Audi Flying Fifteen Worlds expect a seabreeze for Day 1

1:39 AM Sat 10 Jan 2009 GMT

'Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, host club for the 2009 Audi Flying Fifteen Worlds' Richard Gladwell Click Here to view large photo

Around 100 yachts from six countries are expected to contest the opening race of the 2009 Audi Flying Fifteen World Championships on Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne.

Conditions for the first race are expected to be the usual Port Phillip Bay seabreeze, expected to kick in at 15-20kts.

The prognosis from PredictWind.comshows light winds of only six to seven knots in the morning, with a seabreeze arriving around 1300hrs - an hour before start time from just east of south. The breeze will swing through the south to 190 degrees and increase to about 18-20 knots before settling back to 180 degrees for the afternoon.

New Zealand team assembles for the 2009 Audi Flying Fifteen Worlds - Richard Gladwell Click Here to view large photo

The past two days have been notable for strong winds from the southerly quarter bloiwng well in excess of 25kts with nasty seas. The conditions have not really allowed any competitors to practice between the Pre-Worlds and World Championship proper.

Racing will be conducted for three fleets the Open fleet, comprising 85 competitors, who have had to qualify for the regatta. 18 yachts are entered in the classic fleet, with a further six competitors in the Silver fleet.

Competitors from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Ireland, Spain and Great Britain will contest the event which finishes on Thursday 15th January, generally one race will be sailed per day.

Full details of the racing can be found on www.sail-world.comor the official website www.ffiworlds2009.yachting.org.au

The sweet lines of the Uffa Fox designed, Flying Fifteen - Richard Gladwell Click Here to view large photo

A classic fleet competitor, 2009 Audi Flying Fifteen Worlds - Richard Gladwell Click Here to view large photo

Tracy Harris (GBR) gives her hull a final polish prior to the start of the 2009 Audi Flying Fifteen Worlds, Day 1 - Richard Gladwell Click Here to view large photo

by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World

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