Simon Rowell, a British meteorologist perched high above the Bay of Marseille in an area where he can see the Olympic Games from a vantage point, has been trying to provide Britain's sailors with an advantage for much of the Olympic Games.

Rowell and other weather experts hired by major sailing nations like France, Germany, and Sweden have found the Mediterranean Sea breeze a challenge, which has only been made more difficult by the long hot spell.

The south of France Olympic site is surrounded by mountains, cliffs and islands. Teams say the conditions in the area are similar to those on a lagoon or lake, but the heat from the land disrupts the wind.

The racing was characterized by quiet and variable winds except for one day. This tested the patience and nerves of the race officials, spectators, and TV commentators.

Line Flem Hoest, a Norwegian who took bronze in Wednesday's women's race, said: "The organizers did a great job with the resources they had."

At a recent press conference, silver medalist Anne-Marie Rindom echoed Hoest's sentiments.

Sailors have been forced to find ways to stay cool, both physically and mentally.

The timing of the Olympics, I would call unfortunate. Hoest, a Norwegian journalist said that early August can be less windy and hotter.

Many sailors are attracted to big winds and large waves. Others prefer light conditions.

The winners of a series of long, grueling races are those who have maintained consistency.

Marit Bouwmeester, winner of women's dinghy gold, studied meteorology before her daughter was born.

People say Marseille is very unpredictible and difficult to read. "I felt you could read it; the course just changed a lot. But (it is about) knowing what system would work," said she after the medal ceremony.

What is the formula that has made her the most successful female Olympic sailor this year?

Bouwmeester claimed that "very good tactics" developed with her coach had resulted in "some stable results". Reporting by Alexander Smith, Editing Clare Fallon

(source: Reuters)