2022 Finn World Masters in Helsinki
2022 Finn World Masters in Helsinki – Day 1
by Robert Deaves on Jul 4 12:35 PDT
1–8 July 2022
Dutchman Pieter-Jan Postma has opened his first Finn World Masters tournament in Helsinki with two race wins. France’s Laurent Hay is second with two second-place finishes, while Peter Peet of the Netherlands is third on 3.7 points. 121 sailors from 25 countries will participate in Finland’s first Finn Masters event.
The event started in great conditions, sunny, warm with a wind of 6-10 knots. The wind pressure varied a lot, making it challenging for most sailors. Both starts required a black flag and at the end of the day there are 15 BFDs on the scorecard. Some of the frontrunners got BFD, which made the rest of the week difficult for them.
Race 1 survived the initial general recall when the fleet had to make do with 120 boats. Belgian Sebbe Godefriod led the fleet at the top mark, but at the next crossing he chose the right side of the track and passed those going up from the left. Postma took the win from Hay and Peet
Race 2 also survived a general recall under the black flag and several sailors unfortunately paid the price, including Laurence Crisp, who led at the first entry. Potsma along with Hay and Karl Purdie put up a good fight from New Zealand as Postma took another win to complete a perfect day on the water. Hay crossed third with Bas de Waal, Holland third.
In the afternoon, the ferry took the sailors from the club to Särkä island, where today’s award ceremony offered Pata a warm welcome in a garden setting. This was the medal ceremony at the 1952 Olympics, the first time Finnish was used at the Olympics. Many sailors stood on the Olympic podium.
The races continue until Friday.
Results after day 1: (top ten, 2 races)
1 NED 842 Pieter Jan POSTMA 2ps
2 FRA 75 Laurent HAY 4 points
3 NED 148 Peter PEET 10 pts
4 NZL 111 Karl PURDIE 14 pts
5 NED 29 Bas de WAAL 18 pts
6 NED 80 Sander WILLEMS 22 pts
7 SVK 1 Peter MOSNY 23 points
8 POR 21 Filipe SILVA 27d
9 FIN 50 Freddy MARKELIN 28d
10 GBR 5 John GREENWOOD 28 pts
The website of the event at fwm2022.com