The wind conditions on day one of the tenth Women’s Criterium at the Real Club Náutico Calpe in Spain delayed the start of the competition amongst a world-class field including all top three skippers from the ISAF World Match Race Rankings. At 13:30 the wind started blowing until it grew to 8 knots and invaded Calpe’s bay allowing the Tom 28 boats to complete all the races programmed for the first day.

In the competition’s first stage 17 flights will be completed, and in each flights four matches will take place. Yesterday, nine of the 17 flights were completed, giving an early indication of the form sailors. Sweden’s Linda RAHM, #11 in World Rankings, surprised everybody winning every race she competed in. Just behind her are Claire LEROY (FRA), world #1 and reigning World Champion, and world #2 Lotte MELDGAARD PEDERSEN (DEN). One of the favourites for the title, the Australian Katie SPITHILL, made a stuttering start, winning only two of her five matches. She will have to make a huge effort to be able to fight for the trophy and compete in the knock out stages of the tenth International Women Match Race Criterium.

Results – click here