5.5 Metre World Championship begins in Lavrion after wind delays

The 5.5 Metre World Championship in Lavrion, Greece, has officially commenced following a week of delays caused by high winds. After several days of postponed racing and training due to strong northerly winds, the fleet finally completed three races on Wednesday under conditions ranging from 15 to 20 knots.

Following the three races, the Polish boat Aspire, crewed by Przemek Gacek, Mateusz Kusznierewicz, and Kilian Weise, holds the lead with 5 points. The Norwegian boat Artemis, crewed by Kristoffer Spone, Trond Solli Sæther, and Anders Pedersen, is in second place with 10 points. The Swiss entry Ali-Baba, crewed by Flavio Marazzi, Julie Marazzi, and Eline Marazzi, follows in third with 13 points.

Earlier in the week, racing was abandoned when wind speeds approached and exceeded 24 knots, causing minor damage to two boats. The championship features twenty 5.5 Metre boats representing nine different countries.