2015 Finn European Championship at Split, Croatia - Practice Race
by Robert Deaves 11 May 2015 20:37 BST
12-17 May 2015
The 2015 Finn Junior and Senior European Championships has been opened in Split, Croatia, today amid some spectacular weather as the sailors make final preparations for a tough week of competition ahead. There are 71 sailors from 28 nations and five continents. Included in that number are 17 Juniors from 11 nations.
Though there have largely been light winds in the run-up to this event, over the last few days there has been a strong, shifty and hot Bora blowing off the mountains. The practice race had shifts of around 100 degrees with pressure changes from 1 to 15 knots. Only around 12 boats made it out to the start, most having done some extensive practice over the past week. The forecast is for sea breezes over the next few days, so everyone is hopeful that the championship will get off to a great start.
Earlier in the day the championship was officially opened at the YC Labud. Representing the YC Labud, Mr Tony Mlikota said, "The sailing club Labud was founded in 1924. In all the years since our sailors have been successful in many different Olympic events, but the class that has made our club most famous is, of course, the Finn. So it is our greatest honour that we were given the opportunity and the chance to host yet another major event of the Finn class. I wish you good racing, fair winds and good results, and by this I declare the championship open."
On behalf of the City of Split, the Chief of Sport, Mr Hrvorje Akrap, said, "On behalf of the City of Split I welcome you all. I wish you a good and pleasant seven days of competing. Of course I hope you will take good memories home with you and will take the opportunity to enjoy the city as well as competing. I would also like to thank YC Labud for all their efforts they are putting into sailing, and I am sure the organisation will be at a good level."
The first races are scheduled to start at 12.00 on Tuesday. You can follow the races live on Twitter.
Daily photo galleries will be posted on Facebook and Flickr, as well as on the event website.