On the opening day of the OK Dinghy Autumn Trophy in Bandol, France, on Wednesday, Tim Petetin won the only race in 20-25 knots in some epic conditions with big wind and big waves. Matt Howard crossed second with James Downer in third. With the 2028 World Championship scheduled to be held in Bandol, there is a lot of interest in testing the venue with 37 boats from seven nations taking part in the annual Autumn Trophy.
Howard held the early lead but headed to the wrong leeward mark, along with several others allowing Petetin into the lead. Howard recovered to second as the wind and waves increased through the race, passing Downer at the final leeward mark.
Further racing was abandoned as the wind increased to 30 knots. The event continues to Saturday with an early start scheduled for Thursday to get races in before the strong wind returns.
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Results after Day 1
