The most northern Melges 24 competition is again under it´s way here in Oulu. Oulu is only 200 kilometres from the Arctic Circle:-) The weather was magnificant - blue sky, 15 degrees, wind from E with a velocity varying from 18 to 24 knots. Wind conditions were gusty and shifty due to the wind blowing from the land. So a lot of thrills and spills was the name of day. Luckily no major damages besides some broken gennakers.
A long day - from 11am to 7pm filled with four long starts were sailed today. Two wins to FIN236 helmed by Jorma Kinnunen and one for FIN597 Timo Saukkonen and FIN425 helmed by Matias Seppovaara. Unfortunately FIN236 good day was spoiled by the jib coming down due a broken rope attaching the jib to the luff wire.
Results after day 1:
1. FIN-425 Matias Seppovaara, HSK
2. FIN-289 Kari Lukkarila, OM
3. FIN-597 Timo Saukkonen, OM
4. FIN-236 Jorma Kinnunen, OM
5. FIN-316 Miika Kalliokari, RPS
6. FIN-328 Tero Heikkinen, HaPS
7. FIN-476 Jukka Santala OM
It seems that there will be more wind tomorrow and having 2-3 races are scheduled for tomorrow the podium places are wide open!
Keep tuned:-)