2012-13 Oceanbridge Sail Auckland 1-5 Feb 2013

The popularity of this ISAF Grade 1 event continues to grow with 10 quality sailors lining up to contest this 4 day regatta.

The first 2 days were sailed in 15knt easterlies in a confused seaway, the older finn sailors often dominating the first beat only to be run down by the highly athletic young guns of Josh Junior, Matt Coutts and Andrew Murdoch (twice Laser Olympic rep sailing his first Finn Regatta) in the free pumping conditions. Josh Junior dominated this area of racing running up a series of guns to take a clear lead into day 3.

Day three saw the weather turn sour with 25=30knts and big seas. The older heads mindful of body and gear failure 4 days out of the nationals stayed ashore. The young guns slogged out 3 races with honours shared between Matt Coutts and front runner Josh Junior.The final day promised 15knts and delivered 25-30knts with the Finn Fleet forced to navigate around broken lasers, as well as plucking out of the water the odd female crew abandoned during capsizes.

The regatta was deservedly won by Josh showing great technique and stamina, it was particularly pleasing to see Andrew ticking all the boxes in his induction to Finn’s including smacking himself silly with the boom, attempting to amputate his elbow during a gybe with the same boom and capsizing.