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Finn World Masters 2001 - Kingston, Canada

Masters 2001 report

Finn Masters World Championship 2001

For the first time ever the Finn World Masters was held outside Europe, and what better place to go than Kingston in Canada. Larry Lemieux not only organised the regatta, he also wrapped up his fourth title in great style. Report by Michael Woodhead (GBR).

The first Finn World Masters two be sailed outside Europe attracted 32 boats to Kingston, Ontario. Boats attending were from USA, Canada, New Zealand, Great Britain, Netherlands, Croatia, Switzerland, Germany and Sweden. The Netherlands entry of 13 Finns was not only the largest group entered but the biggest entry ever from that country and the first time they had constituted the largest national fleet. This formidable logistical effort was due to the hard work of Jan van der Horst and sponsorship from P&O Nedlloyd to bring 15 boats to Kingston in two containers.

Although the entry was small compared to the numbers when held in Europe, the PRO Ross Cameron stated that "The fleet maybe small in numbers but it makes up for that with quality."

Courses were laid on the Kingston Alpha course just south of the Portsmouth Olympic yacht harbour, Ross used a mixture of inner loop trapezoid and traditional Olympic triangle courses. The regatta commenced with a practice race in a dying breeze followed by the opening ceremony, an example of the excellent hospitality the CORK team provided for the week. On the first day the fleet was greeted with a lack of wind, which led to much drifting, towing, postponement and an early visit back to the Portsmouth Tavern for lunch.

Day two dawned with a healthy 10 to 12 knot breeze and sunshine allowing Ross Cameron to complete the first two races. Larry Lemieux won both, the first not being without drama as he had to return to the start after being over the line, his cause was assisted by the leading Croatian boats attempting to sail their own windward/leeward course. The second race was more straight forward and the day ended with Larry Lemieux firmly in the lead and Hein-Pieter Okker in second, a situation which was to remain throughout the week.

The third day was again supposed to be a two race day but in the event, the fleet was lucky to sail a race at all, as on a cold, rainy day, the wind shifted continually. Ross took two hours to set a course that would meet his stringent standards. Again Larry Lemieux won and Eberhard Bieberitz, with a second place, established claim on third place overall, a position that was only challenged by Louie Nady who was already the clear leader in the over 60 category.

Day four was then designated a two race day, the fleet enjoyed perfect conditions, a 18 to 20 knot breeze and sunshine, the fourth and fifth races proved crucial in that Larry Lemieux secured two wins and the championship and Hein-Pieter Okker two second places and second overall. Louie Nady with fourth and sixth secured the over 60 gold medal and was left in striking distance of Eberhard Bieberitz for overall third place. In the 50 to 59 category Super Henry (Henry Sprague) and Luksa Cicarelli were fighting for gold and this, along with the minor placings would come down to the last beat of the last race.

The final day was greeted by sunshine and a variable wind, Ross Cameron set an Olympic triangle course with the wind out of the north and a finish close to the harbour mouth, Larry elected to race stating "I know its over, but I'll sail. I'm having too much fun not to. You don't get these opportunities to be out there with a group who are really a lot of fun and good sailors." The last race in the end proved exciting for those watching and nerve wracking for the competitors. The last beat was based on guess work, as the wind was shifting dramatically as the competitors neared the close to shore line and a win by Eberhard Bieberitz gave him third place overall and gave Louie Nady fourth place, the crutch (!) and the over 60 gold. Luksa Cicarelli gained third place and thus fifth overall, to take the 50 to 59 category ahead of Super Henry (Henry Sprague), a relaxed Larry Lemieux finishing second, in an otherwise flawless series.

An excellent dinner and prize giving was held to celebrate the regatta. It was generally accepted that the first non-European Masters had been a great success and that the relatively small competitive fleet turned it into a true world championship.

Those competing could only echo the words of Larry Lemieux, "The sailors that aren't here are going to regret it. The ones here are going to go back and tell them how great it was." The championship is now scheduled to leave Europe at least every four years giving the Finn Masters from all over the world a chance to sail and meet together on a regular basis and so spread their unique breed of competitive, friendly racing.

Masters II (age 50 to 59)           Points

1st Luksa Cicarelli (CRO)           26

2nd Super Henry (USA)               34

3rd Henk De Jager (NED)       44

Masters III (age 60+)               Points

1st Louie Nady (USA)                21

2nd Sten Waldo (SWE/USA)            83

3rd Adriaan Otto (NED)              98