International Class

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2011 SEIKO 49er Europeans Open in Helsinki

Helsinki has opened their city to over a thousand sailors this week with the Open European Championship being held just off the marina in downtown Helsinki. For the 49ers, sixty-five teams representing twenty-one countries from around the globe and all continents are here to vie for the Seiko European crown and also to sharpen their skills to make the Olympic team for the 2012 Olympics to be held in Weymouth, Great Britain one year from this August.

In the opening day of racing with the fleet split onto two courses, Austrians Nico Delle Karth and Nikolaus Resch lead after three races, followed by Steven Thomas and Nick Brownie of Australia and Danes Peter Kruger Anderson and Nicolai Thorsell; only eight point separate the top five. Light air on both courses in the 7-10 knot range and flat water were the conditions of the day.

Multi World champion Nathan Outteridge from Australia who currently sits in fourth commented, "It's very shifty out there and we have to pay attention. On the inner course, we sailed all the way to the rocks before tacking" giving the spectators a thrill as they could practically touch the sailors. Outteridge and his crew are tied with local Finnish sailors Lauri Lehtinen and Kalle Bask.

Qualifying races continue tomorrow through Sunday followed by three more days of the final series culminating with the medal race to be held on 13 July.

For more information and full results: www.openeuropeans2011.com

Photos: www.photos.fried bits.com/201149ereuropeanopenchampionship

About Seiko SEIKO has been the main sponsor of the International 49er Class since 2006. Through this agreement, SEIKO has assisted the growth of the sport and has supported the future development of the 49er through the supply of funds and equipment to the new generation of sailors. In return, SEIKO has gained valuable insights into the needs and wishes of the top athletes in , and is incorporating this knowledge into each new generation of Velature, its marine watch collection.

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