After one week in Hyeres, we are now ready for the start of our next competition, the fourth round of the ISAF World Sailing Cup. Over 110 boats in the 470 Men class have registered, one of the largest fleet sizes we have experienced in recent years.
The 470 is always continually building in popularity by strength in numbers, by nations competing and by the quality of the fleet. Due to the large number of boats the fleets will be split into two groups possibly three.
This again will be a great opportunity to sail against the world’s best. All our main competitors will be present looking to overtake us on the world cup standings. We are confident coming into this event, from Will and I’s performance in Marseille last week. Over the past few days we have been training in as much wind as possible, eager to get some strong wind practice to prepare ourselves and our equipment for the expected “Mistral” in the coming days.
The format of this event, is the same as Palma thus being an 11 race series including a medal race. We will compete three days qualifying and two final racing days with the medal race on the final day.
You might remember that Mal was coming into this event straight after the Farr40 Worlds and swapping with Will after the qualifying round. Unfortunately, we have not been given approval from the International Jury to swap during the regatta. Despite our best efforts we were not able to demonstrate a convincing enough argument. This is disappointing for us, but an important lesson that sometimes things can’t all go our way in our busy schedules. Mal will now fly back to Australia for some rest after the Farr40 Worlds before re-joining for training starting early May. It is still pleasing that, we are both racing and getting ourselves in good shape to finally start our preparation towards the worlds once I come back after this event.
TheFarr40’s worlds are now in the business end. Mal is currently sitting in 4th position so hopefully he can fall within the medals. Fingers crossed.
Our regatta will start tomorrow and you can follow the daily news from www.australiansailingteam.com.au or through the event website directly on http://sof.ffvoile.net/.
Take care, happy sailing and thanks for your support,
Mat and Mal
Mathew Belcher & Malcolm Page
470 Men – AUS 11
Australian Sailing Team