A solid 40 knot easterly with gusts of more than 50, put paid to any thoughts of racing on the opening day of Marseille One Design, the final event on the 2016 GC32 Racing Tour.

The GC32 Racing Tour organisers, along with Sirius Events, organiser of Marseille One Design, made the call to cancel racing last night when it became obvious that the big conditions would be battering France’s second largest city and the Rade Sud course area for the entire day.

“Right now we can see that it was a good decision, because we have 40 knots and gusts of 45 knots, so it is safer not to go racing,” explained GC32 Racing Tour principal race officer, Anne Mallédant, as powerful gusts rocked the race committee’s office at Marseille’s Roucas Blanc Marina.

According to the forecasts, the easterly gale is set in until tomorrow midday, when Mallédant says there might be a window to get some racing in. “It depends on the position of the centre of the depression – at the moment the weather models disagree about that.”

Photos: Sander van der Borch / GC32 Racing Tour

Typically the GC32s don’t race in winds above 25 knots, although in reality it is sea state dependent. However, unlike many inshore race boats, the GC32s are more flexible in the conditions they can race in because their mainsails are fitted with a reef.

Sebastien Rogues, skipper of Team ENGIE, agreed with the decision: “Outside it is 40 knots, sometimes more and with a GC32 it is much better to stay in port in that! Tomorrow the wind will drop during the day. After lunch it may be perfect.” With racing cancelled, Team ENGIE has spent today training ashore in the gym or with their coaches. “And later, we’re going karting…” says Rogues.

More information about tomorrow’s racing will be made available in the morning.