Entry open for 2023 Open Finn Europeans on Lake Balaton, Hungary
by Robert Deaves 23 Nov 2022 02:09 AEDT
11-18 May 2023
2021 Europeans Masters on Balaton © Robert Deaves
Entry has opened for the 2023 Open and U23 Finn European Championship at Csopak on Lake Balaton, Hungary. Hosted by Procelero Sport Club (PSC), in Csopak, the regatta marks a return to home of Hungarian Finn sailing.
All documents and links can be found on the event website here: 2023.finneuropeans.org
Balaton hosts the largest Finn fleets in Hungary, and is a favourite venue for the class. In 2021 The European Masters were held at Tihany, further down the lake, while in 2017 the lake hosted both the Finn Silver Cup and Finn Gold Cup. 2023 will mark the fourth time the European Championship has been held Balaton, after 1963, 1985 and 2007.
The event will run from 11-18 May with a 10 races series scheduled from 14-18 May. The event is also twinned with the Finn World Masters in Kavala, Greece, starting on May 26. Many overseas competitors are expected to take part in both events in two iconic locations.
PSC is the home club of 2020 Olympic silver medallist, Zsombor Berecz, and he is overseeing the management of the event in his new role as club manager. He has been running this club for one year now and is even contemplating taking part.
"I really enjoy it. It's a challenge for me because I have never done such a job. But I really like the challenge."
Speaking about the club, he said, "It's just for dinghy sailing. It's not a marina, so there are no big boats. It's an amazing place. It is the only club in Hungary that is just for the dinghy sailors. We have 5,000 square metres so we can easily organise a 100 boat Europeans and we also have the beach next to us. So there is plenty of space.
"Usually in May there is no lack of wind, so we should get an average of 12-15 knots, but it's always changing on the lake. I didn't grow up here but I sailed a lot here and its challenging sailing. I think it's a great opportunity to being such an eve to a lake as then everyone has a chance be as the wind is shifting much more than on he sea and everyone ca have a good race. I love this type of sailing and I hope everyone else will.
"We are looking forward to organising a great Europeans next year."
The full interview with Berecz can be seen below: