JM Finn & Co. Finn UK Nationals at Pwllheli Sailing Club

Finn nationals top three (l to r) Neil Robinson (3rd), John Tremlett (1st), Alan Burrell (2nd) © Andy Denison

Pwllheli Sailing Club hosted the 2010 JM Finn & Co. UK National Finn Championships over the 23-25th July. Friday morning saw a busy dinghy park with final polishing, registration and catching up with friends in the sunshine. It was great to see that John Tremlett, a teacher, had been released from school early and was able to make the first day of racing. The early light NW breeze gave way to a 6-7 knot SW sea breeze allowing the first race to get underway, after a 2hr delay. Rory Barnes (GBR 24) lead around the windward mark but the sightseeing of the previous two days must have been just the tonic for Howard Sellars (GBR77) who took the lead on the second beat and went on to win, followed by John Tremlett and Rory Barnes who hung on for a great third place.

Two races were scheduled for the first day but with the wind shifting around the Race Officer raised AP over A and sent the fleet back to the shore which proved a good decision as the sea breeze died away.

Saturday found Pwllheli shrouded in low misty cloud but with the prospect of 4 races in a good breeze. Race 2 got underway with a 14 knot southwesterly providing great conditions that soon built into a stronger breeze ranging up to 20knot, and with some interesting waves the fleet had a great days sailing dominated by John Tremlett (GBR 642) who won all 4 races. Others who featured well were Allen Burrell with 4 seconds, John Mackie, Julian Smith and Adrian Brunton who all scored 3rd places. David Higham, JM Finn's representative, provided some entertainment with a spectacular capsize and all had earned a few drinks in the bar after a very long and gruelling day on the water along with a great curry provided by Pwllheli SC.

Sunday morning brought lighter conditions and 2 races required to complete the full 7 race schedule for the regatta. At the start of race 6 the wind was light and from the NW providing shifty conditions, added to by the tide flowing across the course. John Mackie (GBR 68) took advantage of local knowledge and lead around the windward mark, maintaining his advantage to win the race. The final race started with similar conditions. With the regatta already won John Tremlett was still looking to compete hard in the final race but was caught pushing the line and took Adrian Brunton with him. Both were OCS. In the light and tricky conditions, John Heyes (GBR 61) lead the way around the windward mark and fought off Tremlett on the second leg. Race 7 brought a close finish with the 15 boats finishing within seconds.

It was great to see the Finn fleet at Pwllheli. With a range of wind conditions, some great administration both on the water and off and with all races sailed the event was a great success. On Monday 19th July, supported by John Mackie, Pwllheli SC issued a press release confirming that Pwllheli had won the bid to host the 2012 Finn World Masters Championships. The press release was covered on television on both the BBC 2 Wales news and S4C news and in the Caernarfon & Denbigh Herald & Daily Post.

Overall Results: