Author: Rodion Mazin

The 2023 Finn North American Championship

By Rodion Mazin 

Newport Harbor, CA – September 2-4, 2023

In the hallowed waters of Newport Harbor, where the legacy of maritime excellence ran as deep as the Pacific itself, the 2023 Finn North American Championship unfolded in a ballet of wind, waves, and sheer skill. Hosted by the respected Newport Harbor Yacht Club, the regatta promised to be a crucible of competition, and it did not disappoint.

Over three days, from the 2nd to the 4th of September, 2023, the waters of the Pacific Ocean played host to a spectacle of sailing prowess that would etch itself into the annals of the Finn racing history. The conditions were as capricious as the sea itself, testing the mettle of every sailor on the race course.

Day one unfurled with a solitary race, a gentle prelude to the tempest that lay ahead. The winds played coy, light, and wispy, with a swell as grand as the Pacific itself surging from the south-southwest. Yet, beneath this deceptive tranquility, a northerly tidal current ran strong, a silent undercurrent that would test the finesse of every Finnster.

On day two, the sea bore its teeth, whipping up waves that danced with a ferocity not expected on the shores of Newport Beach. Winds howled between twelve to eighteen knots, a force to be reckoned with, driving in from the north-northwest. Four races unfolded, each one a testament to the resilience and strategy of the sailors who dared to challenge the elements and tame the beast known as the Finn.

Then came the decisive day three, where the capricious winds chose their own course, blowing ever so lightly from the south-southwest. A swell, fourteen seconds apart, introduced a maddening rhythm into the fray, with the 15-degree wind shift at the bottom and the top of the swell. Here, the left-hand side of the course proved to be the favorite, luring the fleet in pursuit of elusive advantage.

In the crucible of competition, three sailors stood tall, etching their names into the record books. James Golden, fresh from his 2023 Silver Cup triumph and a commendable sixth place at the 2023 Finn Gold Cup, wielded his craft with a finesse born of relentless dedication. Rodion Mazin, no stranger to victory, parlayed his 2021 USA Finn National Championship and 2022 North American Championship into a fierce challenge. His silver at the 2023 National Championship and seventh-place finish at the Finn Gold Cup attested to his tenacity. Erik Lidecis, the 2022 USA Finn National Champion and 2013 Finn Master Worlds Silver Medalist, brought a legacy of excellence to the waters.

As the sails unfurled and hulls sliced through the brine, the attendance spoke volumes. The regatta drew the Finn sailors from the length and breadth of the United States, a testament to the prestige of the event and the indomitable spirit of its participants. From the shores of Annapolis, MD to the Great Lakes, from San Diego, CA to Grasham, OR, the sailors converged, united by a singular passion for the sea.

Behind this epic gathering stood the unsung heroes of the race committee, the orchestrators of this maritime ballet. The organizing authority, the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, provided a stage worthy of the contestants, a canvas upon which their accomplishments could be painted. At the helm of it all, Robert Kinney, the Chairman, steered the ship of this grand endeavor with a steady hand, ensuring every detail was attended to, every contingency considered.

And when the final reckoning came, it was USA 606, under the stewardship of James Golden, that emerged triumphant with the most steady performance in all conditions. A masterful performance, navigating through tempestuous seas and capricious winds, earning every accolade with a precision that spoke of a lifetime devoted to the craft. USA 16, helmed by Rodion Mazin, followed closely, a testament to his unwavering pursuit of excellence, exceptional physique, and chief downwind sailing technique. Erik Lidecis, aboard USA 505, rounded out the triumvirate of top performers, a stalwart presence in the face of a fickle sea. Honorable mentions are John F. Dane, Charles Buckingham, Andrew Kern, Nikta Mazin, Chris Raab, Darell Peck, and Anatolii Nosar, all showing skill and adding to a tough competition on the water.

In the wake of this spectacle, the waters off Newport Beach seemed to exhale as if bearing witness to a chapter of history written in wind and waves. The 2023 Finn North American Championship had etched its mark on the maritime tapestry, a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dared to challenge the sea. And as the last sail disappeared beyond the horizon, the legacy of this epic regatta would echo through the ages, carried on the whispers of the wind and the ebb and flow of the tides.

The 2024 Finn North American Championship is scheduled to take place at the legendary Newport, RI, and will be hosted by Sail Newport from the 27th to the 30th of September, 2024. Monitor www.finnusa.org for more info and the 2024 regatta schedule.

Complete Results

Full Photo Album

Pictures by Bob Yates and Larry Parker

2023 USAFA AGM
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Dear USAFA members,

If you are interested in the development of the Finn class in the United States and Canada, we urge you to submit your proposals for improvement, nominations for the open officer positions and bids for the 2023 major regatta championships to finnsecretary@finnusa.org (mailto:finnsecretary@finnusa.org). The AGM will be held at the Nationals on July 22, 2023 at NCYC. All the voting will be done online and will be open one week before the championship.

** Currently Open USAFA Positions:
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* President
* Secretary
* Solo Editor
* Growth and Promotion
* Regatta Chairman

** Regatta Bids:
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* U.S. National Championship
* North American Championship
* Masters North American Championship
NOTE * All the bids, proposals, and nominations have to be seconded by a current USAFA member and submitted to the USAFA secretary NLT 2359 July 8, 2023.

** 2023 U.S. National Championship
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Register today for the U.S. Nationals – here.

Camping and sailboat quarters are available on site.

For Charters, contact Peter Frissell.

There is a group of California sailors looking to transport boats from CA to MI and back. Please contact Rodion Mazin for more details and coordination.

** A word from the President and the Secretary
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Both of us (Rodion and Peter) will continue to sail Finns, help with the transition, and support the class. We would like to focus our efforts on the local development of the Finn sailing in our respective regions. We thank the Finn sailors of North America for giving us the opportunity to serve as officers of the USAFA.
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The sea was calm, and the sun was setting on the horizon as David Hemenway navigated his classic Finn toward the shore. It was a vessel that had been built more than thirty years ago, with a wooden hull and older spars fitted with dacron sails. It may not have been the latest and fastest racing boat like the modern Finns, but it was a beauty to behold.

David had always enjoyed working on and sailing his good old boat, but he longed for a community of like-minded individuals who shared his passion for classic Finn sailboats. And so, he created ClassicFinns.org, a website that brought together enthusiasts who appreciated the simple joys of sailing and working on these vessels.

The website is a safe haven for those who love the craftsmanship of older wood and fiberglass hulls and the thrill of sailing with the wind in their sails. It is a place to share knowledge, learn from each other, and organize gatherings and races where all Finns are welcomed.

David looks forward to collaborating with the U.S. Finn Association (USAFA), of which he recently became a member. While USAFA’s focus is on racing, ClassicFinns.org is all about facilitating the enjoyment of classic Finns and bringing together a community of passionate individuals.

Join David and the ClassicFinns.org community today, and experience the simple pleasures of sailing a classic Finn sailboat.

About | ClassicFinns

Nestled on the west side of the Narragansett Bay, the picturesque town of Wickford has long been a hub for sailing enthusiasts. With its calm waters and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder that sailors from all over the Northeast flock to Wickford for some of the most exhilarating regattas of the season. And as the season opener and, therefore, one of the most anticipated events of the year, the Wickford Regatta draws in sailors and their families alike.

The Wickford Regatta is an exciting event for sailing enthusiasts, and this year, the organizers are emphasizing the Finn class. With already 10 Finns registered, the competition is shaping up to be one of the most exciting ones in recent memory. The racecourse for the Finn class will be set up in the warm waters of Narragansett Bay, which is known for its challenging sailing conditions. The winds can range from 10 to 20 knots, providing the perfect backdrop for a thrilling sailing event. Sailing enthusiasts from around the Northeast gather here every year to test their skills against the elements, and this year’s Wickford Regatta promises to be no different.

The organizers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the event is a grand success. Prior to the regatta, a clinic week is being held at the Wild Harbor Yacht Club, where participants can get expert coaching from Rodion “Rody” Mazin. This is an excellent opportunity for participants to fine-tune their skills and prepare themselves for the main event. Some onshore coaching before and after the racing will be offered during the event, free of charge.

The registration fee for the Wickford Regatta is an excellent deal for participants. Those who register between March 21st and May 10th can avail of the early bird offer of $100. Late registrations between May 11th and June 1st will be charged $120, and procrastinators who register on June 2nd will have to pay $135. So, register today and save money.

The Finn class has set a lofty goal this year – to make the Finn class the largest class at the regatta. With 10 Finns already registered, we are on our way to achieving this goal. But we need your help and participation to make it happen. If you’re a Finn sailor, then this is the event you don’t want to miss.

The Wickford Regatta is not just about racing; it’s about camaraderie and sportsmanship. It’s a chance for sailors from around the U.S. to come together and share their love for the sport. The Finn class, in particular, is known for its passionate and dedicated sailors who give it their all on the water. If you’re a Finn sailor, then you’re already part of this incredible community, and the Wickford Regatta is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and forge lasting friendships.

In conclusion, the Wickford Regatta promises to be an unforgettable event for sailing enthusiasts, particularly those in the Finn class. With its warm waters, challenging sailing conditions, and world-class coaching, it’s the perfect platform for sailors to test their skills against the best in the world. So, register today and be a part of this incredible event. Who knows, you may even be crowned the champion of the Finn class at the Wickford Regatta!

Regatta Link: Wickford Regatta 2023 :: Home (mysailspace.com)

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)

We are almost there!!  It has taken a lot more work and much longer than many people anticipated to get the new R1 Finn built.   Many issues had to be addressed, some beyond just building a boat.  A few examples include:

• An efficient means of measurement had to be implemented. This requires having people living close to the builder obtaining Official Measurer status from World Sailing.
• An old Lemieux Finn was purchased and is at Beacon Composites to use as a reference.
• The fit between the old deck molds and the new hull mold required time consuming adjustments.

Although the iconic Lemieux Finn still performs very well when in the right hands, advances in design and construction have been made over the past 30 years.  We have worked hard to keep the overall concept of the Lemieux, and incorporate a few modernizations.

The new mold was based upon a computer-generated model of the Lemieux design with small tweaks based upon advanced computer analysis.  In addition to showing the effects of design modifications the computer analysis can show how much can be gained or lost with trim.  Moving your weight fore and aft changes the pitch (bow up or bow down).  1 degree of pitch is equivalent to 1 ½” at the bow.  The change in drag from 17 Lbs.  to the minimum of 15.4 Lbs.  will result in a difference of 8 feet every minute of sailing.

We have listened to the input from legends such as Larry Lemieux, Gus Miller, Tim Tavinor, along with many others.

Our new builder, Alex Venegas at Beacon Composites, has been an integral part of the project since the beginning and has been very patient throughout all the design, process and schedule changes.   The current plan is to have the boat at the 2023 Masters in Alabama.   Please see Alex’s website at:

www.beacon-composites.com

Obviously, the project could not have happened without the financial support of many people. I’m not sure what the final bill will be at this time.  All contributions are greatly appreciated.  At this point the project is almost completely paid for and needs only a few thousand more to cover some additional costs.   Here is the Paypal account.  All contributions are tax deductible.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=E9KZLMJKARZKQ

The molds for the new boat are complete, and the first boat is in the mold. The first boat and all the molds should be measured after the Gold Cup. Many, many thanks to the people who have contributed to the effort both financially and with their expertise. We can’t wait to see the updated American-built R1 Finn on the racecourse!

Dave Martin and Fabiano Vivacqua’s work to get the Gold Cup in Miami has undoubtedly been one of the significant efforts this year. Although most of the work has been done by Coconut Grove Sailing Club, the leadership at the USAFA has worked hard to make sure our small part on the world stage is done professionally and world-class. Terry Greenfield has done a lot to ensure we have the proper equipment and people for measurement at the GC.

Upgrading our measurement equipment and the process is necessary for building new boats in the US. A Thistle sailor who lives close to the builder, Jon Doyle, has volunteered to measure the new boats. He is a manager at a large company in the field of metrology (the science of measuring things) and will be attending the Gold Cup for certification.