Just before leaving for the Raceboard European Championships I came across an article in Sailing Illustrated on how not to write a report from an event. From the article I’ve learnt not to write about the weather or race officers (sorry Marek), but to concentrate on the sailors – and their point of view.[more]

So here it goes, 92 sailors representing 14 countries (Australia and Argentina included) arrived in Nove Mlyny, Czech Republic to compete in the Europeans. It is cold. And here is their perspective.

Aleksandra Blinnikka from Finland, who is currently sitting in second place surprised me with her answer: “It was so hot today for me, tough racing and I had a lot of fun.” The local hero Karel Lavicky also enjoyed himself: “It was really fun, it was fighting, but actually I have to say it was a fight for second, as Joao was leading in all three races, but it was good. Especially the wind shifts made it exciting with surprises on the upwind or even on the downwind.”

Other anonymous sailors did not confirm their story, some not risking it and saving their strength for later in the week, this being reflected in the number of DNCs in the results. Others shaking as they came back ashore. Even the dominant leader of the male fleet could be seen racing in a hat, gloves and shoes. A rare sight in his home spot on Madeira Island. “I took the gloves from my garage when I saw the forecast for this event. The last time I used them was in 1995…”, Joao said laughing after the racing.
So, after three races Karel is third, another Olympic sailor Aron Gadorfalvi from Hungary second and Joao Rodrigues from Portugal is first. Karel is not the only local doing a good job here in Nove Mlyny. Jana Slivova is leading over at the ladies with consistent three top spots in all the races today. Aleksandra is second and third overall Vita Matise from Latvia. 
Good results from the locals have attracted some media attention too, with national television doing some live broadcasting from the spectacular start of 79 men on one start line. 
There you have it, tomorrow we come back for more action as racing commences at 11:30.