‘Nocka’ climbs the ladder

by Di Pearson on 16 May 2004 Nine races have now been sailed at the Finn Europeans in La Rochelle France, with a couple of hard days on the course, wind very gusty, shifty, light and patchy, making life hell for competitors and officials alike.

Australia’s Anthony ‘Nocka’ Nossiter has lifted up the field into 13th overall, after a 12th place in Race 9 overnight. In fact, if it weren’t for his 53rd placing Race 1, (reason not known at this stage), Nossiter, a Sydneysider, could well be up in a top five spot right now and has sailed well to recoup his losses.

Mateusz Kusznierewicz (POL), continues his strong lead with 22 points from his greatest rival Ben Ainslie (GBR) on 58. Ainslie’s BFD in Race 9 did not help his cause at all, particularly as Kusznierewicz won the race.

Sebastien Godefroid (BEL) lost his grip on third spot to both Guillaume Florent (FRA) and Dean Barker (NZL) overnight and now has to be content with fifth overall to-date.

Godefroid lost his momentum over the past three races, with an 11-1 6-BFD result, whilst Florent went 8-4-13 and Barker, an accomplished match racer and America’s Cupper, scored 9-1-6, which will look good on his Olympic selection report card. Should he be successful, this will be his first Olympic Games.

Whilst just another title for some countries, many competitors are having tense time trying to qualify their Nation, or themselves at this regatta – no more chances, this is it. Those countries include Argentina, Hungary, Russia, Austria and Italy.

Tonight, Sydney time, the final race will be sailed and a lot of futures will change one way or the other.


Top five results:

1 POL KUSZNIEREWICZ Mateusz 22.00

2 GBR AINSLIE Ben 58.00
3 FRA FLORENT Guillaume 62.00
4 NZL BARKER Dean 73.00
5 BEL GODEFROID Sébastien 80.00
13 AUS NOSSITER Anthony 129.00

Full results and more on the event website: www.srr-sailing.com/divers/pagesiteeuropefinn.htm