Close french victory and Switzerland is back on the 505 map.

This years first Eurocup showed a significant 30% growth in participants. 57 Teams have found their way to sunny Southern France. Among those not less than 5 Swiss teams, 8 Uk teams - and a team from Luxemborg!! - yes there is water there, not much, but enough for a 505.

Boite/Toupet had a very close battle during the 3 day regatta with last years no. 2. Pinnell/Hunt from the UK and the Swiss team Stauffer/Jacot, closely followed by the young team Hermann/Kleiner. Only 6 points divided these team after 7 races in all conditions from very light stuff to the last race in a 30 knot+ breeze.

Sophie Solner was best female driver, and best all female team was another german team Hastmann/Stengler.

97 world Champion Mark Upton Brown/Ian Mitchel are back in the class, trying to take another world title, But the class has developed a bit tha last 9 years, but during the races the performed better and better, so watch out for Hayling Island.

And yes, the team from Luxemborg came 49, a nice debut when you have a lake sized 2000x200 meters for training.

And a big thanks to Yachclub Cavalaire for hosting this event for the last many years. Next year the first EuroCup will be in San Raphael.

Tom Bojland
President
International 505 Class Yacht Racing Association