Laser Masters Worlds at Hayling Island start today

The Laser Masters World Championships gets underway at Hayling Island SC on today with two races in Hayling Bay for the 350+ competitors from 30 different countries. Racing is taking place in Standard and Radial rigs, with seven championship titles at stake, three in the standard and four in the radial rig Laser.

Competition will be fierce throughout the fleets, with top competitors from last years event in Canada here in Britain to defend their titles. Returning to the class where he first made his name, is double Laser world champion John Bertrand. Bertrand went on to win a Finn Gold Cup title and a silver medal in the 1984 Olympic Games, before moving into America's Cup racing.

Now he is back, not just in Masters events, he also took part in the Miami OCR last January. After Sunday's practice race he commented: “It was good. There is a lot of current to deal with, but it was a beautiful day here and I would not mind seeing these conditions the whole regatta. But I think it will probably change.”

The change could come early in the week. The wind is forcast to reach 20 knots on the opening day, but the sun should stay around to keep everyone happy and provide ideal sailing conditions.

Although Bertrand will undoubtably add some stardust to the event, there are plenty of other names to look out for. Standard masters defending champion Scott Ferguson (USA) is here, as is runner-up Arnoud Hummell (NED). Apprentice winner Adonis Bougiouris (GRE) will face Brett Beyer (AUS) and Orlando Gledhill (GBR) again. And in the Grand Master (65+) Wolfgang Gerz (GER) will defend his title, with Alan Keen (RSA) hoping to improve his third place in Nova Scotia.

In the Radial events, the Brazilian pair, defending champion Carlos Wanderley and third placed Joao Ramos are competing, as is Kiwi Mike Knowsley who just missed the podium last year. Britain's Steve Cockerill has switched to the Radial this year after finishing seventh in the standard last year.

In the Grand Master, Mike Pridham (GBR) will be looking to take the title after being runner-up in Canada, but Alden Shattuck (USA) will also be looking for a top podium finish this year. And in the Great Grand Masters (65+), Peter Seidenberg (USA) will be defnding his title against a 44 strong fleet, including Kerry Waraker (AUS), Mike Kinnear (GBR) and Jim Quinn (NZL).

Over 350 competitors from 30 countries are taking part in the Standard and Radial fleets racing for seven championship titles. Three in the standard Laser - Apprentice (aged 35 - 44), Master (aged 45 - 54) and Grand Master (55+). And four in the Radial Laser - Apprentice (aged 35 - 44) Master (aged 45 - 54), Grand Master (aged 55 - 64) and Great Grand Master (aged 65+).

Ancient Brits on Tour (from Ian Rawet)

The circus is on the road again. Some four hundred Laser Masters sailors have hit the worlds event. This year it is at Hayling Island in the UK. It was most strange packing for the Worlds and then only travelling for three hours to get here. Instead of standing in a queue for measurement with eyes sunk deep into one’s skull after travelling for days without sleep trying to concentrate on what the measurer was doing , we just turned up to the most efficient measurement process I have seen in all the years of travelling. We just sailed through and with the team really knew what they were doing as even my boat was failed. What a target other events have been set.

Sunday saw the practice race – not sure who was practicing for what but most people went out to play. A pleasant 10mph breeze from the NW was just enough to carry the boat against the current inbound to Chichester Harbour so long as the shore was kept very close. On the course the RO was impressive, he certainly knows what is required with a good course set for a windward mark at 300. The current was set for the race at around the 270 area which meant a left sided course. Watched the each start leave and sort of middle left would indicate the way to go especially as the wind was gradually fading.

Oops the second start had a general recall and only a few have come back. The RO restarted the red fleet which confused a number of the sailors in the remaining fleets as they were starting on their wrong class flags. Still that is what practice day is for.

As the last fleet to start not sure what best to do – a general recall means a blag flag. Trundle off the start from the middle of the line watching the known sailors to see what they were doing. People appeared to be mindful of not what to win the practice race and the bad luck winning traditionally brings. Everyone abandoned the race after the last run to head for home. Felt sorry for the finish boat team so I must remember to thank them for staying on station.

The wind was dying and most people abandoned the attempt to sail back to the launching area and walked their boats along the shore against the current. Pleased that the sand bar did not give problems today. The number of broken spars from previous days caused by crashing in whilst trying to cross this sand spit will probably raise the price of aluminium.

The club used their marquee for the opening event and there was plenty of food for everyone. With so many people around this is proving to be well organised, even the car parking can cope.

Stronger winds are forecast so life could prove to be very entertaining.