2019 North Sails Auckland Finn Champs

Racing over the two days comprised 6 two lap windward/leeward courses races of 40 minutes duration. The course was situated between Bean Rock and the club house and raced in S/SW winds of 10-20knts, brilliant sunshine and hot summer temperatures. A feature of the racing was the large pressure variations and up to 30 degree wind shifts which littered the course, in other words fairly typical Tamaki conditions which left our South Island mates somewhat perplexed. For Ray and Dave who sail there regularly it was however business as usual. Karl slowly found his feet after a 30 year absence from what was once his home club. Consequently these three sailors tended to top proceedings. Ray charging out of the gate to score three well sailed firsts to dominate the leader board after day 1. Karl scored 3 seconds with Dave (Bob the builder) following up with 3 thirds. Of the remaining fleet Brendon and Denis made most sense of the conditions to lie in 4th and 5th places. Brendon being a relative new comer to the class continuing his good form from the previous seasons nationals.
Upon returning to shore the fleet retired to the sundrenched bar (with excellent indoor/outdoor flow) to feast on roast beef fillet generously supplied by the host club, washed down with ice cold beverages while tall tales were told and friendships reacquainted. Does it get any better than taking a week off work to sail in conditions like this with your mates?
Day 2 was sailed in similar conditions with Karl winning race 1 to briefly keep the series alive before Ray having finished second, slammed the door shut with an emphatic race 2 victory . Brendon, Denis and Mike slowly coming to grips with the conditions denying Dave consecutive 3rd places. As the regatta wore on the racing got noticeably tighter providing all competitors with an excellent warm up for the National contest to come. As Karl found out, get a poor start, miss the first two shifts clearing your air and it’s a very long way back with no quarter given nor expected!
Overall podium place getters were Ray (1st), Karl (2nd) and Dave (3rd). Prize giving was held back in the club where the food du jour was a freshly glazed leg of ham. Having managed to wrestle the trophy back from Wellington Ray was “graciously” presented with the victors silverware by Karl to raucous and well deserved applause. The stage thus being set for a hard fought nationals to come.
The Finn Association would like to thank North Sails for sponsoring the event and Tamaki YC for hosting us. The regatta management was flawless with Garth Briden and team running exemplary races. Ashore yacht club members were also always on hand helping with boat launching and retrieval. Bar facilities and food added the icing to the cake making this an extremely enjoyable regatta for all. In short this was Finn heaven.