BUDZIEN WINS SECOND FINN WORLD MASTERS WITH A DAY TO SPARE

The final two qualification races have been sailed in the 229 boat Finn World Masters in Medemblik in general light to moderate conditions.
Wednesday's race brought lighter winds with a few upsets, however after five races the discard had an equally large effect, bringing to the top many sailors who had picked up a high score in the first few races. In the first heat, defending World Champion, Andre Budzien (GER) continued to lead the scoreline, but tainted his copybook with a third place finish behind Thierry van Vierssen (NED) and Han Bergma (NED). In the second heat, Ilias Hatzipaulis (GRE) won in front of Gerko Visser (NED) and Eric Bakker (NED).

The Dutch home fleet are having a great regatta with no less than 9 boats inside the top 20. Many have been training here for months in preparation for this regatta.
On Thursday, the wind started at around 15 knots but soon dropped to about 10 knots once the starts got underway, and at times during the races dropped to 4-5 knots. It was very tricky sailing at times.

Wide pressure differential across the course also caused a few upsets, but Budzien assured himself of his second consecutive title by placing second in his heat behind Hatzipaulis who won his second race in a row. The other heat was won by Mihail Kopanov (BUL) in a race plagued by large wind shifts and patchy holes across the course.
The final race will be sailed tomorrow at 11.30, and although the winner is assured, everyone else in the top 10 is already discarding a high score, so the other medal places are wide open.

Race Report: Robert Deaves

Posted on: Fri, May 16, 2008

YACHT CLUB COSTA SMERALDA TO HOST VOLVO MELGES 24 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

FIVE TEAMS REPRESENT USA IN INTERNATIONAL FLEET

Porto Cervo, Italy (May 15, 2008)  -- When Melges 24 sailors dream of the perfect regatta venue, you can be sure they are visualizing crystal clear waters, great surfing waves, strong breezes, world class race management, a welcoming host club and competing against the very best sailors in the world.

That dream will come true in spectacular fashion for over 100 teams when they gather in Porto Cervo on Sardinia’s legendary Costa Smeralda from May 28-June 6 to compete for the Volvo Melges 24 World Championship 2008.  Hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) this eleventh Melges 24 World Championship looks set to break records for the overall number of competitors, the number of nations represented and the number of Corinthian (all amateur) teams racing.

The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s reputation for hosting some of the most prestigious sailing events in the world is well-established and second to none.  Founded in 1967 in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, YCCS looks forward to welcoming the Melges 24 fleet for it’s first world championship to be held on Italian waters.

“The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda is delighted to welcome such a large and international fleet of Melges 24 sailors for what is sure to be a thrilling world championship,” said YCCS Commodore Riccardo Bonadeo.  “This is a highly competitive class and the regatta course off Porto Cervo provides varied and challenging conditions; we are looking forward to some spectacular racing in what will be one of the highlights of our 2008 calendar.”

Title sponsor Volvo’s support of the class is already well established through the hugely successful Italian Volvo Cup regatta series.  The Melges 24 joined the initially multi-class Volvo Cup circuit in 2004 and for 2008 the Volvo Cup is exclusively focused on the Melges 24 class.  The IMCA is delighted that Volvo is continuing this generous support through the title sponsorship of the Volvo Melges 24 World Championship 2008.

“We are pleased to be supporting the Porto Cervo event," said Michele Crisci, Managing Director, Volvo Auto Italia. "Volvo has a strong commitment to sports in general and sailing in particular, Volvo Ocean Race being the most prestigious example of that commitment.  Furthermore, we are also particularly proud of our support to the Melges 24 class, which has already proved to be a sailors' favorite and one of the most interesting competitions in the sailing world.”

As always the fleet will include a host of Olympic and America’s Cup stars along with champions from many other classes. There will also be an exceptionally strong Corinthian division of all amateur crews racing head-to-head against professional and semi-professional teams and at the same time competing for the Corinthian honors.

U.S. Entries - There are five teams representing the U.S.A. in the 117-boat fleet:  the Wisconsin team of skipper Brian Porter, sailing with his brother John Porter (both Lake Geneva), and Harry Melges and Andy Burdick (both Zenda) on Full Throttle; the all-California team led by skipper Bruce Ayres with Jon Pinckney (both Newport Beach), Don Smith (Long Beach) and James Malm (Laguna Niguel) on Monsoon; skipper Alex Shafer (Clermont, Fla.) with Martin Kullman (Tampa, Fla.), Leonora Ross (Nashville, Tenn.) and Bill Wiggins (York, S.C.) on Sweaty Betty; Doug Clark (New London, Conn.) at the helm of Gazoo with Geoffrey Pierini (Bernardsville, N.J.), Scott Norris (Portsmouth, R.I.) and Anthony Kotoun (Newport, R.I.); and Simon Strauss (New York, N.Y.) with brother Quentin Strauss (GBR), James Hill (GBR) and Bill Hardesty (San Diego, Calif.) aboard Team Sevenstar SLAM.

The Melges 24 class has seen terrific expansion in the past few years with new national classes and regional fleets forming in countries across North America, Europe, Australasia and Asia.  A record number of nations will be represented at this year’s world championship including Austria, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the USA. The Italian fleet is expected to field the largest single contingent with upwards of 40 boats competing.  As Official Carrier of the Volvo Melges 24 World Championship 2008, Moby Lines (www.mobylines.com) is providing specially discounted ferry transport from mainland Italy to Sardinia for all competing teams.

There will be Pre-Worlds racing on May 29 -30, a practice day on May 31, with Championship racing from June 1-6.  There will be social gatherings each day after racing plus a welcome reception, Volvo crew party and final prize giving party.

Report: Jan Harley-Media Pro International

Posted on: Fri, May 16, 2008

WWW.SAILINGBITS.COM FOR YOUR HIGH PERFORMANCE SAILING GEAR

The CST International Moth World Championships 2008 will be held between the 5^th and 11^th July at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy in the United Kingdom.
The event is tipped to have the largest fleet of Foiler Moths ever assembled.
The 2007 Champion and ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year 2007 nominee Rohan Veal will not be competing in the event to defend his title, however, there is still almost two months until the event so this could change.

 

There is wide speculation doing the internet rounds as to who will win this year, and by all reports the top 15 competitors are all in with a good chance. This should make for a spectacular regatta with the final winner worthy of the crown.

 

Being held in the UK, there will be a strong contingent of Pommies doing their thing, however, there will be competitors flying in from around the world – Australia, Austria, USA, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and many more. Event organisers are predicting over 100 boats which will make for a spectacular event.

 With the Aussies taking out the Ashes in 2007, the Pommies look to be attempting a come-back. Competition will be stiff.

 Apart from the usual rivalry between countries, the big competition will be between the different boat designs – will it be a Bladerider whitewash like last year? Or has Prowler done enough design changes to take them on? Or will the new Velociraptor blow them all away at it's first outing? Then there are the Home Builders who always do the class proud with their creative designs.

Contenders for the crown include Simon Payne (GBR), 2006 World Champion and 3^rd in 2007; Scott Babbage (AUS), 2^nd in 2007; Adam May (GBR), 3^rd in 2006 and designer of the Velociraptor; Andrew McDougall (AUS), 6^th in 2007 and designer of the Bladerider; newcomer Bora Gulari (USA) who is putting in hours on the water; Graham Vials (GBR) who is always a contender for the title; another newcomer Mat Belcher (AUS) who recently won the Australian Championships despite being new to the class.
For a taste of what is to come, please see attached photo from the 2007 International Moth World Championships held on Lake Garda, Italy.

Race Report: Alexandra Harris - Sailing Bits

Posted on: Fri, May 16, 2008

Defending Finn World Masters Champion Andre Budzien (GER) continued with his winning ways in Medemblik, with two more heat wins to put him into a clear lead with three more races to sail.

On Tuesday two races were sailed in winds from 12-16 knots, with free pumping on all the downwind legs. Starting two fleets of 116 boats each presents numerous problems for the race committee as well as the competitors, but despite several general recalls each day, PRO Erik Vliegenthart (NED) is happy with the way things are going and the start line behaviour of the Finn sailors.

In both of his heats Budzien lead for the majority of the race, executing great tactics, with good boat speed and was always among the first few to the windward mark. He extended downwind to secure each victory. Other heat wins went to Adrian Brunton (GBR), after banging in the generally unfavoured right hand corner on the final upwind, and Allen Burrell (GBR), to add to his heat win from yesterday.

Overall, Budzien has a 10point lead from Mihail Kopanov (BUL) who placed 2 and 3 today, with Jan Willem Kok (NED) in third, also placing 3 and 2 today a further 5 points behind. After Wednesday's race, the discard will kick in, so that should change the results somewhat with many boats currently counting a high score.

There are just two more qualification races to be sailed - one on Wednesday and one on Thursday - before the final gold and silver heats on Friday. At the moment it looks as if there is no one who can stop Andre Budzien from taking his second consecutive Finn World Masters title.

Race Report: Robert Deaves, IFA

Posted on: Wed, May 14, 2008

While Lake Erie may be the smallest of the Great Lakes, come July it will seem like the largest when hundreds of boating enthusiasts gather on it to participate in the Inter-Lake Yachting Association (I-LYA) Bay Week Regattas presented by Progressive, a leading boat insurer and the number one seller of personal watercraft insurance in the country, and sponsored by GMC.  Held at Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island, Ohio, the I-LYA Bay Week Regattas encompass three separate events to challenge nautical abilities: the Junior Regatta (July 13-17), the Powerboat Regatta (July 30-August 3); and the Sailing Regatta (August 4-6).

A quaint Victorian resort village, Put-in-Bay lures participants back to the I-LYA Bay Week Regattas again and again with its charm and ambience.  Considered the jewel in the crown of Lake Erie's Ohio islands, Put-in-Bay was made famous as the squadron home port of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry who won the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.  In addition to the natural beauty of the area, the surrounding islands offer tactical racing challenges that allow the I-LYA Bay Week Regattas to provide both hard-core competition as well as extreme recreational fun.

"Many of our participants have been racing in Bay Week since they were young kids,” said I-LYA Commodore Jack Atkinson (Elyria, Ohio).  “As adults they are eager to return with their own families, to reunite with friends they met as competitors on-the-water, and to create new memories centered on this wonderful summer tradition in this special place.”

Contributing to the rich maritime heritage of the area, the I-LYA was formed in 1885 to promote the interest of boat owners and other members.  It is not only the oldest yacht racing association in the country but also one of the largest, with 146 member yacht clubs located in the states that surround Lake Erie: Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the Canadian province of Ontario.

I-LYA Bay Week Junior Regatta - The I-LYA Bay Week Junior Regatta (Sunday, July 13 – Thursday, July 17) at Put-in-Bay features more than 160 juniors (ages 13-18) racing in five one-design classes:  Thistle, 420, Club FJ, Laser and Laser Radial.  Sailing in one-design classes places the emphasis on the skill of the competitor, rather than the equipment.  Held annually for over 50 years, the Junior Regatta is also a stepping-stone to the US SAILING national junior sailing championships for the Sears Cup, Bemis and Smythe Trophies, serving as the Area E Quarter-Finals for these ladder events.

I-LYA Bay Week Power Boat Regatta - Since 1908 when the Class C speed boat Rainmaker won the main event at an average speed of 22.04 knots, the I-LYA Bay Week Power Boat Regatta (Wednesday, July 30 - Sunday, August 3) has been one of the most festive and fun family events on Lake Erie.  The best performer in the four tests of seamanship, boat handling and overall knowledge -- predicted log races, docking, chicane (maneuvering a sequence of tight serpentine curves) and weather prediction – will be awarded the Commodore’s Trophy.  The action continues with a Flying Mile Contest (timed by radar gun in a 500’ area), Junior Navigation Contest, Canoe and Inflatable Raft Races, Miniature Golf Outing, Kids Fishing Derby, Softball Game and Golf Scrambles.  An adult party, sponsored by Captain Morgan Rum, is also a welcome favorite on the social events list. 

I-LYA Bay Week Sailing Regatta – Backed by 115 years of tradition, the I-LYA Bay Week Sailing Regatta (Monday, August 4 - Wednesday, August 6) has long been a proving ground for some of the best sailors and fastest boats on the Great Lakes.  It regularly encompasses the national championship of various participating classes, and racers, from pre-teens to veterans of 30+ years, can compete in classes for Handicap (LE-PHRF, JAM, MORC, Offshore Multihull); One-Design (Interlake, Thistle, JY15); Offshore One-Design (Tartan 10, J/22, J/24, J/105, Beneteau 36.7); and One-Design Centerboard & Catamaran.  A Cruising Class offering optional casual racing is also available.  Generating buzz for 2008 is the Melges 24 fleet from Detroit who will make their first appearance at this event.

The I-LYA Deepwater Races are feeder races (Friday, August 1, from Cleveland; Saturday, August 2, from Sandusky, Port Clinton and Toledo; and Sunday, August 3, from Detroit) that will see those respective fleets navigate the challenging waters around the Bass Islands to assemble at the bustling waterfront of Put-in-Bay in time to participate in the Sailing Regatta.  While the feeder races are optional, they offer an exciting and fun way to prepare for the I-LYA Bay Week Sailing Regatta.  Whether cruising or racing to Put-In-Bay, participants will find reserved spots at the City Docks with docking charges covered by the event entry fee.

When racing gets underway on Monday, August 4 (through Wednesday, August 6) the many moods of Lake Erie will test sailors with challenging wind shifts, current and notorious chop while they navigate the islands and reefs.  After racing, the sailors can look forward to shore-based social activities including the Captain Morgan Rum party, the Deepwater Awards, Ladies Tea and Sailors' Steak Fry.

Third Annual Tri-Area Challenge - Open to all racing classes participating in the I-LYA Bay Week Sailing Regatta, the Third Annual Tri-Area Challenge will be decided among teams from Cleveland, Detroit and the Western Lake Erie Basin.  Boats registered for the regatta will automatically become eligible and be included in the scoring for no additional fee.  The winning area will receive a cash prize of $1000 to be distributed to their Junior program, along with a case of Captain Morgan Rum for the sailors.

Registration will close two weeks in advance of the sail regatta, and on June 2 for the power regatta. For online registration, the Notice of Race and additional information, visit www.i-lya.com; or contact the individual event chairmen:  Phil Moehle, Junior Regatta Chairman, moefam@roadrunner.com; Ed Skoch, Sailing Regatta Chairman, ejskoch@oh.rr.com; or Alan Chapman, Power Boat Regatta Chairman, sailor224@aol.com.

 

Progressive - The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, in business since 1937, is the country’s third largest auto insurance group and largest seller of motorcycle and personal watercraft policies based on premiums written, and is a market leader in commercial auto insurance.

Progressive is committed to becoming consumers #1 choice for auto insurance by providing competitive rates and products that meet drivers’ needs throughout their lifetimes, superior online and in-person customer service, and best-in-class, 24-hour claims service, including its concierge level of claims service available at service centers located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States.

Progressive companies offer consumers choices in how to shop for, buy and manage their auto insurance policies.  Progressive offers its products, including personal and commercial auto, motorcycle, boat and recreational vehicle insurance, through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies throughout the U.S. and online and by phone direct from the Company.  Private passenger auto products and prices are different when purchased directly from Progressive or through independent agencies.  To find an agent or to get a quote, go to www.progressive.com.

GMC - GMC, a division of General Motors Corporation, markets vehicles in the U.S., Canada and Mexico through a network of approximately 2,200 dealers with a focus on trucks and SUVs engineered to deliver enhanced capabilities, unique design elements and innovative features to fit every active lifestyle.  The GMC Professional Grade lineup of trucks includes the Canyon, Envoy, Savanna, Sierra, Yukon and crossover SUV, Acadia.  GMC will expand its lineup in the fourth quarter of 2007 to include the 2008 Yukon Hybrid which features the world’s first 2-Mode hybrid system.  More information on GMC and its products can be found on the division’s website at www.gmc.com, and in Spanish at www.gmc.com/espanol.

Supporting sponsors for 2008 are long-time sponsor West Marine, as well as La-Z-Boy and Lakeland Boating.

Posted on: Wed, May 14, 2008

MEDEMBLIK, THE NETHERLANDS

WORLD CHAMPION BUDZIEN OPENS WITH TWO BULLETS

They may be old, they may be grey and some may even be a bit wrinkly, but that doesn't stop the sailors currently sailing in the Finn World Masters in Medemblik from enjoying tough and competitive racing. Two challenging races were sailed today, Monday, in very different conditions.
In the first the breeze hardly got over 5-6 knots, with lots of pressure differential across the course. In the afternoon, a 12-14 knot wind kicked in producing exciting downwind legs and providing a physical challenge rather than a mental one.
One sailor who got in right in both races was defending World Masters Champion, Andre Budzien (GER), who won both his heats. The 232 boat fleet has been split into yellow, blue, green and red fleets with each colour racing the others twice, before a gold/silver split on Friday.

In the other heat, race wins went to Jurgen Kraft (GER) and Allen Burrell (GBR). Burrell, a previous double bronze medalist at this event placed 55^th in the morning race, but clearly enjoyed the afternoon breeze.

At the opening briefing, Chairman of the International Jury Chris Watts (GBR) commented, “Despite sailing a singlehanded boat, Finn sailors are the most friendly and fun bunch of sailors around and it's a real pleasure being here.” On the water, the Jury had little to do, with a few yellow flags in the morning race and even less in the afternoon with the 'O' flag up for free pumping throughout.
Two more races are scheduled for Tuesday with a forecast of stronger winds coming through.

Posted on: Tue, May 13, 2008

High Octane One Designs covered the Tybee 500 Race last year while talking with Team Velocity, (currently in 9th position after day II) who placed 5th out of 13th during the running of the 2007 Tybee 500 Race.

On the 2nd day of racing in the 2008 Tybee 500 from Hollywood, Florida to Jupiter, Florida, Team Velocity has taken a big hit with a broken till crossbar taking them from a 3rd in day one to 9th in day two. Team Velocity was not the only cat that had mechanical problems, with winds starting at 15 westerly and building to 25, gusting to 30 knots, Team Full Wave Audio had shattered a spin pole, while competitors Team Cat Fever blew out a rudder casting. To make matters worse, their mainsail was torn.

With plenty of Catamarans capsizing, Team Tybee and Marleys Yellow headed for the finish in a battle to make 1st. Team Tybee ended up beating out Marleys Yellow by 90 seconds with Marleys Orange placing a third, 5 minutes and some change later. The battle beaten boat, Team Cat Fever finished a hour and a half behind the fleet after making some time costly repairs on the sand.

Posted on: Tue, May 13, 2008

MEDEMBLIK, THE NETHERLANDS

MAY 11TH - 16TH

CANNON SALVO OPENS FINN MASTERS IN MEDEMBLIK

The firing of the massive cannon outside Radboud Castle in Medemblik announced the opening of the 2008 Finn World Masters Championship in grand style. After the smoke and the noise had dispersed into the sultry evening, one of the largest single class regattas ever to be held in The Netherlands was officially underway. The event was officially declared open by Mrs Erica Terpstra, President of the Dutch Olympic Committee, former Olympic champion and former member of Parliament.

Defending champion Andre Budzien (GER) will have a tough time if he wants to take the massive ornate trophy home with him again this year. There are another 229 Finn sailors from 29 nations in Medemblik, ranging in age from the newly qualified Masters at age 40, up to 82 year old Didier Poissant (FRA), who competed against the likes of Paul Elvström (DEN) in the 1956 Olympics.

The opening ceremony was a magnificent start to what is hoped will be a magnificent championship, not only the largest ever in the Netherlands, but also the largest Finn class regatta of all time. Just being here creates a very special feeling. It also brought a new tradition into being with the presentation by Mrs Terpstra of a gold coloured sailing top, with a large '1' on the back, to Budzien, in the Tour-de-France, yellow jersey style. The sailors and organisers at the opening ceremony also stopped for a minute's silence in memory of popular Master sailor Lucio Nodari who died earlier this year during a Spring regatta.

Six race are planned between Monday and Thursday using a colour group system so all sailors race against each other at least twice. Then on Friday, the final race will be sailed with a gold/silver split.

The weather in northern Holland is being exceptionally kind to the sailors at the International Regatta Center in Medemblik so far. While many visitors came prepared for the traditional May weather here, the temperatures are currently in the mid to high 20s, though in the past few days this is effecting the wind. While there are solid breezes in the morning and evening, it has tended to drop considerably around midday. However, Sunday's two practice races got away on time in 5-6 knot winds, with quite a lot of pressure differential across the course area making for challenging racing.

First start is on Monday at 11.30.

Posted on: Mon, May 12, 2008

BEN AINSLIE ON THE HUNT WINS THE EUROPEAN FINN CHAMPIONSHIP AND RULES IN MAREMMA. IVAN GASPIC (CRO) IS SECOND AND GUILLAME FLORENT (FRA) THIRD. JUNIOR TITLE WON BY JAN KURFELD (GER).

 

British genius outclasses French Guillaume Florent and all other competitors in the decisive Medal Race. Winds from 240° at 10-12 knots ensure a superb show on the water. Anslie on the hunt in the pre-start makes it seem a match race. The Silver medal goes to Croatian Ivan Gaspic and the Bronze to Guillaume Florent. The Junior title goes to Jan Kurfeld (GER).

 

Photography: Taylor

Maremma, Scarlino, May 10th 2008 -  An unforgettable race took place today in Maremma’s crystal blue waters: the decisive Medal Race for the European Finn Championship. Ben Ainslie dominated from start to finish, winning  by over a minute on his opponents on a 30 minute course. The prestart was a nailbiter with Ben Ainslie hunting down Guillaume Florent from the get go. Ainslie managed to corner the frenchman into the left hand corner during the pre-start and in the last minute was able to have a penalty inflicted on his opponent collecting one though himself at the same time. Having offloaded the penalty, Ainslie started at the center of the line with good speed. It all happened in under a minute.

 

Photography: Taylor

The remainder of the race was history. At 14.15 after the wind had finally settled from the southwest, the Race Committee presided by Carlo Tosi fired the start gun. Ainslie sprinted away, keeping in check the fleet and his direct opponent Florent who finished the race in 8^th place. Croatian Ivan Gaspic secured  the 2^nd  spot on the European Finn Championship podium and French Guillaume Florent finished 3^rd. Throughout the Championship Ainslie outclassed his fellow competitors and is now the prime candidate for the Olympic Gold.

 

Photography: Taylor

Ben Ainslie talked about the start of the race: “The wind came in very quickly and so did the start. From the get go my plan was to give Guillaume (Florent) a hard time in the pre-start as I needed to get a few points on him. We had a few incidences where I was on starboard and he on port, but the Jury decided to give me a penalty anyhow. At the end it worked out fine because it distracted him and I was able to start in the middle of the line with good speed.” Ainsle then spoke about the week in Maremma stating: “On the whole it was a great week, but with very shifty and changing conditions. It was good training for what the situation in Qingdao will be like.”

 

After the Medal race, reserved to the top ten,  the rest of the fleet competed in Race 9 and Norwegian Peer Moberg was the winner.

Photography: Taylor

 

In the Juniores Championship, German Jan Kurfeld won the Gold, followed by Piottr Kula from Poland (Silver) and by Tomas Vika (Czech Republic) Bronze.

Posted on: Sat, May 10, 2008

SPANIARD TRUJILLO WINS RACE 8. AINLISE HAS A BAD START BUT CLOSES IN ON FRENCH FLORENT. TOMMOROW’S MEDAL RACE PROMISES TO BE A NAIL BITER.

 

At la Marina di Scarlino tension is building for tomorrow’s Medal Race. Ace Ben Ainslie will have to make up 8 points to beat French Guillaume Florent. The international sailors are enthusiastic about Maremma’s race course and weather conditions.

 

Photography: Emilio Bianchi

Maremma, Marina di Scarlino May 9^th 2008 – Tomorrow’s Medal Race will be crucial to determine the European Finn Champion. The eighth race took place today under sunny skies and a  8 to 11 knot southwesterly breeze. Olympic silver medallist (Athens 2004) and main trimmer on +39 Spaniard Rafael Trujillo won, followed by Irish Timothy Goodbody in second position and Swede Daniel Birgmark in third.

 

A large spectator fleet was a witness to yet another example of  Ben Ainslie’s extraordinary sailing: after rounding mark 1 somewhere after 40^th, he wrapped up the race in 8^th place capturing 4 points from French Guillaume Florent, the provisional leader of the scoreboard. Yesterday Ainslie had been disqualified after having won race 7.

 

Photography: Taylor

Tomorrow’s Medal Race will be a make or break one. The top ten will face off in the crystal blue waters of Maremma’s sea beginning at 12 p.m. The course will be a short one, the race will last about 30 minutes, and there will be a double point system. The rest of the fleet will compete in race 9 after the Medal Race. The prize giving ceremony will be held immediately thereafter, closing this fantastic European Finn Championship which saw the best athletes of this Olympic class race in Maremma just a few weeks before Qingdao.

 

The athletes are happy with the organization at la Marina di Scarlino and the race courses set in the Gulf of Follonica, considered by many among the best in the world.

 

Photography: Taylor

Today’s winner Rafael Trujillo speaks for everyone when he says: “I am truly happy to have raced here in Scarlino, Maremma. This is a perfect spot to hold races at the highest level and I hope that other events of this importance will soon be organized here. The surroundings are breathtaking and I really loved the food and the wine! Today I performed well and qualified for tomorrow’s Medal Race, an important step that allows me  to develop the consistency I need for the Olympic Games.”

 

Medal Race participants:

Florent (France, 32 points),

Ainslie (Great Britain, 40),

Gaspic (Croatia, 43),

Cook (Canada, 50),

Vincec (Slovenia, 51),

Hogh-Christensen (Denmark, 54),

Postma (Nederlands, 61),

Railey (Usa, 63),

Birgmark (Sweden, 68),

Trujillo (Spain, 82).

Race Report: Robert Deaves

Posted on: Fri, May 09, 2008

MIXED FORTUNES FOR AINSLIE, BUT FLORENT STILL LEADS

How do you respond to someone who is proving reliably consistent and not making any mistakes? Simple. You go out and win the next two races. And that is exactly what Ben Ainslie (GBR) did today at the 2008 Finn Open and Junior Championship in Scarlino, Italy. However, it got complicated as Ainslie was protested for a start line incident and was disqualified from race seven.

It was all change in Scarlino this morning. The strong offshore wind that has been a feature of the past two days had given way to a light onshore wind. By 11.00 this had started to kick in so the fleet was sent out for a first start at 12.45 in 10-12 knots from the west and gloriously brilliant blue skies.

Photography: Taylor

After one general recall, race six started under the black flag. Ed Greig (GBR) started two boats up from the pin end, sailed to the left hand side, tacked on the corner and rounded the windward mark with a 10 boat length lead ahead of the rest of the British team. Ben Ainslie (GBR) rounded second followed by Andrew Mills (GBR), Ed Wright (GBR) and Mark Andrews (GBR).

On the downwind Ainslie gybed immediately to port and was soon in the lead which he extended all the way to the leeward gate. On the next upwind he played the shifts up the middle with Greig maintaining second place. However the largest gain was made by Anthony Nossiter (AUS) who moved from outside the top 15 to third place at the top mark.

Photography: Taylor

On the downwind to the finish Ainslie stretched out a significant lead to win the race by just under a minute. Behind him, second placed Greig received a yellow flag and dropped to fifth doing his penalty turns. Wright recovered from fourth at the top mark to cross the finish line in second with Nossiter third and Daniel Birgmark (SWE) in fourth.

As yesterday the race was recorded on film by Sailing Revolution and this race along with a series of interviews, as well as the rest of the action this week, is available free online at www.sailrev.tv. It's well worth a look.

Race seven was very much the same with those favouring the left hand side looking rosy while those sailing to the right suffered severely. Starting 10-15 boats back from the pin end, Wright sailed to the left hand corner to build a useful lead round the first mark. Ainslie started beneath him but got buried and had to tack off and duck transoms. He managed to find a clear lane and worked up the middle to round the top mark just behind Wright. Third round the mark was Jonas Høgh-Christensen (DEN), who started right on the pin and also went to the left.

The leaders split gybes on the first downwind with a separation of up to 200 metres at one point. Wright and Ainslie took the right while Høgh-Christensen and Gasper Vincec (SLO) took the left. At the gate, Høgh-Christensen had moved in front and rounded the port mark and sailed on few a few hundred metres before tacking back to the left. Ainslie rounded the starboard mark right in front of Wright and both sailed out to the left. When the three crossed again near the top of the beat, Ainslie was clear ahead and has a useful gap on Wright in second. Ivan Kljakovic Gaspic (CRO) rounded just ahead of Høgh-Christensen.

On the final downwind, the wind started to drop significantly but Ainslie managed to extend his lead to finish some 50 seconds ahead of Wright.

Photography: Taylor

In a bizarre twist, Chris Cook (CAN) second placed going into today, protested Ainslie for a start line incident, but both sailors were disqualified for separate incidents at the start. In addition, Wright was scored OCS, so this left Kljakovic Gaspic as the race winner, with Høgh-Christensen in second. Then Gasper Vincec (SLO) was disqualified after a top mark incident with Zach Railey (USA), leaving Railey with the third place finish, after crossing the line 6^th.

Yesterday's overnight leader Guillaume Florent (FRA), who placed 12th and 8^th today holds a 10 point lead over Ainslie. Yesterday's second placed, Chris Cook (CAN) also had a bad day scoring a 11^th and a DSQ, and is placed third on 34 points.

Meanwhile, the battle for the Junior title is hotting up with Jan Kurfeld (GER) reducing the points gap to the current leader Piotr Kula (POL) to just 11 points. Third placed Tomas Vika (CZE) is some 77 points off the lead so will be looking to maintain his 31 points lead over fourth placed Junior Andriy Gusenko (UKR).

Ainslie commented, “The breeze is very consistent around here, although today it was further from the south, and the waves were a little different. Yesterday I made life hard for myself but today I chose the right side of the course and managed to take advantage of the left hand shift. I've never been here before but it really is a beautiful place. I got to see some of it while we were training but of course when we are racing we are 100 per cent focussed on the competition. I haven't cruised in a while, but this would be a great place to come and do some.” The Gulf of Follonica is located in the heart of the Tuscan archipelago with the islands of Montecristo, Elba and Giglio a quick sail away.

Tomorrow will be a crucial day as the final qualification race will be sailed to decide who will sail in the medal race on Saturday. There will also a 9^th race for the rest of the fleet.

Race Report: Robert Deave

Posted on: Thu, May 08, 2008

Posted on: Thu, May 08, 2008

MEDEMBLIK, HOLLAND

ENORMOUS ENTRY OF 280 FOR FINN WORLD MASTERS

First sailed in 1970 when just 18 boats turned up, the Finn World Masters Championship has grown year on year and is regularly the highest attended Finn event in the calendar. This year is no exception, and with the event being held at the popular venue of Medemblik in Holland, an unprecedented and staggering 280 ageing Finn sailors have pre-entered to compete at the regatta. The Dutch organisers are as surprised about this as everyone else.

Starting a fleet of this size is always going to present problems, so the organisers have planned to run a group system with two starts. However, if all the pre-entries actually turn up, this is still 140 boats per start, which should prove some spectacle and an exciting challenge for the competitors.

However, the Finn World Masters is much more than just another regatta. It has become symbolic of the camaraderie and sportsmanship that the class is famous for. For many sailors, the Finn Masters is the perfect antidote to Olympic sailing and allows sailors to remain a part of the class, even if they only sail the one regatta a year – as many do. The program in Medemblik also includes after sailing drinks, cultural events and a ladies program. It aims to be a very inclusive and fun regatta.

Unsurprisingly the largest national fleet entered comes from the Dutch corner, which has more than 70 boats entered, while the other large Finn sailing nation, Germany, is fielding 64 entries. In total there are entries from 26 different countries represented including some new ones to the Masters scene. The pre-entry list reads like a who's who of Finn sailing from the past four decades.

It really does seem that 'once a Finn sailor, always a Finn sailor' and that they just don't ever want to give up. Therefore three upper age categories were created to reward the more chronologically challenged. Grand Masters have to be 50-59, Great Grand Masters 60-69, and would you believe it, those 70 and over also have their own age category. They is quite aptly and simply called Legends. All Finn sailors aspire to become a Legend. To be a Legend World Champion must require something very special.

The numerous previous winners competing next week include Walter Mai (GER) who won the event in 1984, Jørgen Lindhardtsen (DEN) in 1985, Kurt Schimitzek (AUT) in 1991, and Roland Balthasar (GER) in 1992 and 1994. The defending champion is Andre Budzien (GER). Having placed second four years running between 2002 and 2006, he finally took home the massive trophy in 2007. Budzien is back again this year and will be one of the favourites for the title. The big favourite for the title would have been Michael Maier (CZE), the 2006 World Masters winner, but after a gruelling season so far he has chosen to take a rest after the European Championship in Scarlino, where he is competing this week.

Measurement and registration concludes and the practice race will be sailed on Sunday 11 May. Then the first of six group qualification races will be held between Monday 12 and Thursday 15. The final race, where the fleets will be split into gold and silver flights will be sailed on Friday 16 May. Whatever else happens, it is going to be an awesome spectacle of Finn sailing on the IJsselmeer.

Race Report: Robert Deaves

Posted on: Wed, May 07, 2008

CLUB NAUTICO SCARLINO, ITALY

FLORENT FLIES INTO THE LEAD AT FINN EUROPEANS

Guillaume Florent (FRA) has yet to make a mistake at the 2008 Finn European Championship. A first and third today moves him into the overall lead. Chris Cook (CAN) won the second race to move up to second overall, just one point behind the Frenchman.

After yesterday's long, hard day on the Gulf of Follonica, the Finn sailors arrived at the La Marina di Scarlino hoping for a less wearing day on the body and mind. Conditions were the same as the previous day, so rather than wait on the water, the race committee postponed onshore until 13.30 while the wind gradually died and then shifted to a sea breeze of 6-8 knots.

Race four was started at 14.40 with the pin end favoured and the fleet got cleanly away first time. Several favourites including yesterday's race winner Pieter-Jan Postma (NED), Jonas Hogh-Christensen (DEN) and Ben Ainslie (GBR) all started next to the pin and tacked across to the right after 200 metres. However the right was paying well and Guillaume Florent (FRA) built up a useful lead into the first mark over Tapio Nirkko (FIN) and 2005 World Junior Champion, Jan Kurfeld (GER). Hogh-Christensen rounded in 7^th and Ainslie in 14^th.

On the first downwind the left side paid, Guillaume extended his lead on the right, while Ainslie moved up to 5^th by the bottom mark, just behind Nirkko, Kurfeld and Chris Cook (CAN). Most of the fleet went right up the second beat and Florent controlled his lead from this side. Nirko split tacks to play the middle and lost some ground on Cook, while Ainslie moved up to 4^th.

On the final downwind, Florent looked under pressure as Ainslie overtook Cook and then Nirkko and started closing in on Florent. However Florent just had a large enough gap to take the win, followed about 10 boatlengths behind by Ainslie, Cook and Nirkko.

Photography: Emilio Bianchi

Last year's European Champion, Eduard Skornyakov (RUS) finally had a better race, placing 10^th, after a poor start to the regatta. The overnight leader Gasper Vincec (SLO) recovered from a poor first upwind to finish 13^th.

All this week, Sailing Revolution will be on the water filming the action. Today they recorded the entirety of race four including Ainslie's comeback from 14^th to second place. This is available as a free download at www.sailrev.tv. After only one day of racing the site had already received more than 3,000 download requests.

Race five started almost immediately at 16.05 with the wind now slightly increased to 10-12 knots and followed a similar pattern. The right side paid again, with Cook sailing clear of the pack to lead round the first mark followed by Florent, Ismael Bruno (FRA) and Nirkko. Meanwhile Ainslie had set himself another comeback challenge rounding the top mark in the early 30s.

The 'O' flag was raised for unlimited pumping allowing Cook to stretch out his lead. Also enjoying the downwind was Postma who moved up to 4^th and Ainslie who made the largest gain to about 16^th. On the final upwind of the day, most of the fleet again favoured the right. Cook controlled from the front, playing the shifts on the final approach to the layline and keeping the clever Florent in his sights. However the danger was now coming from Postma who had moved up to second.

Round the top mark it was Cook, Postma, Florent, Zach Railey (USA) and Nirkko. Ainslie had moved up to 11^th and was closing in on the bunch just behind the leaders. The wind had dropped slightly by now so flag 'R' went up to restrict the unlimited pumping.

Cook was now the one under pressure as both Postma and Florent started to close in. However by the finish the positions hadn't changed and Cook took a well deserved win followed by Postma, Florent, Nirkko and Railey. Ainslie continued his comeback tradition and finished 8^th to keep his title chances alive, although he has been making hard work of it so far.

Florent said, “I was really happy about how I sailed today. In the first race I was very fast and I picked the right hand side of the course and managed to stay well ahead of the fleet and in control. I was extremely happy with the race committee's decision to wait on shore this morning. The course was good and the winds were steady and I am getting to know them now. This really is a great place to sail.”

Cook agreed with Florent's thoughts but added, “For me it was a pretty difficult day. In fact if I had to sum it up I would say it was very stressful. I kept on putting putting myself in bad positions on the start line and had a tough time getting across all the bows, but finally managed to pull away. In the second race the free pumping was really fun and it was great to be able to stretch out.”

After five races, Florent leads on 8 points with Cook just one point behind him. Ainslie is lying in third on 15 points.

In the Juniors, Jan Kurfeld had the best day with an excellent 7^th in race four followed by a 27^th in race five. However Piotr Kula (POL) is still the leading Junior in 15^th overall with Kurfeld in 23^rd and Tomas Vika (CZE) in 36^th.

Racing continues tomorrow, Thursday at 12.00.

Race Report: Robert Deaves

Posted on: Wed, May 07, 2008

The glorious Tuscany weather returned for the second day of racing at the Finn Open and Junior European Championship in Scarlino, Italy. However, again, the wind didn't make things easy. It took four hours waiting for the wind to stabilise and three general recalls before racing could finally start. When it did, race wins went to Gasper Vincec (SLO) and Pieter-Jan Postma (NED) with a number of favourites picking up high scores.

Photography by: foto Taylor

The moderate north-easterly offshore wind in the morning created some early problems for the race committee as a shifting wind produced two general recalls before the race committee decided to wait for the thermal breeze from the sea. They waited for an hour and nothing changed so decided to start race two in the offshore wind. This got away first time with Zach Railey (USA) starting at the committee boat, taking a short hitch to port before crossing right across to the left and leading round the first mark. He was still leading at the leeward gate, but soon after the wind disappeared and three guns sounded from the committee boat.

The fleet then had to wait a further hour and a half before the next start was attempted at 15.40. By then a 6-8 knot breeze and arrived from the west. After one general recall, the fleet set off to a black flag at 16.00 and was let go, but with numerous boats disqualified for being OCS.

The fleet was very spread out on first upwind where there were lots of shifts and pressure changes. This left a lot of favourites struggling mid-fleet. Eduardo Couto (BRA) made the best of the beat to lead round the top mark followed by Gasper Vincec (SLO) and Ivan Kljakovic Gaspic (CRO). Overnight leader Ben Ainslie (GBR) rounded back in 45^th.

Photography: foto Taylor

Couto extended his lead on the first downwind as the breeze increased, but then lost some ground on next upwind to Chris Cook (CAN) and Gasper Vincec (SLO). Couto rounded third with Guillaume Florent (FRA) in fourth.

On final downwind to the finish, the top four had a nice gap on the bunch behind. Cook and Couto went to the left while Vincec and Florent went to the right. The right paid and Vincec took the win followed by Florent and Cook. Couto was yellow flagged on the final approach but only lost a place to Cook, however he was one of the 16 boats picking up an OCS. Notable casualties also included Peer Moberg (NOR) and Daniel Birgmark (SWE).

Race three got underway almost immediately at 17.20. The wind had by now stabilised and strengthened further to 10-11 knots. The fleet again got away to a black flag and Pieter-Jan Postma (NED) starting near the committee boat, controlled the first upwind to round the top mark with a small lead over Zach Railey (USA) and Tim Goodbody (IRL).

The wind increased to 14 knots on the run and Postma excelled in these conditions to take a commanding lead by the leeward gate. At that gate, the Oscar flag was raised to indicate unlimited pumping. Behind him, Cook had moved up to second ahead of Railey and Ainslie had moved into fourth. The final upwind produced few changes, except Ainslie moved up to third.

On the downwind leg to the finish the sailors were allowed unlimited pumping and clearly enjoyed the conditions. Vincec rounded the top mark in fifth, but took the right side of the leg and moved past Railey and then Ainslie to take third place. Cook was comfortable in second, while Postma extended his lead to win by 50 seconds.

Zach Railey (USA), after a 64th place yesterday, scored a 6^th and 5^th today and is currently in 19th overall, became the new International Finn Association Vice-President Development at the class AGM on Sunday. In doing so he takes charge of various development initiatives around the world. Railey is particularly passionate about introducing younger sailors to the Finn and giving them a useful step up into international sailing. One such initiative is underway in the United States, where a new scheme has just been established to encourage sailors into the class. The USA Class Association is planning to buy a new Finn and offer it on loan for periods of up to one year to suitable candidates, who have to apply for its use. Railey stated, “The objective is to get one new sailor into the class each year through this initiative, probably a talented sailor from another class or someone who has got too big to sail a Laser.”

This ties in well with the IFA's FIDeS initiative to encourage development across a range of nations, that was started two years ago by outgoing Vice-President Michele Marchesini (ITA), who had the vision to create a programme that is benefiting Finn sailors worldwide.

The USA initiative is one of a growing number of Junior development schemes initiated by various national associations and individual sailors, including in Denmark and Germany, to really focus on and develop Junior Finn sailing as a viable and rewarding alternative introduction to top-flight international competition.

In the Junior European Championship this week, Piotr Kula (POL) is leading the field after a 10th and a 41st today and stands in 15th place. Second placed junior is Jan Kurfeld (GER) in 21st while Andriy Gusenko (UKR) lies third in 29^th place overall.

In the overall standings, after three races Gasper Vincec is leading on 10 points with Guillaume Florent also on 10 and Chris Cook in third on 19 points. Two more races are scheduled for tomorrow at 12.00.

Race Report: Robert Deaves

Posted on: Tue, May 06, 2008

Race Report: Robert Deaves

Posted on: Mon, May 05, 2008