The first event of the new season of the International J/70 Barcelona Winter Series, held in the waters off Barcelona on 30 September, 1 and 2 October, and organized by the Reial Club Nàutic de Barcelona, has come to an end. The season has started with 12 boats from four countries (England, Poland, Germany and Spain). The competition has been marked by tough weather conditions during the three days of racing—the first day with a wind of 150 and 8-9 knots that was turning up to 190 and rising to 17 as the afternoon progressed, with plenty of waves. After completing the four races, Tenaz of Pablo Garriga (RCNB) with Rayco Tabares on tactics led with a 1-2-1-1 and 5 points, competing with the young crew of Can Marlés (CN Vilanova) with Jorge M.Doreste at the helm, who got the second position just two points behind with a 2-1-2-2. Fighting for third place was Clinicas W of Luis M. Doreste, Ricardo Terrades and López Quevedo (RCNB/RCNGC/RCNA), Noticia of Luis Martín Cabiedes (RCNB) and the English Serious Fun of Tony Hayward (RCNB). Finally the Canarian Clinicas W came back in the last two races to reach the podium with 15 points (5-4-3-3). On the second day, with winds from the southwest and an intensity of 8 knots rising to 15 knots, accompanied by a strong current, four races were completed. Tenaz continued to lead with two firsts (3-1-2-1) and 9 points. Can Marlès’ (4-2-1-4) maintained its second position with 14 points. And Noticia with better results than the previous day, snatched third place from Clinicas W which was in fourth position. Sunday was a day marked by very strong wind conditions. The start was given with a south westerly wind and 13-14 knots that quickly increased in intensity, reaching 22 knots in the third race. The fourth race could not be sailed. The conditions clearly favored Can Marlés, which won all three races and was proclaimed winner of the day and of the general classification with 17 points. Just one point behind Tenaz, which with a 3-4-3 was content with a hard-fought second place. Luis Martín Cabiedes’ Noticia finished the day with a 2-2-5 and 28 points. For complete Series details, visit www.barcelonawinterseries.com.