FIRST RACE

Visibly tired were sailors, as well as members of RC, upon their return from water on the second day of 2010 Finn Senior and Junior European Championship, which was the first day of racing since on Tuesday fleet, remained on shore.
However Wednesday didn't bring the fleet too much luck since of three scheduled races (according to race schedule it was supposed to be two, but due to missed day of sailing yesterday, three were planned) only one was finished!
- For first planned start we had excellent conditions, southern wind 13-14 knots, well set course Bravo and clear start at 11:05. However in the middle of staff race wind shifted 90 degrees to the right from 110 to 220 and we had to abandon the race – we were told by Tonko Petešić, IRO, who continued:
- Second start was set little more south from the original position but still in front of Split's Žnjan, with wind course 230°.  Classic staff was sailed starting at 14:11, and the winner Mate Arapov crossed the finish line at 15:19.
Hoping that three races will be done today RC got everything ready for the second race but once again there was trouble.
- At 16:16 start was given however only half of the set course was sailed before we had to abandon the race!
It is so that at 16:54 N over A flags were displayed and all were sent ashore.
- Unfortunately entire day we had wind, in strength and direction, which is not favorable for quality racing. Also strong currents were additional difficulty during start. 3 to 10 knots wind coming from directions from 200° to 250 ° also wasn't helping since we had to wait for it to stabilize and pray for it to keep for an hour –Petesic described the conditions that were present on water during the whole day.

Bad forecast for Thursday

Not so promising also is the forecast for Thursday – light SW wind is expected up to 14:00 and after that nothing!
First start is scheduled for 11:00.
Some comfort can be found in the fact that 4 finished races are needed to have the regatta while five races are need before we can sail the medal race.
We hope that will be completed during Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Grade of the day - MINSKI FABRIS:

- By some Mate Arapov winning today's race seems as a surprise but I don't agree with that. Mate is an excellent sailor and dangerous no matter what class he sails in, I knew that since I was his coach, and now when he has the experience... –we were told by the legend Minski Fabris, 1978 Finn European Champion, who was kind enough to agree to comment races everyday for our newsletter.
- As for the race itself, I have to say that RC was working very hard to get the maximum out of the conditions on water today. Off course to some this wind was more favorable than to others but that is sailing- everyone starts in the same conditions.

PARTY

So everything wouldn't be just about sport and racing organizer has scheduled the party on Thursday at 19:00.
- There will be a BBQ with plenty of beer. Other than good food there will be music provided by DJ Dupli – good fun was announced by Mario Stipinović, project manager.
Also daily prizes will be given out to the winners of each race.

WORD FROM THE WINNER – MATE'S CONDITIONS

Mate Arapov's triumph in only race finished today could only be commented by saying Wednesday brought perfect conditions for him – he is light, perfect weight for the little wind that was at the race area and as everyone agrees Mate certainly can sail!
-I have to admit I started more than well and up wind I chose to go on the left which proved to be the winning combination. Gained advantage I managed to keep till the end and that was it! - commented Arapov, member of SC Mornar, known as great Laser sailor, however this last season he has been sailing in Star class as a skipper with Ante Šitić.

First Aid Needed

Stevo Koplić MD had his first cause for medical action. Chief measurer Jyri Saraskin while entering the club restaurant didn’t see the glass surface and hit with his nose at it. Cracked glass unfortunately hurt him, it cut his nose, so Dr. Koplić, by the way father of the club president Mira Boban, stopped the bleed and bandaged the cut. Luckily there were no stitches...

Numerous Germans and Russians

In fleet of 97 Finn sailors from 26 nations, most competitors come with GER and RUS letters on sails. Germany and Russia have ten sailors competing while following countries have six: Great Britain, Hungary, Italy and Croatia.