Finn sailing in Split, Croatia. Supplied image.
by Robert Deaves
Having only just said goodbye to the 97 Finns at the European Championship, YC Labud in Split, Croatia is now beginning to welcome even more Finns for the 2010 Finn World Masters, which will open at the weekend.
The preliminary entry list includes 190 sailors from 23 nations. Though down on last year's record entry of 264, this is still up 60 boats on the last time the event was held in Split, in 2002.
Some of the Masters also took part in the Europeans last week as well to familiarise themselves with the wind and the local conditions, though we hope the Masters are more lucky with the weather than the Junior and Senior sailors were last week.
The favourite has to be the three times winner and defending champion Andre Budzien (GER) though 2006 winner Michael Maier (CZE) is also on the preliminary entry list and should provide a strong challenge.
While it is always hard to predict winners at the Masters, previous form would indicate that the likes of Jürgen Eiermann (GER) - runner up last year; Mihail Kopanov (BUL), runner up in 2008; and Allen Burrell (GBR) - third in 2005 and 2007 are also likely to be serious challengers.
Finn World Masters venue 2010. Supplied image.
Split also has a strong local Finn fleet, which has been putting in a lot of time on the water, so they will be keen to capitalise on their training and local knowledge.
Measurement and registration opens Friday is followed by the first races on Monday 24 May with eight races scheduled until Friday 28 May.
Finn World Masters
