31 boats came to La Baule on the French west coast to enjoy the 4-day regatta that 1st May holidays enables.

Saturday, 3 races were done under a dark cloudy sky in 15-20kn. 4 teams appear to be over the others: Boite/Gallo, Broise/Desjamonieres, De Kergariou/Geron and Loyal/Nevo. It was clear that a tight battle was under way for the podium between these teams.

Sunday, racing was abandonned as La Baule was under heavy rain, big sea and wind above 40kn. The day was not totally over as the club organized a really good party for crews.

The following day, racing was postponed until it was sailable. That was a good decision from the race committee because in the afternoon, 3 races were done under sunny sky and 15kn. The big swell of the previous day wind offered great surfing conditions. Once again, the big 4 were on the lead: Boite/Gallo and Broise/Dejamonieres winning each on a race and De Kergariou/Geron winning the remaining one. Loyal/Nevo were a bit distanced. Philippe Boite turned 50 in a successful 5o5 day!

Finally, the last day, 3 other races were sailed with a dramatic final one: between Boite/Gallo and Broise/DesJamonieres, the winner of the last one would be the winner overall. That was only at the very last downwind mark that Broise/DesJamonieres took over Boite/Gallo and open a succesfull path to the trophy.

However the 2 top teams had a perfect equality: same number of points, same number of 1st place and 2nd place. That was a harsh battle!

 I have just returned from Barbados after some planning meetings with the Barbados Tourism Authority, the Barbados Yacht Club and the Barbados Sailing Association, in preparation for next years Worlds. I was accompanpied by Andrew Davies ( Fireball Association - Secretary ) who has offered to assist the 5O5 Association in the conduct of the event after his experience gained in Barbados in running the very successful Fireball Worlds there in 2010. Andrew Davies along with Mr Peter Marshall (Barbados Yacht Club) and Senator, Peter Gilkes (Barbados Government) made the presentation at our AGM in Aarhus in 2010 which was so overwhelmingly endorsed by the members in favour of the other two proposals. 

Having now done two site visits and witnessed the enthusiasm of everyone concerned, I am confident the 2013 Worlds will be a milestone in 5O5 history. The proximity of the race course to the Host Club - directly out to sea in Carlisle Bay - the variety of accommodation within walking distance to the Club, the incentives and assistance from the sponsors, which includes the Barbados Tourism Authority, Geest Shipping and Virgin Atlantic, should make this event a "NOT TO MISS" Worlds!!  

Not only is it a great sailing venue, it is a top venue for a family vacation.The Caribbean and the Bajan people is an experience to enjoy. 

A "5O5 Worlds 2013" website - as a link from this site - will be up and running shortly. As further information becomes available regarding accommodation details, shipping rates and air fare deals, regular updates will be made. This will be a particularly good deal for the Europeans with the Geest shipping deal and the fast turnaround time for the container shipping. 

Lock it in your diaries now - April 22nd to May 3rd 2013.

Proof that those who didn't go, missed a fantastic event.

Blue skies and great breeze!

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