The famous Garda wind machine broke down today and the 111 Finn sailors at the Finn Gold Cup at Fraglia Vela Malcesine on Lake Garda, Italy, will have to wait for another day to begin this long-heralded restart of elite Finn sailing.
The early morning northerly Peler was a solid 20-25 knots but eased through the morning. An encouraging six-eight knots from the south built from around midday and hopes were high for a nice southerly Ora in the afternoon. However, it never stabilised or increased much more and after one attempt at a start the wind was flicking right off the western shoreline, and shortly afterwards Garda became a mirror.
The fleet was sent ashore to wait and then racing was abandoned for the day.
When it finally starts, racing continues until Saturday 21 May.
By Robert Deaves
