Finn Gold Cup: Slater Moves up to Third Overall

Dan Slater (NZL sail) in the mix in racing at the Finn Gold Cup 2009. Image copyright Vallensbæk Sailing Club.

by Jodie Bakewell-White

Kiwi Dan Slater has improved his overall standing at the 2009 Finn Gold Cup World Championship Regatta on now in Denmark. After day two of racing he moved from 11th place up to 3rd overall.

The 87-strong fleet of Finns have now sailed four races with another six races scheduled before the top ten contenders are confirmed to sail in Saturday’s medal race. The winner takes the prestigious Finn Gold Cup and the Finn World Title for 2009.

Day two of racing has just concluded in Denmark with a building breeze allowing for the two scheduled races to be staged. Dan Slater returned two top race results – 3rd in race three and 5th in race four - which sees him climb up the leader board into third place behind USA’s Zach Railey and GBR’s Giles Scott.

Slater describes the first race of the day. “I had a nice start and was able to go where I wanted but I put myself a little too much in the middle and a big right hand shift at the top of the first beat put me about 11th or 12th at the top mark.”

“After a really good downwind I rounded the bottom mark 4th which was good for a change. As I sailed up the second beat I passed one more boat to round the top mark for the last time 3rd and that was where I finished.”

With an increasing breeze Slater chose to switch to a heavier sail for the second race of the day. “Race two started off very unstable and we had a few really big shifts early in the race which sorted the fleet out quite quickly.”

“Up the second beat basically seven of us pulled out on the fleet and all rounded the top mark really close. The lead changed lots and we surfed downwind the waves in free pumping conditions. I finished 5th which topped off a really good day having won the day which moved me up to third overall.

“Tomorrow, I’m told by the locals, will be similar conditions so it will again be about minimal risk for maximum gains,” says Slater.

Sailors will discard one race score from their total points after race five has been sailed which will work in Slater’s favour if he continues to bring home good results. The opening race of the series was the kiwi’s worst and until the next race is completed he carries the 33rd in his points score.

Over the next three days two races are day are scheduled with the final medal race this Saturday in Denmark.

Finn Gold Cup
Top five places after four races
1st USA Zach Railey 28 points
2nd GBR Giles Scott 36 points
3rd NZL Dan Slater 42 points
4th CRO Marin Misura 45 points
5th NOR Peer Moberg 52 points

Finn Gold Cup 2009