North American Finn Masters
North American Finn Masters
North American Finn Masters
Fairhope Yacht Club, Alabama
FYC hosted the North American Finn Masters on 3rd-7th March 2009. Unseasonably cold weather rapidly improved to give temperatures of 84oF by the end of the championship which was favoured with consistent 12 to 15 knot winds, clear sunshine and the most perfect of sailing settings.
Two practice races were held on the Tuesday in the lightest conditions of the week. The second race was the only recalled start of the entire championship. Windward leeward courses were used, two races were held on the Wednesday, both being won by Darrell Peck from Michael Mark and Scott Mason. British contingent of Nick Turley, Mike Woodhead and Soeren Vonsild (?!) started well and enjoyed the conditions enormously after a long, cold, British winter.
Thursday brought a three race day with again Darrell Peck winning all three races. Michael Mark, Scott Mason, Robert Kinney and Louie Nady were consistently in the top six but the consistency of Louie Nady threatened 2nd place over all from the dominant Darrell Peck. Again the British sailors enjoyed good results without contesting for the top places.
Two races were held on the Friday and again Darrell Peck dominated from Louie Nady and Scott Mason respectively, leaving them tied on second place with one race to go on the final day. The breeze on the final day gusted to 18 knots in bright sunshine and warm temperatures. This gave superb sailing conditions on Mobile Bay. Darrell Peck again was the victor from John Harrop, with Louis Nady and Scott Mason match racing for second place which eventually went to Louie after a tense battle.
First place in the Grand Masters went to Scott Mason from Michael Mark. First place in the Grand Grand Masters went to Louie Nady from Nick Turley.
The racing was superbly organised by Fairhope Yacht Club, race officer Kathy Cromarty led her team excellently to give fair courses and quick turnaround between races, even when the conditions were unsteady. Advice and humour were provided by Ant Diefendorf in his own unique style, we hope to see him back on the water soon.
The Club provided terrific social events, including dinners, bbqs and live bands, all overlooking the perfect sunsets of Mobile Bay.
1st - Darrell Peck
2nd - Louie Nady
3rd - Scott Mason
British results
16th - Soeren Vonsild
17th Mike Woodhead
21st Nick Turley
Mardi Gras Regatta - Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans
28th February to 1st March 2009
33 Finns entered for the two day regatta at New Orleans Yacht Club. Practice races were held on the Friday afternoon prior to racing, in a blustery north easterly wind, leading to numerous capsizes and muddy rigs in the shallow lake.
Saturday dawned with a moderate wind from the north east and unseasonable dull weather, with forecast of heavier wind coming out of the north later in the day. A windward leeward course was set for the first race which was won by Bryan Boyd from Andy Cassey, Darrell Peck and Forrest Gay. The British contingent of Nick Turley, Mike Woodhead and Soeren Vonsild (!?) had mixed results. The second race started in light winds which, after the first lap, filled in rapidly with the wind veering to the north and the chop starting to build. This led to numerous capsizes on the final downwind leg, including a broken mast for Nick Turley.
Andy Cassey took this race from Steve Landeau and Bryan Boyd. The wind continued to build for the next three races and veer to the north with an ever increasing steep swell. This created more than a few problems for competitors on the downwind section, leading to only 12 boats finishing the final race as the conditions led to increasing retirements and the difficult journey home for many.
The third race was won by Darrell Peck and the fourth again by Bryan Boyd, these two swapping first and second places in these two races. The fifth race was won by Matt Johnson who, with a third and fourth place in races four and three, would have been in strong contender, had he competed in races one and two.
Soeren Vonsild and Mike Woodhead held on for all five races to give them 8th and 12th places respectively. The fleet returned wearily back to harbour after five races. No racing could take place on the Sunday due to 40 knot winds from the north and big waves on the very shallow lake leading to totally unsailable conditions. With temperatures plunging to 35oF despite glorious sunshine, the fleet packed up boats with many heading to Alabama for the NA Masters.
Many thanks to the race team and organisers at this excellent event, especially Macho Slavich and David Herrera.
1st - Bryan Boyd
2nd - Andy Cassey
3rd - Darryl Peck