Olympic Games 1996

IYRU Olympic Update>

Report From Savannah -- Thursday July 18

The British Tornado team of David Williams and Ian Rhodes yesterday and today set the record for longest time in the measurement tent for these Games. With the Tornado fleet comprising 18 boats built by Sailcraft of Sweden and their boat being the only one built by Reg and Robert White from the UK, there was always going to be a close check on their craft.

The boat measured right to the limit on most measurements, but a problem with the centreboards has had the team working overtime to move the pivot point of the boards to allow them to meet the class rules.

Also on the agenda was their controversial mainsail made by Sobstad of the UK. With cloth made from the new Genesis process, the class rules were unclear on what constituted "reinforcing", so the issue went to the full IYRU measurement committee for a ruling. The decision fell in favour of the concerned British Sailors.

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The series of "official team parties" has started with the British Team Party at the Savannah Yacht Club. It is unclear exactly how 470 Women's skipper, Bethan Raggatt, ended up in the club's swimming pool in full team kit, but officials are investigating.

The US Sailing reception is to be held at a private residence on the river this evening, although there could be some early retirements due to a clash with the Greek party in the City of Savannah.

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The Japanese Soling Team got caught up in Savannah's tricky sandbars in strong winds on Monday. The team drifted onto the last sandbar near the entrance to Wassaw Sound, with the keel crashing in the heavy surf whipped up by the strong 18 - 20 knot winds in the area. Rescue boats stood by, but there was little they could do to help the crew get the stricken boat into deeper water.

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