This morning it was time for the first races of the Tour de France à la Voile 2010. But out on the course there was not much wind. About 11 o'clock the postpone flag was already hoisted. After a few hours, around half past one, there finally came a light breeze. The committee moved the course further out to sea in better breeze. But the race wasn't what the team expected, with a 23th position in the end.
Last night Bouwe Bekking arrived in Dunkerque very late. Today Bouwe helmed during the starts, the rest of the race he did the tactics and Rikst steered. At the start the boat speed was not good enough but the good side of the course was chosen. At the first upper mark the team was halfway the field. After this mark they decided to jibe immediately. Together with TU Delft and four other teams they ended up in a windless area, losing a many places. At the lower mark it was pretty close with TU Delft. In de second part of the race the team sailed more consistent and even gained some on the boats in front, but the gap turned out the be too big. With the decreasing winds the committee decided to cancel the second race.
Tomorrow there will be another day of inshore races here, at Dunkerque. Hopefully with more breeze and better results! In the meantime our Belgium teammate Bram has been arrived. He will sail his first races later this week.
