Storms Halt 49er and 49erFX World Championships

Buenos Aires, Argentina (November 19, 2015) – After three days of qualifying, the continuation today for the 49er and 49erFX World Championships was inundated with thunderstorms and high winds since around midday.

Silver fleet was sent out to a morning of cloudy skies and winds around 10 knots and building, shifting more and more East, then South East. A Storm system rolled in just as the fleets were finishing their first and only race of the day. Winds built to gusting strength and a downpour of rain flooded the area. Many boats took down their main sails to accommodate coach boat tow-ins, while some were unluckily forced into capsizing.

Gold fleet stood tentatively on shore awaiting the arrival of fellow Silver fleet sailors and further instructions. Racing was called for the day at about 2:30pm and will resume with Gold fleet starting the day tomorrow morning at 10am.

The qualifying stage advanced the top 25 teams to Gold fleet. No North Americans are in the top 25 in the 49er, while 49erFX teams Paris Henken/Helena Scutt (USA) and Erin Rafuse/Danielle Boyd (CAN) sit in 13th and 22nd, respectively. Teams carry their qualifying scores to the next stage.

Racing concludes on November 21.

Event details: 49er.org/event/2015-world-championship

Report by class media.