Challenging conditions tested the 48 teams Thursday at the J/70 European Championship hosted by Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy in Great Britain. Two races were completed (bringing in the discard) in winds beginning at 7-9 knots but decreasing throughout the day. Douglas Rastello’s Good to Go (USA1046) notched scores of 7,6 and tossed an 11th from race one to move up to first place overall after five races at 18 points. Vasco Serpa’s Solyd Sailing Team/Sailcascais (PRT1618) won the day with a 3,2 to become the leading European boat and second overall with 29 points. Gulboy Guryel’s Denizcik (TUR442) and Charlie Thompson’s Brutus II (GBR1572) are tied at 32 points for the next two positions. Pär Svärdsson’s Happy Yachting (SWE1563) leads the 32-boat Corinthian Division. Race Committee sent the fleet out 90 minutes early, after the prior day’s insufficient winds. William Edwards’ Sardonyx mastered the tricky breeze in the opening contest to take line honors, ahead of Max Clapp’s Little J and Serpa’s Solyd Sailing Team/Sailcascais. The RC had their hands full to keep up with 20 degree shifts on each leg, adjusting the course continually. Martin Dent’s Jelvis took the next bullet, while Solyd Sailing Team/Sailcascais maintained their solid day, and Finley Dickinson’s Jellyfish placed third. With reports of more consistent winds toward the inside course, the Committee moved the fleet, but Mother Nature did not cooperate, and competitors returned to shore for the day. Fifteen nations are on hand: AUS, ESP, FRA, GBR, GER, IRL, MEX, MON, NED, POL, PRT, 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://yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=15643.