Sunny skies, warm temperatures and winds at 7-8 knots greeted 88 boats for the J/70 European Championship in Hyeres France. Earning the early advantage in both the Open and One-Pro Division was Jorge Martinez Doreste’s Bodega Can Marles (ESP). One race was completed, but decreasing winds then sent teams ashore. Two Americans stand in second and third place overall: Richard Witzel’s Rowdy and Laura Grondin’s Dark Energy. More than 40 boats are competing for the Corinthian title, currently led by Ludovico Fassitelli’s Junda (MON) who is fifth in the Open also. Nineteen nations are on hand: AUS, BRA, DEN, ESP, EST, FRA, GBR, GER, IRL, ITA, MEX, MON, NED, NOR, POR, SUI, SWE, TUR, USA. Racing continues through Saturday. Photos are available on the International J/70 Class Facebook page, and complete results may be found at https://www.coych.org/en/regate/j70-european-championship/.