USA Finn Class

Day: January 27, 2022

  • Buccaneer Winter Series #1

    Buccaneer Winter Series #1

    The Buccaneer Finn fleet held the first of three winter series regattas. On Saturday, January 22, six hardy Finn sailors took to the waters of Mobile bay under clouds, winds as high as 16 knots, and water in the low 40s. The five races were windward-leeward courses, just long enough to separate the fastest boats from the faster boats. With cold northern winds blowing parallel to the coast, some helmsmen decided to huge the coast while others sailed into the middle of the bay for more wind. Out of the five races, one clearly was favored in the middle of the bay, and two closer to the coast and two very close to the coast. As the races progressed, the wind speed weakened to 10 knots. This forced all the sailors to move centerboards, mast rakes, and mast chocks between races making the finishing order to change from race to race. The exception was Michael Mark who won four races. The results are as follows:
    1. Michael Mark 7 points
    2. Ernesto Bergeron 12 points
    3. Julio Bingham 13 points
    4. A.B. Reasonover 22 points
    5. Noel Miller 23 points
    6. H. Snow 30 points
    We welcome the intrepid participation of H. Snow to our active fleet and look forward to his climb up the finishing ranks this year. Should any Finn sailor want to visit Mobile for the February or March winter series regattas, please let us know. We have loaner boats and lodging for salty sailors!
  • West Marine US Open Sailing Series Miami

    West Marine US Open Sailing Series Miami

    Finns were the 3rd largest class at the West Marine US Open Sailing Series Miami this year.  Sailing out of Coconut Grove Sailing Club, we were able to enjoy the great hospitality of the Miami Fleet.

    Friday was a day of light air.  Only one race sailed and was won by legend Larry Suter with Rodion Mazin in second ahead of Peter Frissell.

    Saturday arrived with light winds, much to Larry and Peter’s delight.  Picking the shifts in the oscillating breeze, out of the Northeast, made for a challenging first three races that day.  A line of clouds built up on the left-hand side of the course for the last race.  The wind followed Stuart Walker’s instructions and shifted to the left, and those old enough to remember Stuart Walker made hay on the left side.  The rain came and the wind started to build.  Everyone pulled on their outhauls, Cunninghams, and whatever preparing for the big breeze.  Either fortunately or unfortunately, the wind promptly died again. John Dane was able to hold onto his lead for a win in the final race that day.

    Sunday was the day for paybacks as the breeze finally showed up along with smiles on the big boys.  The first race saw a tight battle on the left side of the course up the first weather leg. Larry Suter decided not to join the battle and went off to the right ending up first around the top mark. In the second race lightweights, Peter and Larry tried to get a jump on the fleet but the ever-vigilant RC wasn’t going to let that happen, declaring both OCS. The wind varied between 13-21 knots with relatively large shifts catching both John Dane and Dave Martin by surprise on the runs.  At least we assume that is the reason why they decided to give their centerboards a close inspection during the races. At the end of the day, Rodion (a)Mazin won all three races with John Dane, Dave Martin, and Scott the Rocket Griffith all getting a 2,3,4.  Final results here: https://scoring.sailti.com/public/download/overall-pdf/5175/33

    The racing was certainly competitive on the water but on-shore the camaraderie showed what it is all about.  Everyone was helping others with getting boats in and out of the water along with fixing and tuning things.  Our hats off to the Race Committee for doing an excellent job under some trying conditions.

    Photos courtesy of US Sailing Communications Director, Allison Chenard.

    P.S. The Coconut Grove Sailing Club is the host of the 2023 Finn Gold Cup and with the proper preparation can be an easy place to sail out of. Plenty of hotels/Airbnbs around within walking distance. Plan your trip to the 2023 Finn Gold Cup here:  https://www.fgcmiami2023.com/registration

    By Peter Frissell