Regates Royales 2007-Panerai Classic Yact Challenge

A tempest strikes the Régates Royales
Although there were clouds in the sky on Thursday morning, there was enough bright sunshine in evidence, along with a nice breeze, to lure the sailors and Race Committee on to Cannes Bay for the scheduled racing. But unfortunately, these conditions didn't last long. An intense squall came through, bringing heavy rain showers, hail, thunder and lightning. The tempest attacked the fleet with a fury. Visibility was reduced to metres at times, and the gusting conditions (35/40 knots) caused several boats to broach, colliding one into the other. France was dismasted, and Nagaïna suffered significant damage to its hull. Two Dragons sank. There were reports of lightning striking near several boats, and indeed, crew on board some boats told of instances of being ‘shocked'. Initially, it appears the more than one thousand sailors taking part in the regatta have escaped serious injury, although a handful were taken to the hospital for observation and minor treatment.