Finn Northern Championships 2024, West Riding Sailing Club, 17-18 August 2024

Two visitors joined five home boats for the 2024 Finn Northern Championships at West Riding Sailing Club. As the competitors gathered for the pre-event briefing, it was clear that some of the athletes had enjoyed the hospitality in the club bar, a little too much the previous evening. At the request of the fleet, PRO, Tim Keighley set a windward leeward course, despite his concerns that the legs might be a little short with the wind 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 1st lap, but by the start of the 2nd lap Soeren had dropped down to 3rd as Tim Carver took the lead, with Guy Cokill in 2nd. Tim continued to lead the fleet around for the next 3 laps, to take the first race win of the weekend, with Soeren getting into 2nd place and Guy in 3rd.

Race 2: Tim Carver led the race from the first mark and sailed off into the distance. Soeren and Alastair Banks battled it out for the remaining podium places throughout the race. Alastair eventually took 2nd with Soeren 3rd.

After a great lunch provided by Sam and her catering team, the fleet agreed that although they had enjoyed the windward-leeward course, they were a little dizzy, and maybe ‘round the cans’ would be a better idea.

Race 3: Once gain the fleet started 1st time and Tim Carver took the race lead from the start. Alistair and Soeren continued their boat-on-boat battle, with Alastair 2nd and Soren 3rd. Tim won his 3rd race of the day. Further down the fleet Shaun Pickersgill was in a comfortable 4th place before he decided to go to the wrong mark, with Guy following allowing Philip Smith into 4th place.

Race 4: Tim led again at the start of the race but didn’t count on Alastair using local knowledge to get past and go on to win the race, Tim came 2nd with Soeren 3rd after recovering from being last at the 1st mark after uncharacteristically going the wrong way up the first beat.

Having returned from his holidays the previous day, John Mackie made the trip across the Pennines to bolster the fleet on the final day. The now, eight sailors were met with a stronger 11 to 16 Knot breeze from the same direction, so ‘round the cans’ was once more the order of the day for the three remaining back-to-back races.

Race 5: Wind Moderate Breeze 11/16 Knots. Tim C took the lead early into the race chased by Alastair and Soeren, At the end of the race, Tim missed the shortened course flag, allowing Alastair managed to pass 5 metres from the finish line.

Race 6: Guy used his local knowledge to get around the first mark in the lead and hold on for the win despite a late challenge from John, who was beginning to find his feet. Alistair attempted another late grab for the lead at the death but took a close 3rd.

Race 7: At the start of the final race, both Tim and Alastair could win the Finn Northern Championship, with only 1 point separating them. Tim played it safe on the start, but unfortunately, Alastair sailed into a typical West Riding wind hole (Where’s your local knowledge when you need it?) and could not get back into contention, having to settle for his worse result of the weekend with a 5th place. At the front, John led the race from the start and sailed into the distance, unchallenged. Soeren and Tim battled for 2nd place throughout the race with Soeren holding on. However, Tim’s 3rd place gave him the overall win.

Tim thanked West Riding Sailing Club for their warm welcome and an enjoyable event.

Overall Results:

1st Tim Carver – Warsash Sailing Club

2nd Alistair Banks – West Riding Sailing Club

3rd Soeren Vonsild – West Riding Sailing Club

Full Results:

Report by Guy Cokill