UK Finn Masters Championships 2025 at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club

UK Finn Masters Championships at Thorpe Bay © David Maynard / www.alleycatphotographer.com

Picture this: a picture-perfect day on the Thames Estuary, where the UK's equivalent of Hyères unfolds at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club. Glorious sunshine, a building easterly breeze, and crystal-clear waters created the ultimate racing ambiance — only the local accents reminded you that you're not in France. With the midday high tide bringing a touch of urgency, the Finn fleet was geared up to make every second count on day one of the UK Masters Championships.

The fleet that assembled was the highest standard for a Masters Nationals in recent years by some distance - virtually everyone from the top end of the fleet was present.

The fleet launched with anticipation, heading out onto the water as the wind picked up steadily. When the gun sounded, a crisp 8-9 knots of breeze greeted the sailors, perfectly timed as the tide slowed for its turn. The start? Flawless. No recalls, just a fair, even line and a clean first leg.

Most competitors opted for the left side, seeking out the slightly lighter current and a touch more pressure—classic Finn tactics in action. As they rounded the top mark, the fleet was tightly packed over a relatively short distance, each shift and tack potentially costly.

With the wind building throughout the day, the Oscar flag flew high at the top mark, giving the fleet free pump privileges that allowed the sailors to really crank it up. Battles raged at the front, with Lawrence Crispen and Nick Craig duelling fiercely. Lawrence edged out Nick for the first win, Kristian Sjoberg rounding out the top three—an intense start to the series.

Race two followed swiftly, the conditions nearly identical: sunshine, increasing chop, and a rising breeze. Once again, most boats favoured the left, and once again, Lawrence and Nick contested the top positions—Lawrence making a clean sweep after two races. John Greenwood secured a solid third, setting the tone for what was undoubtedly going to be a fierce rivalry.

UK Finn Masters Championships at Thorpe Bay - photo © David Maynard / www.alleycatphotographer.com

By the time Race three kicked off, the fleet's eagerness to race had tested the patience of the race committee, who had warned of a black flag start if needed. Sure enough, the black flag flew, and three boats headed home early. The top contenders kept their cool and got away cleanly, with the wind and tide now working hard to challenge their downwind skills.

Nick, initially deep in single digits on the first leg, turned on the afterburners, racing hard right on the downwind leg and making up most of his deficit, ultimately finishing ahead of Lawrence and John.

During the day it appeared that Tim Carver mostly got the starts and first beats right and was at/near the front at each first mark, Lawrence was quickest uphill and Nick C had an edge off wind in the pumping conditions.

The puffs and lifts typically came in from the left and therefore, the pin was generally the place to start but it was getting congested!

That wrapped up Day 1 of the championships—just the racing, of course. The boats and bodies showered and rinsed. Rumour has it, some skippers didn't move from Thorpe Bay's stunning balcony for a full eight hour working shift, rehydrating and sharing stories, thanks to the legendary hospitality of the TBYC crew (& special thanks to Lawrence!).

UK Finn Masters Championships at Thorpe Bay - photo © David Maynard / www.alleycatphotographer.com

Day two dawned bright and breezy once more. The race schedule was moved forward by an hour to help travellers get home sooner—an early start in perfect conditions.

Race 4 got under way in a steady 12-13 kn - almost a replica of the previous day so predictably, the left still looked good but being an hour earlier in the tide window some experimental souls went right. Local legend (and youngster) Alex Farrall one of them showing that the old guard weren't to have it their own way by going hard right, coming into the top mark vying for top spot.

The fresher breeze kept things much closer on the downhill legs and the fleet remained very close for all 3 laps. John Greenwood's determination to disrupt the status quo paid dividends at the finish with Nick taking the bullet, John 2nd and Lawrence 3rd.

Race 5 was under similar conditions, after one recall, the fleet got under way - another John - this time John Mackie, got a super clean start and sailed a fantastic first leg to round the top mark in front. Predictably, Nick, Lawrence & Other John were hot on his transom and reeled him in downhill. John M held off the rest of the fleet for a solid 4th, John G once again holding off Lawrence for 2nd and Nick, again taking the bullet.

With Lawrence & Nick separated by only 2 points for first place - it all came down to Race 6. Allen Burrel (another Thorpe Bay superstar) led up the first leg from the left-hand side, Lawrence had tried a committee boat start and for a while it looked like he would cross the fleet until the wind went left again. Allen led for the first lap.

At the finish Nick won again from John G and Tim Carver.

Nick had definitely raised the bar on the Sunday. His off-wind pace was key.

The UK Finn fleet would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Thorpe Bay Yacht Club for a truly spectacular event. Special appreciation goes to the galley team, shore crew, and race committee. We will be back!

UK Finn Masters Championships at Thorpe Bay - photo © David Maynard / www.alleycatphotographer.com

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