Finn Northern Championship 2024: Join Us at West Riding Sailing Club

Finn Northern Championship 2024 at West Riding Sailing Club

17-18 August 2024

Two visitors joined five home boats for the 2024 Finn Northern Championship at West Riding Sailing Club.

As the competitors gathered for the pre-event briefing, it became evident that some athletes had enjoyed the hospitality at the club bar a bit too much the previous evening. At the fleet’s request, PRO Tim Keighley set a windward-leeward course, despite his concerns that the legs might be a little short with the wind coming from the West. The fleet took to the water in a gentle 7-knot breeze for the first two races.

Race 1 – Soeren Vonslid led the first lap, but by the start of the second lap, he had dropped to third as Tim Carver took the lead, with Guy Cokill in second. Tim continued to lead the fleet for the next three laps, securing the first race win of the weekend, with Soeren and Guy finishing second and third, respectively.

Race 2 – Tim Carver maintained the lead from the first mark, sailing off into the distance. Soeren and Alastair Banks engaged in a fierce battle for the remaining podium spots, with Alastair ultimately claiming second and Soeren finishing third.

Following a delightful lunch provided by Sam and her catering team, the fleet agreed that while they enjoyed the windward-leeward course, they felt a bit dizzy and suggested that a ’round the cans’ format might be a better option.

Race 3 – The fleet started promptly, with Tim Carver taking the lead from the start again. Alastair and Soeren continued their on-water battle, with Alastair finishing second and Soeren in third. Tim won his third race of the day. Meanwhile, Shaun Pickersgill, who was comfortably in fourth place, inexplicably chose the wrong mark, allowing Philip Smith to overtake him into fourth place.

Race 4 – Tim led again at the race’s start but underestimated Alastair, who used local knowledge to take the lead and ultimately win the race. Tim came in second, while Soeren recovered from a last-place start at the first mark to finish third.

Returning from his holiday the previous day, John Mackie strengthened the fleet on the final day, which now comprised eight sailors. They were met with a stronger breeze of 11 to 16 knots from the same direction, leading to another ’round the cans’ series of three back-to-back races.

Race 5 – In moderate breeze conditions, Tim took the lead early in the race, pursued by Alastair and Soeren. However, at the end of the race, Tim missed the shortened course flag, allowing Alastair to pass just five meters before the finish line.

Race 6 – Utilizing his local knowledge, Guy rounded the first mark in the lead and managed to hold on for the win, fending off a late challenge from John, who was finding his rhythm. Alastair made a last-ditch effort for the lead but ultimately finished in a close third place.

Race 7 – At the start of the final race, both Tim and Alastair had a chance to win the Finn Northern Championship, separated by just one point. Tim opted for a conservative start, while Alastair encountered a typical West Riding wind hole and fell into fifth place, which was his worst result of the weekend. John led the race from start to finish, sailing unchallenged into the distance. Soeren and Tim battled fiercely for second place, with Soeren managing to hold on. Tim’s third-place finish was enough to secure him the overall victory.

Tim expressed his gratitude to West Riding Sailing Club for their warm welcome and for making the event enjoyable.

Overall Results: