2019 SB20 Grand Slam in Hyeres, France - Day 1

Give Me Five - FFV Youth in action in the 2018 Worlds in Hobart, Australia © Jane Austin

Australia's SB20 contingent has started the 2019 SB20 French Grand Slam in style with all teams in the top ten after the first day of racing. The 31-boat fleet started the pre-Worlds lead-up event in a 12 to 18 knot westerly, with flat water but shifty conditions, which was forecast to build to 28 knots later in the day.

2019 French Nationals silver medallists Brett Cooper, Darren Jones and Jock Calvert and(Aeolus), found their groove early leading at the top mark with Andrew Smith, Lewis Noye and Mikael Mergui (The Imp) round in second place. Aeolus almost held on, finishing the first race in second place, while The Imp lost a few places downwind to finish in sixth. Elliott Noye, Paul McCartney and Edward Snowball (Porco Rosso) finished in 10th place.

After a general recall, Race Two started in 22 knots of breeze with Porco Rosso getting a great start, but it was The Imp that got to the top mark first, well clear of the fleet. However, this triumph was short-lived for the Aussie team. "Our second race was better with a strong start - we were clearly first to the top mark and were clearly in front in 20-25 knots of pressure with the kite up, but we wiped out and lost 15 places," said Smith. The Imp recovered quickly and picked up a few places to finish in ninth. Smith, who is sailing a new boat with new crew and in a new venue, was very pleased with his team's performance on Day One. "The boat is fast, and the crew work is excellent. The competition is strong, as always, but we are looking forward to Day Two with a strong focus on the Worlds," said Smith.

Aeolus finished Race Two in second place while Porco Rosso picked up a few spots to finish in seventh place.

Racing was called off after Race Two due to the expectation of strong winds forecast to reach 28 knots. The Australian teams have been hearing a lot about the infamous Mistral wind, and it looks like they will be getting a taste of it well and truly during the Grand Slam.

The leader after Day One is Give Me 5 Sailing Team Youth, skippered by Robin Follin with Emeric Michel, German Gaulthier and Laurie Candela. This team is razor sharp, oozes confidence and has sights firmly on the crystal, with recent changes to the boat reaping early rewards. "It was a really great job from the team today. We decided to change our mast one week ago and it's probably the best idea of the year. We found a really great speed that we haven't seen since 2015. We are really confident for the Worlds and the idea is clear, bring the cup home again," said Follin.

The top ten teams after Day One: Give me Five FFV Youth, FRA (2 points), Aeolus, AUS (4 points), Team FFVoile, FRA (6 points), Absolut, RUS (9 points), Xcellent, GBR (11 points), Victorian Sailing Team, RUS (12 points), The Imp, AUS (15 points), Porco Rosso, AUS (17 points), Acti Time, RUS (21 points) and #GameChanger, UKR (21 points).

Four races are scheduled for Day Two of racing which gets under way earlier at 1100 on Saturday 5 October. Forecasts are divided but 20 knots may be on the cards. Australia's fourth team, Essence of Athena (Anna Reid, Issi Declerck Meg Goodfellow and Emily Nicholson) are not contesting the Grand Slam.