350 participants are actually on the Melbourne entry list. Already on next Monday morning, the first results will be available thanks to the time difference with downunder and the well-known press organisation of the Australians. The event-website.

The new 2.4 m World Champion John Ruf USA and the silver medal winner Carl Horrocks USA did not need to participate in the last race, sailed in typical Florida conditions. The Paralympic Champion Paul Tingley CAN succeeded to overtake Hans Asklund SWE winning the bronze medal. The final results.

The new 2.4 m World Champion has been crowned already before the last day of the event with the Paralympic-bronze-medalist John Ruf USA. Carl Horrocks USA has the silver medal and only the fight for rank 3 is still open. Hans Asklund SWE is only two points ahead of the Paralympic-Champion Paul Tingley CAN. The rankings and the report.

The November Bulletin of the International Federation of Disabled Sailing IFDS contains a detailed report on the Paralympic World Championship disputed in Athens last month, as well as some previews on future events such as the Paralympic World Cup Regatta in Melbourne AUS in mid-December. The bulletin.

The full program with three races could be sailed for the first time yesterday in a 8-10 kn seabreeze. John Ruf USA is the new leader after 7 races sailed, but Carl Horrocks USA (2nd 2 pts behind), Paul Tingley CAN (7 pts) and Hana Asklund SWE (8 pts) have still their chances. The results.

Light winds prevailed also on the second day of the 2.4 m Worlds in Florida, but despite of this, two races could be sailed yesterday. Paul Tingley CAN defended his first place even though he flopped in one race (rank 15). But John Ruf USA has approached him to one point. The results.

Yesterday, the 2.4 m IJ Worlds began in Florida. The Paralympics Champion Paul Tingley CAN has clearly taken the lead after two races. The results.

The sun was out at least on the last day of a rainy Worldchampionship of the Paralympic classes in Athens, and the breeze allowed for two races. In the One-Person-Keelboat class, with 29 2.4 m R the largest fleet, the routiniers stayed in front also on the last day. Thierry Schmitter NED is the World Champion with a 9 points advantage on Heiko Kröger GER. Bronze went to Helena Lucas GBR. Gold for England in the Skud 18 class for Alexandra Rickham/Niki Burrel GBR, Silber and Bronze for Scott Whittman/Julia Dorsett USA and John McRoberts/Brenda Hopkin CAN. In the Sonar class, the decision was pending until the last finish, where Cohen/Effrati/Vexler ISR with two bullets on the last day were finally only two points from the new World Champions Jens Kroker/Robert Prem/Siggy Mainka GER. Only one point further back, Christoforou/Notaroglou/Aleksas GRE got Bronze. The official report.

The weather in Athens remains variable. Yesterday, the seabreeze filled in again rather late, as the morning rain showers lasted for a moment. All three classes disputed 2 regattas. Thierry Schmitter NED continues on top of the 2.4 m class, ahead of Heiko Kröger GER 4 points behind. With the Skuds 18, Rickham/Birrel GBR lead in front of Whitmann/Dorsett USA with a small margin. In the Sonar class, the leaders changed again with Christoforu/Notaroglu/Aleksas GRE replacing the former first-ranked Jens Kroker GER and his team. Philippe Moerch/Robert Heupel/Daniel Amiguet SUI have lost two places and are now on the 11th position overall. The official report.

The rain stopped only late in the afternoon and the seabreeze filled in with delay. However, all classes could still just sail two races. Thierry Schmitter NED is dominating the 2.4 m IJ fleet, and only Heiko Kröger GER can more or less follow. After a disqualification of the leaders Alexandra Rickham/Niki Birrel GBR, the situation with the Skud 18s has become open again. The fleet of the Sonars is very even: Kroker/Prem/Maika GER could defend their first position with the day ranks 3/4, but the teams of Vasilis Christaforou GRE und Shimon Den Yakov ISR did close up at 2 points. The official report.

Strong winds between 25 and 30 kn prevented the tune-up race of the Disabled Worlds yesterday off Athens. Today, the Championship begins for the three paralympic classes present. The official website.

Already mid-September, the European Championship of a number of classes for disabled took place at Port Camargue FRA. The event-website with rankings and a well done video. Here also the report of the IFDS.

In one week, the Paralympic Classes World Championships will begin in Athens. The recently published IFDS-Bulletin presents a preview.

Three Paralympic classes have also been in action at the Weymouth "Sail of Gold" event. In the 2.4 m IJ class (17 participants/10 nations), Thierry Schmitter NED was the winner in front of Damien Séguin FRA and André Rademaker NED, in the Sonar class (9 teams/8 nations) Doerr/Freund/McKinnon-Tucker USA were first and in the in the Skud 18 (6 teams/3 nations), Whitman/Dorsett USA did win. Only the 2.4 m were included in all 7 World Cup events. Megan Pascoe GBR is the overall 2.4 m IJ winner. Only at two events, the Skud 18 were participating, and Whitmann/Dorsett USA did win twice. In the Sonar class, the World Cup overall win went to Robertson/Thomas/Stodel GBR.

Today is the opening of the "Sail for Gold" Regatta at the Olympic venue of 2012 at Weymouth, the last World Cup event of this year for all Olympic and Paralympic classes. Medium winds around 10 kn are announced. 747 participants from 38 nations are on the entry lists. The event-website.

'Cheminées Poujoulat' with Bernard Stamm and Bruno Jourdren arrived in St-Malo by midnight as winners ot a tough last leg. NE winds up to 30 kn forced the teams to sail upwind in most of the course. During the 2000 miles sailed in 5 days, the franco-swiss team could use the spinaker during only about 10 minutes. The report.

Bernard Stamm SUI and Bruno Jourdren FRA, Solar Paralympic-Silver medalist in Qingdao 2008, started as overall leaders to the last race from Santander to St-Malo. Thanks to ideal wind conditions, they even could extend their lead with 300 miles to go to the finish line. This double will participate in the "Transat du Chocolat" in October, the first transat of this new, more and more popular offshore-class. The report.

Today, the first European Championship of the paralympic Skud 18 class begins of Port Camargue. The 2-person-keelboat, sailed for the first time during the Qingdao in a third paralympic event, is now more and more spread over Europe, e.g. also in Switzerland, where the Swiss Disabled Sailing Team for the first time since the Sydney 2000 Games is back in an international competition with two boats in the South of France. Patrick Parker/Anne Othenin-Girard and Georges Scherler/Carole Pahud will participate. The 470 Olympian Anne-Sophie Thilo joins them as a coach. The report (PDF) and the event-website.

The just published September-Bulletin of the International Federation for Diabled Sailing IFDS contains among other information a preview on the IFDS-Worlds held at Athens in October. At the entry closing date end of August, the list of participants of the three paralympic classes contained 28 entrants/11 nations in the 2.4 m class, 13 teams/10 nations in the Sonar class and 5 teams/4 nations in the Skud 18 class.

Hilary Lister, the inspirational quadriplegic yachtswoman, has completed her ambitious project to sail solo around the British Isles by returning to Dover. She was a day earlier than expected, arriving on Monday. Hilary sailed clockwise along the coasts of Cornwall, Wales, The East Coast of Ireland, Scotland, The Caledonian Canal, The East Coast of England and home to the finish line in Dover. An article in Sail World.

The latest edition of the IFDS-Bulletin contains among other subjects a report about the Paralympic Day in Berlin as well as a preview on the Annual Meeting of next November. Moreover, the Annual Report 2008 (PDF) of the International Federation for Disabled Sailing IFDS has been published.

French defending champion Claire Leroy FRA and local star Anna Kjellberg SWE finished on top at the end of the second day of round robin racing at the ISAF Women's Match Racing World Championship in Lysekil and are - like Maire Björling SWE - already qualified for the quarter finals. Five teams will fight for the last three places: Lotte Meldgaard Pederseon DEN, Camilla Ulrikkeholm DEN, Katie Spithill AUS, Nicky Souter AUS and Sally Barkow USA. Three or two matches have still to be sailed. final. The event website, a report and the resultats.

Hilary Lister has left Ardglass in Northersn Ireland in the direction of Portpatrick at the Western coast of Scotland. She is the first quadriplegic sailor who has crossed the Irish Sea in both directions solo. But this is only a part of her challenge to round Britain solo. The report in Sail World.
Hilary needs support. Potential sponsors are kindly asked to to contact Paul Taroni (Public Relations Director) paul@hilarylister.com .. and tell them sailing-news c/o Sail-World sent you.

News from the International Federation for Disabled Sailing and the latest race report are published in the latest edition of the IFDS Bulletin.

The one-arm-handicapped sailor Akio Yonago from Japan finally arrived at Phuket, Thailand, safe and sound after having been announced missing two months ago. Akio left the Seychelles on his yacht Emu II during a piracy warning, and concerned locals began worrying about his fate. The report.

On his home waters, the multiple World Champion and Paralympics-Winner 2000 Heiko Kröger GER was the clear winner in the 2.4m IJ class. On 2 and 3 follow Thierry Schmitter NED and Jens-Als Andersen DEN. 27 boats from 10 nations participated. The results.

Hilary Lister is aiming to become the 1st disabled woman to sail solo around Britain. She started her journey in 2008, but mechanical delays caused a delay over winter. She has begun again this year, sailing from Plymouth on the 21st May 2009. Hilary has so far reached the coast of Ireland, and is currently sailing northward along the Irish coast reaching Howth on 21st June. Here is her account of the testing sail across the Irish Sea to Arklow.

With six races sailed, the 2.4 m IJ - the "mini-twelves" - are among the happy classes to race on every day thanks to the proximity to the shore. Leader in the fleet of 27 participants from 10 nations is Jens Andersen DEN, followed by Heiko Kröger GER. The results.

Quad sailor Hilary Lister has had to be rescued when she and her support boat were caught in Force 5 wind against tide conditions, the Royal National Lifeboat Instititute announced. Hilary was trying to become the first quad sailor to circumnavigate Britain. She was subsequently taken for treatment by ambulance to Withybush hospital in Haverfordwest after becoming hypothermic. The hospital discharged her after two hours. An article in Sail World.

Hilary Lister the inspirational quadriplegic sailor will arrive in Wales on Wednesday 3rd June. She will set off from Bude in Cornwall at 14:00 Tuesday afternoon with her Artemis 20 'Me too' for what is the longest sail of her solo round Britain sail. However, Hilary has had to overcome the financial challenges of this year to be able to finance the Round Britain Dream and the project is still searching for a major sponsor, remembering that the aim of the Round Britain Dream is not only to inspire and raise awareness of disabled sailing but to raise funds for Hilary’s charity ‘Hilary’s Dream trust’ which exists to provide assistance to disabled and disadvantaged adults with sailing dreams. An article in Sail World.

Thierry Schmitter NED was the clear winner of the 2.4 m IJ paralympic regatta at the Medemblik World Cup with 5 wins in 10 races. The single-hander keelboat 2.4m JI is the only of the 4 paralympic classes having participated in World Cups so far. Thierry Schmitter, naval architect, was an extreme mountain climber - among others also on the +8000 m K2 - until his avalanche accident in 1998. The rankings.

Only six boats participate at the Paralympic 2.4 m IJ Worldcup regatta in Holland. On the first day, racing was suspended due to the strong wind. Yesterday, Thierry Schmitter NED dominated the fleet with the day ranks 1/1/2 taking the lead in the interims ranking.

Freshening winds, finally of more than 30 kn, were responsible for some postponements of the starts. Only the Laser Radial which opened the regatta at 11 o'clock already could complete 3 races. Sari Multala FIN (1/1/4) is the clear leader ahead of Marit Bouwmeester NED and Sophie de Turckheim FRA. The 470 women, the paralympic 2.4m IJ and the matchracing women did not race at all. Two races have been completed by the 470 men. Krol/Lefebre NED lead in front of Asher/Willis GBR. Pietro and Gianfranco Sibello ITA could keep covered the British 49ers Morrison/Rhodes GBR and Draper/Greenalgh GBR also in Medemblik. The only race of the Finns has been won by Giles Scott GBR. The Laser Standards split in two fleets sailed one race each. Tom Slingsby AUS and Jean-Bapiste Gelee FRA were the winners. In the only race of the Starboats, Lööf/Tillander SWE were ahead followed by Scheidt/Prada BRA and Mendelblatt/Strube USA. In the windsurfers fleets, Caspar Bouwman NED is first with the RS:X men ahead of Julien Bontemps FRA and Toni Wilhelm GER, with the RS:X women, Marine Rambeau FRA leads followed by Flavia Tartaglini ITA. The weather forecast for the rest of the week announces more moderate conditions with winds between 10 and 15 knots. The event-website.

Today's the day when Hilary Lister, 36 year old quadroplegic, will recommence her journey in an attempt to become the first disabled woman to sail solo around Britain. In 2005 Lister was the first handicapped sailor having crossed the Channel, and in 2007, she did the round of the Isle of Wight solo. An article om Sail World.

The May bulletin of the International Federation for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) contains reports about the latest World Cup regattas and the Notice of Race for the 2009 World Championships for disabled sailors taking place in Athens GRE in October. The bulletin.

The new World Cup for olympic and paralympic classes has initiated an extended media service by the organisers. The Semaine Olympique at Hyéres has been covered in a number of videos, daily reports as well as a summary of the whole event. Here is the 'entrance to the cinema'.

Damien Séguin FRA has achieved his 4th win at the SOF in Hyères. Thierry Schmitter NED with a win in the medal race has finished on rank 2 followed by another Dutchman Andre Rademaker NED. The ranking list.

With two race wins yesterday, Damien Séguin FRA is practically the winner with an 11 points lead, followed by the paralympics champion Paul Tingley CAN. The latter must defend himself against Helena Lucas GBR, André Rademaker NED and Thierry Schmitter NED just behind. The results.

Very close racing at the top of the 2.4 m IJ paralympic single-handed keelboat class. From the strong nations, only USA and Germany are not represented in the 19 boats' fleet. After 6 races, Damien Séguin FRA leads 3 points ahead of Helena Lucas GBR the paralylmpic medalist Paul Tingley CAN. The results.

Thierry Schmitter NED is the winner of the 2.4 m IJ Paralympic World Cup Regatta sailed on the bay of Palma waters, followed by another Dutchman, Andre Rademaker NED, who jumped on rank 2 with a win of the last race. Helena Lucas GBR is 3rd. 19 boats from Holland, England and Spain particpated in the first European World Cup event. The final rankings.

It has been agreed that the paralympic classes shall participate in the newly created World Cup regattas. This time in Palma, only the 2.4 m IJ single-handed keelboat with 19 boats from 3 nations had enough inscriptions on the list, a class which is currently sailed by non-disabled as well. Up to now, the Paralympic-Teams from the Netherlands and England dominated the races. After 4 regattas, Thierry Schmitter NED leads in front of Helena Lucas GBR. The ranking list.

It had been decided that the paralympic classes shall be included in the program of the olympic classes World Cup events. At the Trofeo Princesa Sofia, beginning next weekend, racing in the three events for disabled is scheduled. With 19 participants, 2.4 m IJ (mini-12), a remarquable fleet will be on the starting line, with - among others - Helen Lucas GBR and Thierry Schmitter NED. However, lacking sufficient inscriptions, the regattas for the paralympic two-person keelboat (Skud 18) and the paralympic three-person keelboat (Sonar) - two classes which are not yet very much used in Europe - had to be cancelled. The official information.

The monthly Bulletin published by the International Federation for Disabled Sailing reports on the regattas of the previous months and other subjects of interest in the world of disabled sailing.

From now on, the paralympic 2.4 m, Sonars and Skuds 18 will more and more be part of the olympic classes regattas. In most of the World Cup events, they will participate. The 2.4 Meters did start an the Athens Olympic Week. George Delikouras GRE was the winner in the 6 boat fleet followed by Zoltan Pegan HUN. The rankinglist.

The American Kris Scheppe, age 29, plans for a nonstop solo round the world trip in 2010 inspite of his very important visual defect. Departure and arrival port will be his home port at Fort Myers in Florida. The report.

As expected, no major changes have occurred on the last day of the Blind-Sailing Worlds. With daily bullets, the leaders have even consolidated their first places. The new world champions are Luigi Bertanza ITA, category B1, Paulien Eitjes NZL, category B2 and Gary Kirby GBR, category B3. All rankings and the report.

At this very moment early in the morning, the 14th and last race is underway downunder in New-Zealand. The leaders in the three classes - Luigi Bertanza ITA (B1), Paulien Eitjes NZL (B2) and Gary Kirby GBR (B3) - entered this race with a sound reserve of 5 points and more. The report and the ranking list.

Yesterday, the races 4-7 have been disputed on lake Rotorua NZL with a 15-18 kn wind. After the discard of the worst score, some major changes have occurred in the rankings. The new leader in the B2 class is Pailien Eitjes NZL. In the class B1, Luigi Bertanza ITA has approached Thomas Johannesen NOR to 1,5 points. In the class B3, Gary Kirby GBR stays in first position. Today is the lay day. The championship ends on next weekend. The report.