Finn Europeans opened in hospitable Hospitalet
by Robert Deaves 14 Sep 2022 06:28 NZST
13-17 September 2022
Open Finn European Masters Championship 2022 opens in Hospitalet © Robert Deaves /
www.robertdeaves.uk
The Open Finn European Masters Championship was opened Tuesday night at Club Nàutic Hospitalet-Vandellòs, at L'Hospitalet de l'Infant, Spain. Around 70 sailors from 20 nations are ready to compete for the Open and Masters European titles over the coming week.
Racing begins on Wednesday with a series of eight races scheduled until Saturday. With the current title holders unable to compete, there will be some new names on the trophies come the end of the week.
Opening the evening, Irati Cruixent, introduced the club and the town, saying everyone was "Very excited and honoured to host this important competition 26 years after the last Finn Europeans was held here." He spoke about the long history of organising championships at the club and that everyone and very happy to welcome everyone to Club Nàutic Hospitalet-Vandellòs."
He was followed by the President of club, Lluís Coll, and Diego García representing the local community.
Representing the International Finn Association, Vice President Kristian Sjöberg, from Finland, welcomed all the sailors to L'Hospitalet, thanked the organisers and wished everyone a good week of racing. He then closed by declaring the 2022 Open Finn European Masters open.
Many of the fleet raced the Spanish Championship over the weekend, in a range of conditions. After the first day was lost with no wind, five races were completed over the next two days. Club member David Terol, who was instrumental in bringing these championships to the club, was elated to win his first Spanish championship by one point from Miguel Fernandez with David Huet, from France in third. The results can be found here.
The weather forecast for the week already looks challenging with very light winds for two days followed by moderate to strong offshore winds by the end of the week. At least the fleet should get a bit of everything. Registration and equipment checks began Tuesday morning and continue through to Wednesday morning, with the first races scheduled from 14.00 on Wednesday.
Results and notices at www.cnhv.sailti.com/en/default/races/race/text/finn-european-masters-eng-en
Schedule:
- Tues, 13 Sept Equipment Inspection/Registration/Opening Ceremony
- Weds, 14 Sept Equipment Inspection/Registration/Competitor's Meeting
- Weds, 14 Sept Racing (2 races scheduled)
- Thurs 15 Sept Racing (2 races scheduled)
- Fri 16 Sept Racing (2 races scheduled)
- Sat, 17 Sept Racing (2 races scheduled)
- Sat, 17 Sept Closing Ceremony/prize-giving