Finn World Masters day five: 28 May

Exciting finale to Finn World Masters

One race was all he needed and that was the way it turned out. A fifth race win for Michael Maier (CZE) gave him his second Finn World Masters title, after first winning it back in 2006. Silver goes to the defending champion André Budzien (GER) and a last minute charge from Christen Christoph (SUI) gave him the bronze.

Michael Gubi (AUT) wins the Grand Masters after a great last day while local hero Luksa Cicarelli (CRO) pulled out all the stops to snatch the Grand Grand Masters title on the final race and Richard Hart (GBR) continued his absolute dominances of the 15 Legends to take the title that all Finn sailors aspire to win.

On the final day, the last two races were sailed in an ESE wind in front of Sustipan hill, close to shore on course Alpha. The wind increased during first race from 10 to 12 knots,and later in race 7 to more than 12 knots so Oscar was displayed for free and fun pumping.

Opširnije: International Finn Association Press Release

No.2

MICHAEL MAIER TRIUMPH, CICARELLI HAS VON GGM

Sometimes you are ahead of everyone else–  and you can rest in the final race with the overall victory secured that no one can take your World Champion title away!

This time it was only Michael Maier safe at the top among 167 sailors competing on Finn Master World Championship held in Split organised by YC Labud.

Maier has scored 5 bullets in 6 races plus one second place, so he went ashore to celebrate and start packing while the rest of the fleet has been on the water for race 7.

- I had to pack the boat, I knew nobody can overtake me, so I decided to come back to shore. Last race has not been decisive in my case – said Michael Maier , top Finn sailor who was dominating the fleet in  Master category (40 - 49 years).

One gold medal and World master title in  GGM category (60-69 years) is staying in Croatia.  Thanks to  Lukša Cicarelli, member of host club, who has won this title for the fourth time.

- I was not  able to fully concetrate on sailing, however conditions were excellent so I could catch and overtake oponents in my category. And I have to say that this year the competition was stronger than before -  said Lukša who is taking medals in GGM category for some years now.

And this year he has won the title in his home town.

Last day two races have been completed in ESE wind ; trapezoid course has been set in front of Sustipan hill, close to shore on course Alpha . During first race wind speed averaged from 10 to 12 knots, later in race 7 wind has increased to more than 12 knots so Oscar has been displayed for free and happy pumping. (S.B.)

DAY4 A LOT OF WAVES AND WIND AND TWO VICTORIES FOR THE UNBREAKABLE MIKE MAIER

As the Mediterranean in general the Adriatic sea changes widely from one day to another.

Yesterday was an almost non stop wait on shore until late in the afternoon the YC Labud and RC send all sailors out to try a race in light medium conditions.

Some sailors ended after 8 pm in a nice sunset while a bit earlier Michael Maier ( CZE ) and Attila Szilvassy ( HUN ) respectively won their groups ahead of Marc Buglielli ( ITA ) and Peter Mosny ( SVK ) .

Obviously in this central Europe, Finn world masters sailors from the area feel at ease in any conditions. Their experience pays and for some their knowledge of the very special local conditions also help. Since weather forecast is said to be similar ( strong SE winds ) as today small hopes are left about the result but the Duel between Marco Buglielli and Mike Maier remains and can still be done since the two sailor are only separated by 7 pts.

Altough considering his almost unbeatean experience ( 7 years on finns + 24 gold cups and 4 Olympics countless of numerous international Finn class events around the world ) Mike Meier remains the heavy favourite.

In addition to his expertise Mike appears to be, physical wise the UNBREAKABLE man in the windy conditions.

Race comitee decided to use Kastelanski Bay to run the windy 4^th and 5^th races. The quite long way to go there was already a risky business for some sailors who did’nt master quite high waves and fierce gusts.

Red group started first and soon after start, tacking to right side of course and towards Ciovo island, Mike Meier was on it’s way to it’s 3^rd victory. He mastered race 5 the same way to get another win. On the other Red Group Marco Buglielli was’nt as easy as usual. Being rather light he made his worst result ( 11 ) in race 4 while opting to the left side in second beat .

His 5^th race was despite harder conditions, better.

The other man to keep in mind on day 4 is Andre Budzien. The talented german sailor has been 3 times world master champion in a row during the past 3 seasons and before this he was also 3 times second.

He now stands third overall before final day and the final two races.

Whatever wind they have these three leaders will no doubt match each other closely but unlike bad luck plays it’s role or light weather favour the light Italians there are little chances to see any major change in the overall results.

Regarding ages groups Mike Mier is the best Master, while Marco Buglielli is 1^st grand master. Wouter Moolenaar from the Nederland is in 22 nd_ overall easy leader of Grand Grand Masters ( over 60 ) while british Richard Hart dominates de Legend group ( over 70 ) .

Regarding the equipment, as most sailors here the top three sailor race on Devoti Finns.

WORD BY FRANCOIS RICHARD FROM SPLIT FINN WORLD MASTERS 2010

 

 

THURSDAY'S PARTY
One more race is all that we need to have a valid regatta and according to the forecast there should be enough wind on Thursday and Friday for that. Some indication point out there even might be too much wind but one race hopefully shouldn't be a problem...
Start is scheduled for 12:00 and upon return from water there is a party beeing planned. YC Labud, the host of World Finn Masters Championship, is preparing a BBQ party with a lot of beer for its guests. Ivica Bilić is in charge of music so we know fun is guaranteed.   

MAESTRAL FILLS THE SAILS

In the end, as everyone has admitted, the IRO decision was a triumph!
Race course was set toward the island of Čiovo with a lightning speed and sailors were astonished –8 to 12 knots of western wind (maestral) - real pleasure to be on water.
And sail!  
Start of the red group was signalled at 18:24 and on schedule at 18:39 blue group as well. Third race of the World Finn Masters Championship was done, and while results were done the fleet returned to harbor happy that the job was done.

DELTA DISPLAYED AT 17:15
  Even the Finn masters class president Fons van Gent, at 16:45 came to Kustić, wondering if he was going to abandoned hope of racing for a day but the experienced IRO Alen Kustić decided to try –despite everyone’s doubts of the decision – and at 17:15 called all sailors and jury on water!
Many mumbled the sailors and the jury, to themselves not believing in the outcome since there wasn't much daylight left. Also please keep in mind we are talking about Finn Masters, a little more experienced gentlemen who deservedly take a bit more time to enjoy in everything from going out on water, racing, returning from water and so on. That is why many wondered what's the point of going out, without wind and light there is much hope for the race.

KUSTIĆ MANAGES TO TAKE FLEET ON WATER

   Luck is with courageous and determined and in the end even rewards them- lesson we learned from Alen Kustić, IRO, on Wednesday the third day of World Winn Masters Championship.
Weather forecast and situation on water throughout the day weren't promising. Lack of wind caused the scheduled 13:00 start to be delayed for two hours. Fleet of 167 Finn masters, top sailors from 25 countries, waited patiently on land for further notice from the Race Committee. However as time passed more and more gathered at the plateau of YC Labud started to feel nervous.

More than 150 beatifull pictures from day 3 now online

DAY 2 A DAY FOR NOT MUCH

The Croatian national flag hoisted on top of Marjan hill/ peninsula is a landmark. Most people and even more sailors check that flag every morning to know how their racing day might be. But for this second day the National colors were rather low with a bright sunny sky but no wind in sight.

This made all morning until early afternoon a long wait and chat for finn maniacs adding drinks after drinks or for some many beers after coffees or the opposite.

In the meantime a small group of their wives and girls friends has gone to Krka national parc and waterfall for a touristical discovery of one of the nicest Croatian sites.

After a clean start at 15 hrs 55 for red group the fleet divided in two . Most sailors tacking on port to reach Ciovo Island while a small group opted for the left side . Francois Richard led this group for most of the way only to be catched right at mark and round third neck and neck with Marco Buglielli who had sailed on a more central route. Marco who appears to be in great shape led by 4 length of boat at mark with Pierre Mondeteguy second and Francois Richard very close behind. They held position until outer course top mark. After the run Hungary Attila Szilvassy and Tchek Mike Maier came around 4 to 6^th on the way back up to wind mark ý And everything ended there when race committee decided to cancel that heat .

French colors were also in shape with Marc Alain des Beauvais leading blue group at top mark on the inner course but for him also the hope for a good result vanished as race was called off.

So it will remain a day for not much or at least one of those one tries to make his boat speed best in lights conditions.

At least the early return, once again on tow took everyone back to shore much earlier with all the time needed to relax and prepare for the Finn World masters dinner party .

PICS AND WORDS BY FRANCOIS RICHARD

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