Alinghi increases her lead

Four more races held at the D35 racing at Beaulieu-sur-Mer

After a day when conditions proved too windy yesterday, the Decision 35s ventured out on to the course off Beaulieu-sur-Mer today, completing four races in quite different conditions.

To make up for Friday, the first start today was brought forward to 0930 to provide the maximum opportunity to get racing in.

At the end of seven races held over three days, Ernesto Bertarelli's Alinghi has consolidated her lead, displaying impressive consistency, finishing only one race off the podium, to now lead by eight points.

"We are pleased with our results," Bertarelli said. "We are always quite good when it is windy and we can sail with the jib."

Foncia and Michel Desjoyeaux retain their second place. Desjoyeaux commented: "We had a good first day, but we clearly lack practice because the crew hasn't sailed since the Bol d'Or. But Alinghi are the masters. Our results are slightly up and down. But over time, we will improve."

Dona Bertarelli's Ladycat completed the podium thanks her team's victory and their second place today. Dona Bertarelli was delighted by their performance: "For us, it is excellent to race here. The conditions are surprisingly difficult. It's hard to steer and trim the boat, but eventually we managed to get good results. Having Yann Guichard on board calling tactics makes a big difference. "

Marco Simeoni's Veltigroup got off to a strong start with his helmsman Steve Ravussin in winning today's first race, to hold fourth place overall.

Results:

More photos from Chris Schmidt/www.eyemage.ch