Cascais, 7 July 2007 - The first two races of the 470 World Championships took place today in both the Men’s and Women’s fleets in very difficult and demanding conditions.

The 470 Men started at 13:00 divided into three groups in a light breeze, strengthening during the day, and getting more gusty and shifty by the hour.

Matias BUHLER and Marcos LAMAS from Argentina were able to handle the conditions best and end the day with a bullet and a second place, which makes them the overnight leaders, followed by Championship contenders Nathan WILMOT and Malcolm PAGE (AUS) with a first and sixth place in today’s races.

Elise RECHICHI and Tessa PARKINSON set pace in the 470 Women’s fleet by winning the first race, leaving all seniors behind.. The ISAF Youth Sailing World Champions from 2002 and 2003, and maybe the youngest team within the Fleet, sailed a perfect second race as well, crossing the finish as fifth. This puts them on top on the leaderboard, sharing the same amount of six points with reigning World Champions Marcelien de KONING and Lobke BERKHOUT from The Netherlands.

“ We are very happy with this result, and especially in such shifty, gusty and tricky conditions. Also the boys in our camp, Nathan WILMOT and Malcolm PAGE had a very good day so we are really happy, however it is still early days. Tomorrow we will change race course in a racing area known as the most windiest and we are looking forward to continue our efforts, and race in different conditions during the Championship.” Tessa PARKINSON said.

Racing resumes tomorrow at 13:00 for the 470 Men and at 16:00 for the 470 Women.

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For full results and for further information about the event, visit the event web site at:

or visit the web site of the 470 class at : http://www.470.org