Finn Spring Series 2025 concludes at Bough Beech Sailing Club

Richard Sharp wins the 2025 Finn Spring Series © Claire Power

The final 2025 Finn Spring Series was held at beautiful Bough Beech on 12th April. This was the final event of the series following some fantastic sailing at Emsworth and Burghfield. It was a stunning day and the lake was glistening at the bottom of the valley as you approached down Ide Hill.

Unfortunately this rural location almost proved too much for some of the Finn fleet who spent some time endlessly circling the lake trying to find the club entrance. Eventually everyone arrived but it was a rush for the stragglers.

The wind was blowing from the east which would prove to be tricky for the race team and, at times, mentally challenging for the sailors.

Large holes, huge shift and pressure changes were going to be the order of the day. A square course was set towards the south end of the lake where the most 'steady' breeze was blowing.

The event was shared with D-Zeros and a large Streaker fleet. The Finns were first away and sailed four races back-to-back.

At times the wind threatened to fill in from the southeast but typically it was flicking left (northeast).

The wind varied from 0-10 knots and increased as the day went on. You had to chose a side and be patient. However, this was easier said than done and at times much muttering and chuntering could be heard across the course from those whose choice proved to be wrong.

'Hero to Zero' was frequent. Amongst the fleet however one sailor seemed to be able to navigate his best between the hazards and, whilst having hit a number of snakes, managed to also find lots of ladders. More on this below.

Race 1

After a short postponement we started in a big left hand phase. Richard Sharp (Emsworth Slipper) and Jim Hunt (South Staffs) got away at the pin end and led towards the windward mark. A few sailors were late to the start.

Jim rounded the top mark first with Richard close behind. A nice gap to the fleet rapidly evaporated on the top reach as we bunched up.

By the bottom mark Allen Burrell (Thorpe Bay), who was late starter, had got into the lead ahead of Martin Hughes (Warsash) and Richard. Allen went hard left, and after some nervy minutes, picked up a lovely left shift to sail straight to the top mark. He sailed well to keep clear of the pitfalls that awaited.

After three laps of 'pass the parcel' racing behind Allen, the results were Allen, Jim, Martin.

Race 2

Another three laps of tight racing ensued. Jim pulled clear but it was nip and tuck all the way between Tim Carver (Warsash), Richard and Martin.

Jim won from Tim and Richard.

Race 3

Tim hit the right side of the course on the second beat to pass early leader Allen. Allen slipped away from Jim and Richard and closed on Tim but at the finish Tim won from Allen and Jim.

At this point only one sailor was posting consistent results in the top three.

Race 4

By now the wind had finally move more to the south, meaning the right was generally the way to go. Jim and Richard were tight together at the first mark.

Jim got clear and Richard was dragged into a dog fight with Tim, Martin and Allen. Jim was gone and won easily from Richard and a fast-finishing Allen.

So, a very well deserved overall first place for Jim followed by Allen and Tim.

After tea on the balcony nerves were finally calmed and we could reflect on another great day of racing.

The 2025 Spring Series was attended by 25 sailors and we experienced a full range of conditions and certainly some spring (or almost summer) weather.

2025 Spring Series overall top 10:

1st Richard Sharp (Emsworth Slipper)
2nd Nick Craig (Burghfield etc)
3rd Jim Hunt (South Staffs)
4th Allen Burrell (Thorpe Bay)
5th Tim carver (Warsash)
6th Simon Percival (Christchurch)
7th Sander Kooij (Thorpe Bay)
8th Matt Johnston (Emsworth Slipper)
9th Nick Mason (Emsworth Slipper)
10th Paul Carrington (Paxton Lakes)

Bough Beech event results: