UK Finn Nationals

Published 09:58 on 24 Jul 2024

UK Finn Nationals

The UK Finn Nationals held at HISC July 4 - 7, in which 4 Bosham boats entered, was not for the faint hearted. The sun shone (mostly) and the wind blew. The first day's racing was out in the bay: James and Owen poked their noses out of the habour entrance and, very sensibility, decided against it. Steve and Jem continued not without trepidation. It was a far cry from the calmnest of Bosham Channel.

The top of the fleet were in their element. The Bosham boys were just glad to get round. Two races were completed with Steve hanging in there for both and as such gaining a very credible result. Jem survived the first race and and then was not quick enough to tack when fouled near the windward mark of the second race. He spent 20 minutes getting the boat upright in the 1 to 2 metre waves with the help of the Jury boat.

It was the return over the bar that was the real challenge. The fleet had been instructed to go well East and probably did not go far enough. Steve got in safely. Jem was tossed by a large wave and ended up diving through the sail and breaking his mast. His sail was in shreds. He capsized once more on the tow in. It was a learning experience! In all 7 of the 31 boats out racing broke their mast on the last race or during the return. One boat was lost completely and had to be salvaged from Braklesham Bay. Big Thanks got to Steve and Rich for helping with this.

On the second day the wind was blowing 20 knots plus so the racing was in the bay. Steve bravely ventured out and came back unscathed. On the third day with the wind still up racing was cancelled.

Steve finiished a very credible 19th out of 47 boats on the original entry. Massive congratulations. Lets put this is perspective: First was Cameron Tweedle, who is ex GB Finn squad, second was Laurent Hay from France and the world number 1 ranked Finn sailor and third was Lawrence Crispin, ex Laser World Champion.

Next stop is the Bosham Finn Open July 27/28. If you want to try a Finn, and it is highly recommended you do, then we are having a taster day in Bosham on August 17.

Jem

Finn 606

Last updated 14:49 on 2 April 2025