GRUELLING conditions likened to being ‘in a washing machine’ hit the world’s best sailors competing in the Skandia Sail for Gold regatta.

Portland’s 470 men’s dinghy sailors Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell revelled in the ‘disgusting’ British weather and scored 1,2 in their first day of gold fleet racing, claiming second place overall.

Crew Bithell, 25, described the conditions as ‘horrible, miserable, disgusting, wet, windy and wavy.’ He said: “It was horrible for us but worse for everyone else because we’re used to it.

“It was like a washing machine out there.”

A ‘happy’ helm Patience added: “Obviously the Olympics is the big one but it would be a nice bonus to do well at this event too.”

Portland’s Finn sailor Giles Scott compounded his lead in the heavyweight dinghy fleet.

He said: “It was another good day, I managed to win the race, it was quite tightly fought.

“It was pretty miserable out there, rainy and wet but it wasn’t too windy - the racing was fine.

“Mark Andrews and Andrew Mills were both up there, we had a good British showing.”

Portland’s Laser Radial dinghy sailor Ali Young scored 5,1 and progressed to second place overall.

She said: “It was pretty breezy out there with some big waves so it was good racing.

“It’s been very close at the front of the fleet all week and it will be for the next few races so the key for me is to keep delivering consistent results and it should all be good.

“It’s always good to perform well here in Weymouth and Portland, especially prior to the Games as it’s the last racing opportunity between now and August.”

Racing was cancelled for the three Paralympic classes due to the extreme conditions.

Four-time World Champion helm Alex Rickham is currently first overall in the Skud-18 keelboat class with crewmate Niki Birrell.

She said: “It’s been quite an intense regatta.

“First is a comfortable position to be in, it was horrible in Hyeres when we were second and there was the same problem.

“All you want to do when you’re second is go Sailing to claw back some points but we’re comfortable.

“It would be nice to get in some more racing, this is our last event before the Games so the more race practice you get, the better.”

More than 700 athletes from 59 nations are competing in this year’s Sail for Gold, hosted at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Racing will finish today for the Paralympic classes and tomorrow for the Olympic classes.

* For a full list of results visit skandiasailforgoldregatta.co.uk. Listen to the event radio on 87.7FM and follow @WeyOlympics2012 on Twitter.