Ten Bullets For SLATER

The Finn Nationals took place over 22-25 February at Thames Sailing Club on the Coromandel with 14 entries from all over New Zealand, with Dan SLATER taking a convincing and unchallenged victory.

Although Thames is a tidal venue the Race Officer, Teresa TOOTILL, was comfortably able to run 3-4 races a day set in the wide expanses of the Firth of Thames in predominantly fresh westerlies which at times made for some very exciting sailing. Only one day was lost due to lack of wind and racing called off after 3 races on the second day when conditions were a little too windy for some.

Dan SLATER won a convincing regatta totally dominating all 10 races chased by his training partner Jim TURNER who finished 2nd in every race except one. Racing was much closer between 3rd and 7th places where these places were only finally decided after 10 races when 2 discards came into effect.  The event was closely monitored by two international judges namely Ralph ROBERTS and Don BROOKE, who were at times relieved of their duties when flag ‘O’ was raised to allow for ‘free pumping’, much to the delight of the sailors surfing down the runs and reaches.

Trophies and Categories