iShares Cup, Marseille podium overall (1,151 Days Ago)
1 Basilica 2 Groupama 3 Holmatro 4 BT 5 Tommy 6 Team SLAM/ ABN AMRO 7 Volvo Ocean Race Boats are now heading back to the Vieux Port for prize giving

Basilica wn the iShares Cup, Marseille (1,151 Days Ago)
Basilica have firmly won the iShares Cup, Marseille and in the final race of the day Holmatro takes second and Tommy Hilfiger third.

Appraoching the last mark (1,151 Days Ago)
BT have terrified themselves after their near topple and have slowed right down. Basilica lead again, with Holmatro in second and Tommy Hilfiger in third but the two boats are closely spaced. BT and Groupama fight for fourth place in this race.

A near miss for BT who almost go swimming (1,151 Days Ago)
For the first time this series Tommy Hilfiger are looking really good, with strong boat-speed and are holding their own against Basilica who have taken the lead in this race. Holmatro swoop in behind Basilica and cut off Tommy Hilfiger for the mark rounding. Groupama come in and tack under Holmatro to try and force them out. A radical bear away from Basilica and Holmatro about 10 second behind shoot off followed by Tommy Hilfiger. Groupama get stuck up at the top mark and BT squeeze in dig their bow in and tip them selves up as the crew swing their legs over the side just before the boat settles back down.

No kite for Holmatro (1,151 Days Ago)
In what looks like an incident between the two boats, Holmatro are not flying a kite and Tommy Hilfiger have overtaken. Basilica have also passed the dutch boat and round the mark second and take the right hand mark. Holmatro take the left mark as they head back up the beat.

Holmatro bury a hull (1,151 Days Ago)
Holmatro dig in as the round the mark in teh lead with Tommy Hilfiger close behind. The remaining pack are about 20 second behind and Groupama and Basilica pushing for third place.

To tha mark (1,151 Days Ago)
Tommy Hilfiger with heaps of twist in their main and Holmatro head off to the right of the course as the rest of the fleet go left. The two boats join Team SLAM and Volov Ocean Race just off the mark with the three remaining boats coming in on port tack.

Double points race on the clock (1,151 Days Ago)
Groupama, BT Volvo Ocean Race, Team SLAM cross the line in a tight pack. Basilica get eased to the back of the pack in dirty air for the first stretch of the first leg.

Boats at full power (1,151 Days Ago)
Puffy up the course with big 15 knot patches. The teams are tired but in good spirits with the sun out. Boats are much more powered up with their full mains and are charging around the startline getting ready to line up for the final race.

Reefs away for the two lap windward-leeward course (1,151 Days Ago)
Course two - Windward, leeward, windward, leeward, windward, finish - for the final race of the day and all of the boats have taken out the reefs in their mainsails and will be fully powered up for the double points race.

Double points race to begin (1,151 Days Ago)
The final race of the day, a double points race will start shortly and with a close spread of points on the board this race will really make a difference to the final scores. Basilica have all but kissed their trophy at the iShares Cup, Marseille but the rest of the podium remains open with Groupama, BT and Holmatro fighting for second and third.

Holmatro still ahead for the win (1,151 Days Ago)
Holmatro pip Basilica at teh mark and beat basilica to the line, ruining the British boats chance of a perfect scorecard although she is fully powered up for the majority of teh race.. Tommy Hilfiger come in third.

Who will be ahead? (1,151 Days Ago)
Holmatro with a reef in their main still lead Tommy Hilfiger and Basilica who are fully powered up but who will come out ahead at the final mark?

Split at the gate (1,151 Days Ago)
Basilica close slightly on Holmatro with thie full-size main but are not closing the gap as quickly as they have done earlier today. Holmatro and Basilica split the gate and take different sides of the course.

All on at the mark (1,151 Days Ago)
Breeze really lightens off and you can bet that teams are wishing they didn't have a reef in. Tommy Hilfiger, Volvo Ocean Race and Team SLAM approach on starboard and force Basilica to put in a terribly slow tack, but Holmatro trump them all and round in front.

Penultimate race (1,151 Days Ago)
Race race to go before the double points race and Volvo Ocean Race get a new skipper as Herbert Dercksen get on board to show the team a thing or two. Race 14 starts, same course as before and Groupama push Basilica out at the start. the fleet head up the beet with Holmatro leading in 10-12 knots.

A second place for Team SLAM (1,151 Days Ago)
Digging their bows in, Basilica crosses the finish-line but the race is really on for second place as Holmatro force Team SLAM to really work to hold their current advantage. Team SLAM finish just ahead of Holmatro after letting out a huge cheer and collapsing in a pile on the trampoline

Holmatro winding in the Danes (1,151 Days Ago)
With everything to loose Basilica are really putting on the pressure and pulling out all the stops to ensure they win each race. Team SLAM/ ABN AMRO, the only amateur boat are really holding their own in this race round the mark in second but Holmatro are flying in behind them, unrolling their kite and sailing down on the Danes.

Digging in (1,151 Days Ago)
Basilica digging their leeward bow in the water finally get past Team SLAM and the two boats choose different marks at the gate. Holmatro do a late roll up of their gennaker and round the mark.

No kite for Team SLAM (1,151 Days Ago)
Halfway down the leg Team SLAM finally get the courage to unroll their gennaker and speed away with Bailisca desperatly trying catch them, pulling otu over 25 knots to get back into the lead.

Volvo Ocean Race nail the start (1,151 Days Ago)
Volvo Ocean Race nail the start at the pin end with Basilica starting at the boat end. A good clean and close start for the majority of the fleet. Holmatro nearly take the committee boat anchorline but sneak away unattached.

Race 4 to start shortly (1,151 Days Ago)
12 knots on the course with a lot of puffy wind at the top of the course as the fleet get ready to race another course one - windward, leeward, windward, finish.

(1,151 Days Ago)
Another first place for Basilica with Holmatro finishingin second, obviously comfortable with her new found position in the fleet. Groupama come in third and fantastic drag race between BT and Tommy Hilfiger ensues as the team crouch on teh back of the boats, bows digging in and tossing spray over the crew and in the last stretch of the race BT comes out ahead. Team SLAM finish in sixth and Volvo Ocean Race who have not been unrolling their gennaker in today's racing finish in seventh.

Tommy Hilfiger forced to duck (1,151 Days Ago)
Coming in on port Tommy Hilfiger are forced to duck Holmatro, Groupama adn BT who are all in a pack letting the three boat round ahead with Holmatro in second, Groupama in third then BT then Tommy Hilfiger. Basilica lead the fleet.

Who will be second at the mark? (1,151 Days Ago)
Tommy Hilfiger strike out on their own and are the only boat going up the left side of the course. The American team tack over to port and get ready to take on the fleet. A very close line up between Holmatro and Tommy Hilfiger and as they apporach the mark we will see who comes out tops.

Taking places (1,151 Days Ago)
Holmatro roll over Team SLAM as Basilica slip away putting the throttle down to ensure another win. Tommy Hilfiger have pushed ahead past Team SLAM and Groupama follow the two boats battling for third place.

Very close racing (1,151 Days Ago)
A rough sea state is keeping the crews on their toes. Race three, another course one, starts with the fleet splitting with three boats going into the shore and four boats heading for the middle of the course. Basilica lead but Homatro are currently closing the gap. The seven boats converge on the mark with lots of shouting coming from the boats. Basilica are the first to round, with Team SLAM in second and Holmatro in third. A boat length behind are Tommy and Volvo Ocean Race with Groupama in sixth and BT bringing up the back.

Breeze and waves at the top mark (1,151 Days Ago)
With a convincing 100 metre lead Basilica take her time around the top mark before heading off to finish the race in first place. Holmatro retain their second place with Groupama finishing in third and Tommy Hilfiger in fourth. BT will now begin to worry about their podium slot as Holmatro, lying in fourth overall going in to the third day of racing, are upping their game and scoring well so far today.

Catching up? (1,151 Days Ago)
Basilica take the right hand gate at the bottom mark with Holmatro choosing the same path about three boat lengths behind. BT is the only boat to go left and is hooning along, cracking up and down in the waves and hoping to gain ground. Basilica stall the the top of the course as the rest of the fleet charge ahead closing the gap.

All on starboard layline (1,151 Days Ago)
All boats are approaching the mark in one of teh closest opening legs of the event. Team SLAM/ ABN AMRO BT, Groupama and Tommy Hilfigier all round together and with Basilica far in the lead the remainder of the fleet are bunched together, who will come out on top?

Race two (1,151 Days Ago)
Race two, another course one will start in 15 knots with gusts of 18-20. Tommy Hilfigier are the only team to shake out their reef to join Basilica.

Groupama in third (1,151 Days Ago)
Groupama finish just ahead of BT to take third.

Holmatro gain (1,151 Days Ago)
Holmatro go left and gain ground on Groupama who struggle with their gennaker. Holmatro pull ahead as Basilica get the gun for the finish. BT and Groupama heat it up for third place.

Nice and easy (1,151 Days Ago)
Basilica take it easy around the top mark, unrolling her gennaker in time. Groupama still in second but have majro trouble with their gennaker unrolling at the top and causing an hourglass. Holmatro in third but BT have caught up with the Dutch boat and are sticking on their hip hoping to overtake.

Clear air (1,151 Days Ago)
Holmatro of in search of clear air and tack off to the centre of the course as the rest of the boats hug the shore, with Basilica finally putting in a tack to head for the windward mark, still pull away from the fleet with her full mainsail.

Basilica off in the distance (1,151 Days Ago)
In a single leg Basilica have soared out from the pack and have a nice lead on the fleet. One can only think that the other teams my be regretting the reef in their sail. Groupama are just behind and have trouble rolling awya their gennaker and Holmatro take the opportunity to go right around Groupama and move into second.

Groupama first to the top mark (1,151 Days Ago)
Groupama round first but Basilica unfurl their gennaker and speed off and overtake the leaders. Holmatro are also in teh mix with the top two.

TRace one underway (1,151 Days Ago)
In 15-18 knots of wind race one has started with all boats reefing their sails execept for Basilica who sail under full power. With a bit of a swell on the course the boat hobby-horse their way up the beat to teh top mark on course 1 - windward, leeward, windward, finish.

To reef or not to reef? (1,151 Days Ago)
Currently half the fleet are sailing with a reef in their mainsails. Basilica, Volvo Ocean Race and Team SLAM/ ABN AMRO are sailing under full power. When racing starts we will see what teams have picked the best option.

Volvo Ocean Race to compete (1,151 Days Ago)
Volvo Ocean Race have repaired their jib furler and are on their way to the course area, ready to sail.

Teams begin to leave for the course area (1,151 Days Ago)
A late start for the teams today. Holmatro, Groupama and BT are just beginning to leave the pontoon in the Vieux Port and head out of the harbour and around the point to the Roucas Blanc racecourse area. Basilica remain on the pontoon making what looks like a carbon repair on their boom, but expect to be sailing this afternoon.

Tommy Hilfiger diagnose their troubles (1,151 Days Ago)
After being heavy-hitter at the iShares Cup, Munich, Tommy Hilfiger have suffered from a disappointing series in Marseille and are currently in sixth place in the seven-boat fleet. Crew member and Olympic coach Jonathon Farrar gives us an insight as to what might be going wrong for the American team. "We have suffered this event. We're piecing together a temporary team and we're lacking practice. Upwind we're having boatspeed issues and just can't hold our lanes. Downwind we're putting in moves that feel good and yesterday we had 4-5 good starts but upwind we're really struggling and losing places. We haven't had good luck here, but we're not sailing our best either. Today we're just going to go out and treat the racing as practice and try and sort out some of our problems."

Basilica suffer from a boat breakage (1,151 Days Ago)
Team Basilica are working hard to fix their boat. "Unfortunately we have discovered a problem with the boat and will have to do a repair this morning which rules us out of sailing in the early session. We should be able to fix it in time for racing later today, but it's fairly serious," explains Boat Captain James Grant choosing not to reveal exactly what is broken.

Double points race on the horizon (1,151 Days Ago)
"We're going to try and get in a full series of races today," Alan Hillman, iShares Cup, Race Manager explains. "We'll try and do six races today with the 15th race counting for double points which could shake up the leaderboard just before prize giving. The wind is expected to increase throughout the day so the 15th race should be a belter!"

Race abandoned (1,152 Days Ago)
With the wind dying away Race Six has been abandoned and competition concludes for the day. Teams will now head back to Le Vieux Port with Basilica back at the top of the leaderboard.

Wind drops away (1,152 Days Ago)
Wind drop down to 5 knots with Groupama getting inside of Basilica to take the lead. BT stalls out at the top mark giving Tommy Hilfiger and Team SLAm the opportunity to pull away while Holmatro and Volvo Ocean Race slip inside, leaving BT at the back of the pack.

Final race starts (1,152 Days Ago)
The final race of the day, another course three triangle has kicked off. Basilica slip inside past Groupama for a clear start while BT, Holmatro and Team SLAM get push out of the starting area and are forced to come back and start again. Holmatro keen to get started barge in on the startline and are given a penalty by the on the water judges adn are the last boat to start the race.

A new course set (1,152 Days Ago)
For the fifth race of the day the Extreme 40s will race on a triangle course taking them close to the shore. Volvo Ocean Race have recieved a jib and will sail Race Five with a storm jib, which may not be ideal but will mean they can race with more than just their main.

A win for BT (1,152 Days Ago)
BT take the win with Basilica desperatly trying to catch up but stalling for speed unable to catch the leaders. Groupama come in third. Tommy Hilfiger over the line in fourth with Volvo Ocean Race and Holmatro fighiting for fifth but Holmatro getting to the line first leaving Team SLAM/ ABN AMRO, who seem to be having trouble with their boat-speed in last place.

Round the mark (1,152 Days Ago)
BT lead all the way to the bottom mark, but can't hold off Basilica who are slowly gaining. Holmatro Groupama and Tommy Hilfiger are jostling just behind the leaders. Volvo Ocean Race, sailing without their jib, have rolled into sixth place holding their own the the seven boat fleet.

BT in the lead (1,152 Days Ago)
Holmatro, Team SLAM and BT tack off for the left side of the course and the rest of the boats head for the near shore. BT slip around the first mark in first after hitting better side of the course. Holmatro make it around in second but loose speed letting Groupama catch up but not pass.

Race four of the day (1,152 Days Ago)
Race four on day two of the iShares Cup, Marseille has started with teams racing a course one - windward, leeward, windward, finish - in 8-12 knots. All boats start on starboard at the boat end with Volvo Ocean Race, competing without a jib crossing the line first with Groupama on her hip.

Preparing for the next race (1,152 Days Ago)
Teams are checking over their boats before the next race starts, making sure lines are tied and tucked away and that sails have been rolled away properly. Today the teams are racing in the biggest breezes (8-15 knots) seen so far in the 2007 iShares Cup and are making sure that they keep their boats in the best racing condition possible.

Hat trick for Basilica (1,152 Days Ago)
Basilica win, Groupama in second as the race for third goes down to the wire with BT rolling past Holmatro in a final burst of speed. Holmatro finish just behind and Team SLAM in fifth, Tommy Hilfiger in sixth. Volvo Ocean Race do not finish the race and will be scored a DNF.

Boats begin to split (1,152 Days Ago)
After a close fight for third place the fleet begin to spread out. Holmatro trail Basilica, who are massively in the lead, and Groupama. BT, ABN AMRO and Tommy Hilfiger descend on the top mark together with BT coming in with good speed and a clear line to the mark, rounding just ahead and catching up with Holmato. BT stay inside and are gaining in speed but may not be able to sail through Holmatro.

Fighting for third (1,152 Days Ago)
Basilica round in first, Groupama in second with Holmatro, BT and Team SLAM/ ABN AMRO elbowing each other for room at the mark, continue to fight for third place.

Basilica break away (1,152 Days Ago)
Basilica back in the lead where she seems most comfortable only to get caught in lighter breeze while the chasing fleet remain powered up.

Four in the mix (1,152 Days Ago)
Basilica get her gennaker tucked behind the jib and are delayed in hoisting their sail losing several valuable places. Holmatro slip into first place with Team SLAM/ ABN AMRO, Basilica and Tommy Hilfiger close behind. Basilica, Groupama and Tommy Hilfiger turn on the gas and catch up to Holmatro making it a four boat race.

Sticking together (1,152 Days Ago)
Up the first beat the majority of the Extreme 40s stick together with four boats bunching together. Holmatro goes her own way and sails to the right of the course but looks to be falling behind as Basilica rounda in first with Groupama sneaking in just behind.

Battle begins (1,152 Days Ago)
With Basilica and Groupama on equal points (unofficial results) both with identical scores the fight for the top slot continues and will continue to hot up throughout the afternoon. Groupama and Basilica spar on the startline with Basilica nailing the start yet again.

Basilic and Groupama on equal points (1,152 Days Ago)
With two boats battling for first place, Race Three is in starting sequence with a Course Two set. Basilica and Groupama will be fighting to win this race in a bid to squeeze thier opponent out of pole position.

Basilica limp into the finish (1,152 Days Ago)
With half a gennaker drawing, Basilica take the win, with Holmatro in second and Groupama screaming in, sully powered up to finish in style. In the last leg of the race BT and Team SLAM swap places three times but with BT failing to open their gennaker, Tommy Hilfiger storm in closing the gap and nearly pip BT on the line, but BT seal 5th place.

Holmatro find their window (1,152 Days Ago)
Basilica get their gennaker firmly wrapped up with Holmatro smoothly unrolling and gaining. who will make the finish first?

One-hull wonder (1,152 Days Ago)
Basilica firmly in the lead with Holmatro just behind them in a cloud of spray as they bury the front of the boat in the water. Groupama are chasing the leaders, but showing less of the underside of the boat. Basilica skate along on one hull maintain the position for most of the leg.

Banging the corner (1,152 Days Ago)
The entire fleet bar Tommy Hilfiger, perhaps tired with the short course taking, bang the corner on the way back to the windward mark. Basilica nail the award for highest hull, rounding the mark with their daggerboard out of the water. Holmatro and Groupama round shortly after.

Basilica wriggles away (1,152 Days Ago)
Not quite able to catch up with Basilica, Holmatro slip back giving Groupama the chance to gain a place. Basilica put a cautious turn around the mark then head left with Holmatro still on their heels. At mid-fleet there is a pile up at the mark with BT, Team SLAM and Groupama bunching up and calling for room.

Holmatro on the hunt (1,152 Days Ago)
Holmatro are trying to keep one hull out of the water in a bid to catch up Basilica who currently lead. Holmatro are hungry to take the lead. Groupama do a signature handbreak turn around the mark.

Basilica own the start (1,152 Days Ago)
On a long startline the fleet are released to the windwrad mark with most of the fleet hitting the line on port except for Tommy who cross the line at the pin on starboard. Basilica take the start leaving chaos in their wake as boats buck adn swerve around each other for position. Volvo Ocean Race had no jib so do not start the race.

Starting strategy (1,152 Days Ago)
Extreme 40s line up before the start, preparing to hit the line with speed.

Basilica win race one (1,152 Days Ago)
Basilica take the win with Groupama in second and Holmatro in third.

Kite catastrophe (1,152 Days Ago)
In the first race of the day gennaker troubles dominated with Volvo Ocean Race suffering from a DNF for a twisted kite they could not fix and BT being unable to roll their kite up. Hopefully these problems will be fixed before teh start fo race two.

All tied up (1,152 Days Ago)
Basilica make the mark eight boat lenghts ahead of Groupmama who started the race in sixth place overall. Groupama ease their crew weight back to keep the bow out of the water and round the mark as Basilica struggle with an hourglass knot in their spinnaker and Groupama begin to catch up.

Fight for the top mark (1,152 Days Ago)
On seperate sides of the course, Groupama and Basilica head towards the top mark but with both boats picking up speed there is no knowing who will get there first.

Round they go (1,152 Days Ago)
Basilica around the last mark with Groupma behind and splitting tacks. Tommy Hilfiger reel in the fleet coming from the back into third only to have trouble rolling up her gennaker and coming to a standstill and tumbling back down the fleet

Submarine or Extreme 40 (1,152 Days Ago)
Basilica come around the mark first keeping her kite in once she has cleared the beat with Groupama screaming into the mark just behind, submerging the front of their boat in a bid to get around quickly. Basilica unleash their power and pull away from the pack with Groupama chasing.

Right or Left? (1,152 Days Ago)
Groupama and Team SLAM/ ABN AMRO head way to the right with all other boats going left. Which side will pay?

Race underway (1,152 Days Ago)
Boats are off with Basilica nailing the start and leaving the rest of the fleet behind and leading five boats to the left side of the course with Groupama being the only boat to go to the right.

Race One, Course One (1,152 Days Ago)
Race one - windward, leeward, windward, finish with port roundings - is in start sequence in a very shifty S-SE 10-18 knot breeze. Slightly more breeze on the right side of the course. The race committe has set a fairly tight, inshore course giving boats less space to move around in. In gusty conditions, the Extreme 40s will be careful turning corners because if they stick their bowsprit in they could end up cartwheeling.

The view from Volvo Ocean Race (1,152 Days Ago)
Berra Johansson, on-board Volvo Ocean Race reveals the challenges they faced on the first day of competition. "The short course racing was really good yesterday but hard. There is no time to settle into one tack, or to calm down as you are always getting ready for the next move. It's all action in these races. It is exciting and challenging. We are just beginners in the Extreme 40 so to have taken a second place is fantastic adn maybe a bit lucky."

Tricky conditions expected on day two (1,152 Days Ago)
James Grant, Boat Captain of Basilica explains the challenges of sailing in Marseille. "The concept of spectator sailing is great. It makes for tricky and sometimes frustrating sailing especially in Marseille which is surrounded by high land masses which causes issues in wind direction."

Tricky conditions expected on day two (1,152 Days Ago)
James Grant, Boat Captain of Basilica explains the challenges of sailing in Marseille. "The concept of spectator sailing is great. It makes for tricky and sometimes frustrating sailing especially in Marseille which is surrounded by high land masses which causes issues in wind direction."

Weather looks good for afternoon racing (1,152 Days Ago)
Another sunny day in Marseille with little morning wind although the forecast looks promising for later in the day. Wind is expected to build to a healty 10 knots in time for afternoon racing.

Racing finished for the day (1,153 Days Ago)
With the wind dropping off and the breeze refusing to stick in one direction, racing has been called off for the day and the teams will now head back to the race village in the Vieux Port for the daily prize giving.

Another win for Groupama (1,153 Days Ago)
In the shortest race of the day, Groupama claim another win bringing their taly to three wins from four races. Holmatro finish in second and Basilica in third

Groupama gain (1,153 Days Ago)
Groupama back in the lead after catching up with Holmatro with better boat speed. Volvo Ocean Race in third while Basilica and Tommy Hilfiger fight for fourth with Tommy Hilfiger nearly sailing into the British boat and Tommy Hilfiger are forced to do a penalty turn.

Starting chaos (1,153 Days Ago)
Basilica are keeping an eye on Groupama, making sure that they stay close to their nearest rivals. All teams start on time clear of the line and Groupama who start on port tack and duck Team SLAM/ ABN AMRO sail clear to take the lead. BT and Tommy Hilfiger have been given a penalty and are both doing turns on the course.

Race four, course one (1,153 Days Ago)
Starting sequence for another race starts with team preparing for another course one. Tommy Hilfiger have fixed their gennaker furler and are now lining up for the start.

Troubles for Tommy Hilfiger (1,153 Days Ago)
Approaching the finish-line, Tommy Hilfiger are having trouble with their gennaker furler which seems to have gotten caught as they rolled it away on the previous windward leg. With a man out on the bowsprit trying to fix the problem, the team finish in last place and will need to find a solution to their problem before the start of race 4.

Groupama back on top (1,153 Days Ago)
Winds goes around to the left side of the course and as Groupama power down to the finish line to claim vistory in race three. Basilica and Volvo Ocean Race split sides of the course meeting at the finish with Volvo Ocean Race taking second, celebrating with a big cheer and Basilica in third.

The left comes good (1,153 Days Ago)
Lots of wind to the right side of the course and Basilica speed along, but Groupama, in less breeze, get lifted and make it around the final mark first with Volvo Ocean Race sneking in ahead of Basilica who proceed to roll over teh Swedish team and back into second.

Left or right? (1,153 Days Ago)
With the wind filling in again, race leaders Basilica and Groupama go gybe for gybe down the leg with Groupama in a slight lead. The French multihull sailors have only a few hours practice in the Extreme 40 are are proving that their multihull skills can transfer to these smaller boats. With one lap to go Basilica and Groupama choose opposite marks at the gate Groupama going left, Basilica going right.

Volvo Ocean Race roung the port mark in third while at the back Tommy Hilfiger struggle with a knotted kite and lose valuable places.

Wind dies down on windward leg (1,153 Days Ago)
With less wind on the course all boats are flat on the water, making their was to the windward mark. Groupama have more pressure and are slowly pulling ahead of the fleet.

Race 3, course 1 (1,153 Days Ago)
Race three, a shortened Course 1 with port roundings has started with all the boats racking up on starboard tack before crossing the startline. Basilica, BT and Groupama lead on the way to the windward mark, all hugging the left side of the course.

Basilica bag race 2 (1,153 Days Ago)
Basilica win race two with BT in second and Groupama in third

One lap to go (1,153 Days Ago)
With one lap to go, Basilica is proving that smooth crew work and gentle boat handling pays as they go through the gate in a comfortable first rounding the starboard mark as they have done everytime so far this race and heading back up the beat. BT also choose to go right with Team SLAM/ ABN AMRO in third.

Snakes and ladders (1,153 Days Ago)
Once again the fleet take different sides of the course with Holmatro, Team SLAM / ABN AMRO and Groupama going left and the rest of the fleet going right. Basilica smoothly lead around the top mark with a quick hoist of the gennaker and shoot off with Team Slam/ ABN AMRO rounding on her hip.

Four at the front (1,153 Days Ago)
The fleet splits with a four boat pack leading including Holmatro, Basilica, BT and Groupama with all boats demonstrating excellent teamwork. Holmatro lead around the mark but are unable to keep their speed cutting their lead down as Basilica close the gap. All boats round the starboard gate except for Groupama who make a last minute decision to round the port mark.

Holmatro pull ahead (1,153 Days Ago)
The fleet split with Holmatro going left before tacking onto port and crossing the whole fleet to be first round the mark. The fleet are met with chop on the downwind leg and bob up and down the entire way down the leg.

Race 2, Course 2 (1,153 Days Ago)
The start sequence for race 2 is underway with a shortened course 2 - windward, leeward, windward, leeward, windward, finish. Breeze has dropped down and moved slightly right.

Groupama on the scoreboard (1,153 Days Ago)
Groupama have asserted their position on the scoreboard winning the first race of the iShares Cup, Marseille after edging out Basilica on the final leg of the race. BT finish the race on port tack to take third just 30 seconds behind.

Groupama maintain lead (1,153 Days Ago)
Groupama around the top mark first after having trouble during a premature unrolling of her gennaker. Basilica smoothly unroll their gennaker at the mark with BT bearing away just behind. Wind is lightening off all over the course, forcing the boats to put in a gybe before they can cross the finish line.

Battle continues (1,153 Days Ago)
Greenhalgh's Basilica and Cammas' Groupama are still locked at the horns as the pressure moves to the right side of the course with Basilica to leeward of Groupama, now heading further to the right to follow the wind.

Port pays (1,153 Days Ago)
Port tack pays off as the four leading boats head for the windward mark on port tack. Basilica, still with pace are neck in neck with Groupama in a battle of boat-speed and tactics. Close behind, BT and Tommy Hilfiger are also locked together Behind the fleet a pack of spectator boats chase the Extreme 40s as the breeze goes left, to favour the right hand side.

and they're off... (1,153 Days Ago)
After a fight for the pin end between Basilica, Groupama, BT, Holmatro and Tommy Hilfiger, the fleet is off, heading for the windward mark. Groupama takes an early lead with Basilica to leeward with a bit more power and nosing ahead.

Course one, Race one (1,153 Days Ago)
Course one - a windward, leeward, windward, finish - has been set for race one. A nice wind is building to a healthy 10-12 knots and will build through the afternoon.

Setting a course for race one (1,153 Days Ago)
A south to southwest sea breeze has filled in and the race committee are now trying to set a course with the bottom mark just off the beach, start-line in the middle.

Win for Tommy Hilfiger (1,153 Days Ago)
Tommy Hilfiger are first to the finish line in the non-scoring exhibition race finishing half a leg ahead of nearest rival Holmatro. Tommy Hilfiger dip the line leaving Holmatro to claim line honours in the race.

Sailing away (1,153 Days Ago)
Patchy seabreeze sends Tommy Hilfiger flying forwards to stretch their lead in the exhibition race, while the remained of the fleet struggle to break into the stronger pressure. Holmatro hits the wind first and takes off in distant pursuit of Tommy Hilfiger.

Unstable leaderboard (1,153 Days Ago)
Once again the lead positions shift around with Tommy Hilfiger taking the lead followed by Groupama and then Holmatro. The rest of the fleet form a procession towards the next mark with Volvo Ocrean Race, Basilica, BT and Team SLAM Denmark bringing up the rear.

Breeze filling in on the last leg (1,153 Days Ago)
Wind is starting to fill in on the course with Holmatro leading the fleet and Groupama closely following. The boats are heading towards a mark off the eastern side of the beach with Groupama and Holmatro missing the mark only to turn back and round letting Groupama who has already sailed an incorrect course slip in for the rounding before heading around for another lap.

Gennakers unroll (1,153 Days Ago)
Boats are approaching the windward mark just off the beach. A large shift pushes Basilica who have caught up with the rest of the fleet and Holmatro around the mark first.

Exhibition race gets underway (1,153 Days Ago)
The exhibiton race gets off to a start with the majority of the fleet over early. Groupama and Basilica went the wrong way on the race course and are forced to turn back and follow the fleet who are on their way to the windward mark.

Practice race to start in unstable wind (1,153 Days Ago)
The race committee will start a non-scoring race to warm up the fleet. Currrently the wind is really unstable and the race committee hope this will fill in and build shortly.

Wind dropping away (1,153 Days Ago)
All seven Extreme 40s are on the course, waiting for the start sequence to begin, but with little wind the race committee are struggling to set a fair course.

Can Basilica do it again? (1,153 Days Ago)
As current event leaders, Basilica will be looking to repeat their performance in Munich where they won nine of the 15 events. Justin Slattery, sailing on-board Basilica, is calm about the weight resting on their collective team shoulders. "We are top of the podium at the moment but you never perceive yourself at the top going into regattas like this. We will take on the challenge, step up our game, do what we do to win and see how we come out at the end.”

Teams test out French waters (1,153 Days Ago)
All seven teams are on the water, testing out the conditions off Le Roucas Blanc where a course we be set shortly. With dropping winds as two weather systems fight against each other, we can expect a delayed start to the regatta.

Preparation begins (1,153 Days Ago)
Holmatro, BT and Team SLAM Denmark have left the pontoons to do a bit of training before the afternoon racing begins at 1400 hrs local time. The remaining teams are all on site, tuning and rigging their boats before heading out of the Vieux Port.

Bright sunshine, good breeze and competitive racing (1,153 Days Ago)
Another hot sunny day dawns on Marseille with the forecast "looking really good today." Alan Hillman iShares Cup, Race Manager explains. "There are various forecasts going around but overall it looks like we're going to have excellent conditions and good racing. We're aiming to complete 6-7 races today in 15-25 knots of breeze."

Franck Cammas and Team Groupama to compete (1,154 Days Ago)
Franck Cammas and Team Groupama have put in a last minute challenge for the iShares Cup, Marseille. The French team will swap their trimaran for the smaller Extreme 40 and sail on home waters this weekend.

A taste of Marseille.... (1,155 Days Ago)
Check out iShares Cup video gallery to see the Marseille teaser film previewing all of the action to come at French edition of the event. Daily video podcasts will also be available to watch online or to download to your own computer or mp3 device so keep checking the video gallery for all the latest.

Forecast good for racing (1,155 Days Ago)
According to current forecast the iShares Cup, Marseille will see good breezes and great sailing conditions. The area is currently dominated by 25 knot winds that will drop off to a comfortable 15-20 knots for the three days of competition starting on Saturday.

Four boats in Marseille (1,156 Days Ago)
Four of the six Extreme 40's have arrived in Marseille with Basilica, Holmatro and Volvo Ocean Race already unpacked and assembled. BT, the former Offshore Challenges Sailing Team, is emerging from her container now and will built in time to put in bit of practice before competition starts on Saturday.

Greenhalgh on Basilica's strengths... (1,156 Days Ago)
“The wind and sea conditions will be the major factor in Marseille,” helmsman Rob Greenhalgh divulged. “Our boat handling should give us an edge when it is breezy, although the racing will be much tighter now and I’m sure all the other boats will prove to be strong.”

A site begins to form (1,156 Days Ago)
Set-up of the race village has begun in the Vieux Port. Several marquees have been erected on the waterfront in anticipation of the event which starts on Saturday July 7.

Josse joins BT (1,156 Days Ago)
French sailor Seb Josse, former skipper of ABN AMRO II, is set to join BT, formerly Offshore Challenges Sailing Team, in Marseille in role of tactician.

Competition will be tough... (1,164 Days Ago)
“None of the guys racing these boats like losing, so everyone is going to be working hard in Marseille.” Stan Schreyer, skipper of Tommy Hilfiger explained. “I know that after finishing fourth in Munich, we have our work cut out for us moving forward and the racing is only going to get tougher. In Marseille we could see 20 knots for a day or two and I can’t say who will excel then but we are all looking forward to it."

Winning in Marseille (1,164 Days Ago)
“In Marseille we’re aiming for more podium places by being more aggressive. As I have said to the team, we have all learned how to win races in other classes, be it Tornado, Star or Open 60s and we will learn how to win races in this class,” Nick Moloney, BT skipper, explained.