Challenging conditions greeted more than 200 Laser sailors yesterday as the Peter Lehmann Wines Australian Laser Championship kicked off at the Adelaide Sailing Club.
Before the racing began, all competitors attended the competitors briefing outlining the major rules and expectations of the sailors, coaches and support boats.
The most recent Laser Radial youth world champion Finn Alexander was invited to say a few words about his win at the event and his plans for the nationals as he steps up into the Laser Full Rig to take on a new challenge.
It was also announced that there would be trackers used each day to help the supporters on shore and back at home to watch and follow the sailors racing.
Stay tuned to the EVENT FACEBOOK PAGE, to find out about how to follow the trackers.
Racing was close for all three fleets in the practice race yesterday. Photos: Dave Birss, Epsom Rd Studios
After a stormy night on Tuesday conditions had changed a lot with the sun making an appearance and the breeze easing off to almost nothing just as the sailors were leaving the beach.
Drifting out to their respective courses, many rafted together or made use of the conditions with some light weather training while waiting for the racing to begin after it was postponed.
With just more than an hour of waiting, a refreshing sea breeze filled in at 8-10 knots slowly building as the afternoon progressed.
All three fleets were able to get a race away in the unsettled breeze, with many sailors honouring the long standing superstition of not finishing — pulling out during the race and completing their own training before heading back to the beach to finish any final tasks before the official racing starts today.
Racing will continue today with the opening two championship races of the regatta. Photos: Dave Birss, Epsom Rd Studios
