2024 Finn Gold Cup: An Exciting Sailing Event at Aarhus
2024 Finn Gold Cup at Sailing Aarhus – Day 3
31 August – 7 September 2024
Oskari Muhonen storms into the lead
The Finn Gold Cup is known for its challenging competition, and Day 3 of the event in Aarhus proved to be no exception. Finland’s Oskari Muhonen emerged as the frontrunner, boasting an impressive eight-point lead over Italy’s Alessandro Marega, while France’s Valérian Lebrun secured third place.
The day’s first race was won by Spain’s Miguel Fernández Vasco, with Muhonen dominating the next two races by significant margins. A total of 104 Finn boats from 20 nations are competing in this prestigious championship.
Day 3 started with forecasts promising wind, as the previous day had seen no races due to calm conditions. After a slow start, the wind finally picked up to 10-15 knots, allowing for two exciting races to unfold.
The second race commenced in lighter conditions, but as it progressed, certain competitors struggled with the dying breeze in the middle of the course, while others successfully navigated to the corners.
Race winner Fernández Vasco shared, “I started deep midline and kept going left where I saw more pressure. I ducked everyone until I was further left than anyone else and still kept going past the lay line.” He successfully rounded the first mark ahead of Italy’s Marko Kolic and Muhonen, pulling away for a notable victory.
After a long wait, the second race began with a strong easterly breeze of 10-15 knots. Portugal’s Filipe Silva led at the top mark, but it was Muhonen who quickly took charge, extending his lead to secure another decisive win, followed by Hungary’s Domonkos Nemeth and Marega.
The final race of the day, which started just after 17:00, saw Muhonen take the lead once again, finishing well ahead of Marega and Kolic. As the day concluded, the wind faded, making for a lengthy return to the harbor, where the championship dinner awaited the tired sailors after spending nine hours on the water.
Marega commented, “The wind was really good today, and while we are all exhausted from being out on the water for nine hours, it has been a generally good day. I think I am sitting in second. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.”
Looking ahead, the forecast for the final two days remains promising, despite previous inaccuracies. However, the championship is now back on track, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
Muhonen reflected, “The first race had lighter winds, but the last ones were enjoyable with decent winds and free pumping. It was great to have nice sailing conditions. Tomorrow’s forecast looks similar, but we’ve learned to take the predictions with a grain of salt.”
On Friday, three more races are scheduled to commence at 11:00. The 2024 Finn Gold Cup will reach its conclusion on Saturday.
Results after Day 3: (Top ten after 4 races)
1. FIN 8 Oskari MUHONEN – 7pts
2. ITA 1103 Alessandro MAREGA – 15pts
3. FRA 111 Valérian LEBRUN – 23pts
4. GBR 5 Cameron TWEEDLE – 36pts
5. NOR 5 Lars Johan BRODTKORB – 39pts
6. ESP 161 Miguel FERNÁNDEZ VASCO – 49pts
7. POR 21 Filipe SILVA – 55pts
8. FRA 75 Laurent HAY – 63pts
9. NED 148 Peter PEET – 64pts
10. HUN 80 (U23) Domonkos NÉMETH – 73pts
Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.