90 competitors from 15 countries have entered the European Windsurfing Festival in Brest, with the biggest fleet being the Raceboard Men. The sailors are definitely looking forward to a great week of racing [more] with the weather forecast showing sun all through to Saturday on the French coast. 15 races are planned for the Raceboard class, whilst the DII have 12 scheduled.

On the first day of racing, competitors waited until 3.00 pm before being called to go on the water.  It was a very hot day under blue skies, with very light wind, but the thermal wind was coming without a doubt.
The Raceboard men sailed two races in 8-12 knots and it was the defending champion Nicolas Huguet, just making it back in time from Rio, who took two bullets. Toni Colomar Torres and Curro Manchon from Spain are second and third overall and will look to challenge Nicolas’ lead tomorrow.
Although only one race was held for the women it wasn’t one without a history. Jeanne Mailhos from France came in strong after her twelve (12) year break in racing! Winning the first! Farah Hall from USA and Anto Dominguez Balilla are second and third respectively.
It was a big day for the Division II sailors today with their first international regatta in a long time.  That, and the fact, that due to lack of wind, the first race was postponed 3 times, built the atmosphere of the day.
2 races were sailed for the DII, both won by Nicolas le Gal from France. Two of his teammates follow with Alain Cadre on 6 points and Gilles Tanguy on 7.
Although the DII go a little slower on their smaller sails than the Raceboarders they are really fun to watch.
After tomorrow’s racing the organisers have a great treat planned for all the contestants. The whole fleet is going into town for the welcoming party of the French sailing Olympic medallists. Everybody is looking forward to that.
Be sure to check out our live feeds on Twitter and media on Facebook all available from the event homepage – http://europeans2016.raceboard.org/