New Zealand Finn Association Web Site

2006 Finn Veterans Championships 30 March to 2 April 2006

Waiuku Finn Veterans Championships Celebrates 21 Years.

Waiuku Yacht Club celebrated 21 Years of hosting the Black Heart Finn Veterans Championships from 30 March to 2 April 2006.

The event was generously sponsored by Black Heart Rum and Monty's Mowers. Consequently plenty of the sponsor's product was consumed over the weekend.

Wind proved to be a scarce commodity unfortunately with Saturday being the only day where a full 4 races could be sailed. Thursday saw 2 races sailed until the wind disappeared. Being sponsored by a rum supplier a harbour rum race was held on Friday with all sailors racing through The Needles towards Clarkes Beach and back. This race was won by Finn sailing stalwart and regatta organiser, John Duff.

Although the rain was gladly received by many on Sunday, the forecast wind did not eventuate and after floating around in the rain for 2 hours the race committee abandoned and the regatta concluded with 7 races sailed.

After 7 races the lead was tied between David Hoogenboom and Allan Dawson with David Hoogenboom being awarded 1st place on countback. John Duff took out 3rd Place.

Overall, the regatta ran very smoothly and professionally through all the hard work and organisation of the club, and race officials. All the sailors look forward to sailing this regatta for many years to come and to the hospitality of the host club.

Waiuku Yacht Club would like to say a special thanks to the sponsors Black Heart Rum and Monty's Mowers.

Results 2006 Black Heart Waiuku Finn Veterans Championships.

1st Overall David Hoogenboom
2nd Overall: Allan Dawson
3rd Overall: John Duff
1st Handicap: Gerrit Bearda
2nd Handicap: Rex Erickson
3rd Handicap: Jim Goodare

NZ Finn National Champs at Thames SC 22-25 February 2006.

The 2006 NZ Finn Nationals took place over 22-25 Feb at Thames Sailing Club on the Coromandel with 14 entries from all over New Zealand. 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.

Overall, the regatta ran very smoothly and professionally through all the hard work and organisation of the club, race officials, measurers and contribution from Waiuku YC. It must also be said that the comradery and sportsmanship of all the Finn sailors was commendable. Dan and Jim were never too busy to share with us some of their vast knowledge and experience from years of top level international sailing and the likes of Gerrit Bearda are a real asset to the class in always willing to lend spare masts and other equipment to those who suffered gear failure.

Trophy & Category Winners