[Tony Swiss Yodel Crew]

Monday, 23.08.04

The opening ceremony was held by sunny weather and much wind. Apart from a little snack there were some speeches held by the race president Thomas Sager, president of Zürcher Yacht Club, Sponsor KPMG and Russell Coutts.
During the following press conference Russell Coutts answered every question in a relaxed atmosphere. He confessed that he is extremely impressed by the area around Lake Silvaplana Additionally he admits, that he definitely would have sailed the 29er, if that boat had been designed 20 years ago.Many sailors didn’t do the practice race at 12.00 because it was cold and very strong wind. Celestin Rohner(SUI): “I’m freezing even with two Neoprens!” The following 8 qualification races (4 for each fleet) could be held without any problems. We had throughout the race between 5 and 6 Beaufort and Maloja-Wind



Tuesday, 24.08.04

The qualification races were also held in two fleets, yellow and blue. Those were mixed again for this day. Before the sailors had to run out, the measurement tent in Sils became a big changingroom, as everybody changed its clothes there. The first two races could be started at 11.00 with Maloja-wind, rain and between 2-3 Beaufort. Then, the wind became less, and the sailors got the opportunity to get some food and to warm themselves up. The next three races could be started with up to 4 Beaufort. There were only a few complications and disqualifications on one start. Because of the less Beaufort, many swiss teams could improve themselves. The best swiss team still is Fabio Müller/Matthias Keller (SUI963), place 18, followed by Nathalie Keller/Caspar Buettner(SUI689), place 21. Leaders so far are Lauri Lehtinen/Miika Pennanen (FIN 548).

- for further info and pics check: www.29er-worlds.ch
- for the results check http://www.29er-worl...ts/mywebos.html

Rgds Tony

[Kiwi Spy]

Great place Silvaplana. When I was there - many moons ago - we all camped beside the lake. It was bitterly cold at night - slept with all our clothes on - every stitch we had with us, and it was still cold. On the final night it snowed, the tents either collapsed or got very heavy and soggy with snow. Unforgettable - of couse during the day we were all running around in t-shirts and shorts.

The water was always extremely cold.

Coutts was behind the establishment of a trust at his old Club - Ravensbourne - which bought a fleet of 29ers for the local kids to sail.

KS

[Jib Man]

Cheers to all the 29-ers! Good luck to you and smooth sailing.

It is an awesome fleet and a truly great boat. At about 200 pounds just myself, I single-hand my 29-er in wind up to 15 knots, and it is an absolute GAS. How many boats can you single-hand with a big bowsprit, assymetrical spinnaker and winged hull while planing and skpping over the waves on a reach?

I'm really dreaming about sailing the 49-er I'll admit, but the 29-er single-handed is a blast that few hardy sailors have experienced.

[BeachbumII]

Note the Finnish Family Lehtinen doing good: Lauri is in the lead and his sister is 15th :)