Finn Class- Eleven Seconds decide Medals in Eleventh Race
by News Editor on 30 Sep 2000
Rachel Nahum
The eleventh and deciding race started in probably the best breezes of the regatta, with 14-16 knots gusting up to 20 knots.
Loof of Sweden lead the fleet left after the start and was the first boat to the top mark with Rohart of France back in 7th, Kusznierewicz was only a couple of boat lengths back but Devoti was another 20 seconds further back.
Positions swapped down the 1st run, with the Pole sailing in better pressure to be well ahead, however the French man was about five boat lengths back, just a little ahead of Devoti.
Loof had slipped badly back to mid-fleet after sailing out of the pressure and it appeared mid race that he was out of contention.
However proving his class he worked to get back with the leading group.
While the Atlanta Gold medal winner Kusznierewicz won the final race the other contenders were too consistent for his win to affect the medal placing.
Devoti scrambled across the finish line in 6th some 11 seconds ahead of Loof to claim the Silver medal from Loof who won the Bronze..
RESULTS Race 11 (Provisional): POL 1, BEL 2,USA 3, CRO 4, FRA 5,
ITA 6, SWE 7, IRL 8, RSA 9, BRA 10. PROGRESS POINTS (Provisional).
GBR 35pts 1, ITA 46pts 2, SWE 47pts 3.
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