Andrew Murdoch wins windy North Island Finn Champs

by David Hoogenboom on 18 Oct 2013 Wow, back at work after a day off to recover from the Nth Island Finn Champs. What a great venue and well run regatta. The wind was right up there, but again the best sailors came through after some amazing races.

Day 1 had the fleet sent home when the wind gusts were recorded at 38 knots. A good call. When you looked across the harbour and saw a white wall of wind and rain heading your way, the beach was a good option.

The fishing club hosted us Sat night for a few drinks. We sat around the table and listened to many Finn hints from Rafa. He is positive and approachable and willing to share his knowledge on the finer points of Finn sailing. Thanks Rafa.

Sunday's forecast had the fleet sailing in 20-28 knots. Slowly the older boys started heading home as the races progressed. But those that stuck it out all deserved medals. On shore those watching Rafa and Andrew go toe to toe experienced Finn sailing at its best. Upwind Rafa was quickest, but on the runs Andrew was a rocket and impressed us all with his fearless approach in those conditions.

Standing with former NZ Finn mentor Jonty Farmer and he was impressed with the power pack the Finn has developed into.

Most first beats were hotly contested by all sailing over the two days, but the flat runs sorted the placings out. Karl, Ray, Dave, Dennis, Tom and I all had our moments with Karl finishing third overall.

Greg Farmer, son of Jonty used NZL13 and basically ran out of time to get her ready for Sunday sailing after Saturday's capsize. Illia ventured out both days for a brief look at the course, but maybe played the right card by returning to shore with no damage and ready to fight another day.

A nice piece of water to sail on, awesome race committee and a fabulous clubhouse. What more do we need. Tauranga hosted us well and thanks for letting the boys stay at the club. The new North Island champ is Andrew Murdoch after winning a close battle with Rafa. A well sailed third for Karl Purdie.

Great to see Denis and Tom travel from Christchurch and Napier respectively to join the fleet. Both had good speed and their Devotis looked the part.

All results on the website with some great photos plus the full schedule of summer racing.

Alan Dawson
NZL23

Results

Place Sail No Name 1 2 3 4 5 Total Nett
1 NZL16 Andrew Murdoch 1 2 1 1 1 6 4
2 ESP100 Rafa Trujillo 2 1 11(OCS) 2 2 18 7
3 NZL111 Karl Purdie 5 8 2 3 3 21 13
4 NZL2 Ray Hall 3 3 7 4 5 22 15
5 NZL10 David Hoogenboom 4 5 3 5 4 21 16
6 NZL19 Denis Mowbray 8 4 4 6 11(DNF) 33 22
7 NZL88 Tom Brien 7 7 5 7 6 32 25
8 NZL23 Alan Dawson 6 6 6 11(DNF) 11(DNC) 40 29
9= NZL17 Illia Ovsiiko 11(DNF) 11(DNF) 11(DNC) 11(DNC) 11(DNC) 55 44
9= NZL13 Greg Farmer 11(DNF) 11(DNC) 11(DNC) 11(DNC) 11(DNC) 55 44