There's an unexpectedly icy welcome for the Dragon fleet in Cannes, this week where the 'Beast from the East' is making its presence felt earlier in the South of France than it is in Ireland.
Unseasonably low temperatures and high winds will test the sailors over the next four days.
The Dragon fleet is assembled for the Grand Prix Regatta and they're expecting a tough few days.
Racing at the event is due to start tomorrow.
North Sails is a major supplier to the fleet and North Sails Ireland's Nigel Young will be racing in the regatta this year.