Sailing: SUFFOLK'S Katie Archer faced a frustrating start to her ISAF World Games debut as her races were cancelled on two of the first three days.Katie, from Woodbridge, is one of two British girls competing in the competition in Marseilles which started this week.

SUFFOLK'S Katie Archer faced a frustrating start to her ISAF World Games debut as her races were cancelled on two of the first three days.

Katie, from Woodbridge, is one of two British girls competing in the competition in Marseilles which started this week.

ON Saturday night, the 700 competitors participating in these World Sailing Games were paraded on the Canebière Avenue in the opening ceremony welcomed by 300,000 Marseilles citizens. Practice sailing for all fleets took place on Sunday and Monday.

The racing started on Tuesday and due to the conditions, this has been the only day when sailing in Katie's category has taken place.

Sailing conditions were described as superb with an 11 to 12 knots wind in the morning which increased to around 18 knots at the beginning of the afternoon. This strong wind meant it was ideal for the laser radials with France's Sophie de Turckheim dominating the first racing day, winning the two rounds. Poland's Katarzyna Szotynska came second in both races and Gea Barbic from Croatia came third twice.

Katie admitted there would be some rivalry between her and her team mate Nicola Muller and they have both made a good start to the competition.

In the first race Katie finished 12th, one place behind Nicola and in the second race of the day Katie finished tenth with Nicola in ninth position.

There are still 16 races scheduled and Britain coach Chris Gowers said Katie will gain a great deal from competing in this event.

"Having won the Laser Radial Youth Worlds in the girls category a couple of years ago in Turkey Katie has shown she is a talented sailor," said Gowers. "Now she is making the step up to the senior level it is interesting to see how she is getting on in a tougher fleet especially as she has been studying hard and not training too hard.

"However, in strong winds Katie and Nicola are both world class and all I am looking for is a never give up attitude and lots of learning for following years."

The second day saw only a slight wind with racing only taking place in one of the ten classes (not Katie's) and eventually the decision was made to postpone sailing for the day.

Yesterday was equally frustrating as the wind became too strong and again racing had to be cancelled but weather-permitting racing will continue until next Wednesday.