the event will be affected by the recession as many believe it may be.

The cancellation of the Luders 16 was confirmed yesterday and there is already a clear indication that some classes will feature considerably less participants compared to previous years.

However, organisers are satisfied that even with less sailors the event will still not lose any of its glamour.

With the Luders dropping out the Lasers have been confirmed as replacements and the overall number of classes entering this year is expected to be eight.

In addition to the Lasers the remaining groups are Tornados, J-24, Etchells 22, IODs, Snipes, Comets and Sunfish.

Kate Webber, the representative for the Luders 16, said yesterday that the recession had struck the mostly American and Canadian sailors and consequently it has been difficult for many to confirm their availability in time for the cut-off date.

Those foreign sailors who are available will probably come and crew in other classes she reckoned.

Although the Lasers' representative Craig Davis is excited about having the class involved for the first time this year, he revealed that the size of the fleet will probably be around 12 boats instead of the expected 25.