The Finn North American Masters Championship, hosted by the Buccaneer Yacht Club, took place on Mobile Bay, Alabama, from March 30 to April 2, 2023. The event attracted a diverse group of experienced sailors who came to compete for the prestigious championship title. The competition was fierce, with the wind conditions ranging between 10 to 15 knots, providing perfect conditions for the sailors to showcase their skills and tactics.
After four days of intense racing, John F Dane from Pcyc emerged as the winner of the championship. His consistent performance throughout the competition earned him a total of 12 points, with two first-place finishes, two second-place finishes, and one fourth-place finish. Dane’s performance was a testament to his skill and experience as a sailor, as he managed to hold off some of the top sailors in the competition.
However, one of the biggest highlights of the event was the performance of the newly created R1 Finn. The R1 Finn made its maiden appearance in the regatta and immediately made an impact by securing second place in the competition. D Peck, representing the USA Finn Foundation, sailed the R1 Finn to an impressive second-place finish, with one first-place finish, two second-place finishes, and one third-place finish. The R1 Finn proved to be fast both upwind and downwind, making it a formidable opponent for the other sailors.
The R1 Finn’s performance was impressive, and many sailors were intrigued by this new addition to the Finn class. A comprehensive review of the R1 Finn is coming soon, which will provide a more detailed analysis of the boat’s design, performance, and potential.
Phil Toth from Pymatuning Yacht Club came in third place with a total of 23 points, followed closely by Dave Martin from Coconut Grove Sailing Club with 26 points. Mike Dorgan from San Diego YC rounded out the top five with 28 points.
The competition was not without its challenges, with some sailors struggling with the wind conditions and experiencing setbacks. However, the top five sailors demonstrated their skill and experience in navigating the challenging conditions and securing their positions in the final standings.
The Buccaneer Yacht Club did an excellent job of organizing the event and providing a competitive and enjoyable experience for all the sailors. The location on Mobile Bay, Alabama, provided the perfect backdrop for the championship, with its stunning scenery and ideal sailing conditions.
In conclusion, the Finn North American Masters Championship was an exciting and competitive event that showcased the best of sailing. The top five sailors demonstrated their skill and experience, while the newly created R1 Finn made a significant impact in its maiden appearance. The event was a great success, and we look forward to seeing more from these talented sailors in the future.
Results: 2023 Finn North American Masters Championship : Buccaneer Yacht Club (regattanetwork.com)
