After a nice invitation from Wim, I decided to go to Finn-land last weekend. Finn-land was in this case situated in the Gaver Lake in Harelbeke. A lake where I had never sailed before. Quite exciting, a new class and a new sailing lake. Seven other finn-sailors were present at the starting line. Wim H and Sigurd accompanied me from the Galgenweel, for the other part of the raft this race was a home match.
The day started with a little time-management problem, so I missed the first start. The other seven sailors started the first heat, with a still very limited wind in the morning. While I was still waiting to see what would happen, Sigurd snatched the first victory.
From the second series I got to know the Gaver Lake and all its wind shifts and gusts. The race itself was very exciting. I managed to keep up with the other boats, which made me very happy. The manoeuvres were not yet elegant, but the light weather played into my hands against the heavier sailors.
After the lunch break, the afternoon part of the race continued. The sympathetic Race Committee didn’t waste any time and started up one starting procedure after another. The wind had picked up in the meantime, and here and there the legs disappeared under the suspension belts. The field of competitors was very close together. Because of the big windshifts and gusts you were never sure of your position.
After 8 races it was Sigurd who took home the cup. On the podium he was joined by Michiel in second place and Filip in third. I was very happy to end this baptism of fire with a nice sixth place.
The day was a fun discovery of the Finn and all its specificities. It was my first race in a Finn and at the same time my first encounter with one-man boats. It was a first encounter with this very sympathetic class and it certainly left me wanting more. As a Finn-sailor by choice, I certainly hope to be able to sail with your little men’s club again.
Sarah
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