Racing began today at the Raceboard European Championships in Finland in unseasonal, but very welcome, conditions.

When asked what he thought of the venue, Kasumasa Sugiura exclaimed - without hesitation - "very hot"!

This fact was later verified by Masters World Champion, Patrik Pollak, who quipped - "unusually hot for Finland, not as I expected".

The fact that the wind blew and that 4 races were completed during the afternoon was not, however, unexpected. Patrik won 3 races; Kasumasa won 1 race.

This year's championship is hosted by Yyteri Surfcentre, Yyteri, near Pori. Home of the Finnish Boardsailing Association, the venue offers everything the beach sport of windsurfing requires.

For many 'raceboard' competitors a 4 race schedule was new and presented a challenge - all competitors who started were able to finish. Patrik Pollak, heading the rankings at the end of day one, offered this explanation - "mostly planing races, some tactical, with target time of 30 minutes, for winner, on target".

RESULTS DAY ONE

Racing starts tomorrow at 10.00hrs, with a favourable forecast, and another full day of racing anticipated.

You can follow the action on Twitter via Raceboard Class website - http://www.raceboard.org/

event website - http://www.purjelautaliitto.fi/EN/RB_EUROPEANS_2011

and facebook - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=129179350494970