With wind speeds reaching up to 25 knots and with big waves hitting the southern French venue, there were plenty of capsizes and breakages across the world class fleet on day one of this six day Grade 1 event.
Amongst all the chaos, Yngling World and European Champions Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson scored two solid results, opening their series with 3,1 to see them in second place overall on the first day, behind the German trio skippered by Ulrike Schuemann.
Hannah Stodel won the only race of the day in the Paralympic Sonar class, while Helena Lucas and Megan Pascoe managed third and fourth places respectively.
After a solid start in the 470 women’s fleet with a third from their opening race, Christina Bassadone and Saskia Clark had to retire from the second race with a broken mast.
Racing at the 2008 French Olympic Sailing Week continues through until Friday 25 April. For regatta news and information, visit http://www.skandiateamgbr.com/events/hyeresreg/hyrreg.htm
