The 83 strong fleet from 15 nations experienced mixed fortunes on the opening day of the 2004 Melges 24 Worlds in Marstrand, Sweden. As we go to press there are still a number of ourstanding protests against the race committee which could considerably affect the overall results. Prior to the results of the protests and after two races in light to moderate winds it is currently Flavio Favini, helming for Switzerland's Franco Rossini, who heads the leader board from Italy's Nicola Celon, Germans Alba Batzill and Dietrich Scheder and Rob Smith, helming for Britain's Stuart Simpson. Among those protesting are first race winner Sebastien Col and defending World Champion Shark Kahn.   more...