The 2021 Finn World Masters at Mar Menor, Murcia, Spain concluded on Friday with no more races possible and so the minor medals were decided, as France’s Valerian Lebrun had already secured the Championship win.
With a difficult forecast, the fleet was sent out in the hope of one final race, but after that brief hope was dashed, racing was abandoned for the day.
New world champion Lebrun went out anyway, as he ‘was here for fun’. The 2019 European Masters champion Filipe Silva (POR) secured second overall, while the top home nation sailor, David Terol, placed third. These three were also the top three Masters for 40-49 year olds.
In the Grand Masters category, Laurent Hay, from France took the title he last won in 2017, from the Dutch pair of Peter Peet and Bas de Waal.
Greg Wilcox (NZL), upgrading his old Finn for a modern charter boat this week, performed beyond his expectations to win the Grand Grand Masters from France’s Marc Allain des Beauvais (FRA) and former double World Masters champion, John Greenwood.
Another former World Masters champion from way back in 1988, Hans Fatzer (SUI), won the Legends category in an incredible 35th overall for the over 70s. Behind him were Henk de Jager and Filip Willems, both from The Netherlands.
The greatest cheer was again reserved for the Super Legends and Richard Hart (GBR) retained the title he won in 2019. Former Super Legend champion, Pedro Jiminez Meifren (ESP) was second with Joop Wuijts (NED) third.
Australia’s Paul McKenzie placed 11th overall, ahead of fellow Aussie Anthony Nossiter who came 30th following two black flag results.
At a difficult time for sporting events, local organisers have put on a spectacular show on and off the water. The seven races sailed were amazing, and the after-race socials were extremely popular and quite special. The mid week dinner produced an incredible atmosphere of celebration respect and fun that everyone enjoyed and appreciated.
The 108 sailors from 20 nations who made their way here experienced a beautiful week of sailing and hospitality. They were more than happy they had made the effort, with many going home full of enthusiasm for the next one.
The Finn Masters sailors are thankful that Murcia stepped in to host the event at short notice and look forward to coming back in the near future. To say it was a special event falls some way short.
Next year, the Finn World Masters travels to Finland for the first time ever, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Finn’s first appearance at the Olympic Games. It will be another great party for sure.
Results after 7 races
1 FRA 111 Valerian LEBRUN MasterM 12
2 POR 21 Filipe SILVA MasterM 29
3 ESP 7 David TEROL MasterM 32
4 FRA 75 Laurent HAY Grand MasterM 35
5 NED 148 Peter PEET Grand MasterM 53
6 NED 29 Bas DE WAAL Grand MasterM 67
7 SUI 59 Simon BOVAY MasterM 81
8 GBR 74 Lawrence CRISPIN Grand MasterM 81
9 SUI 7 Christoph BURGER MasterM 86
10 NED 41 Karel VAN HELLEMOND MasterM 90
Full results: http://fvrm.sailti.com/en/default/races/race-resultsall/text/2021-finn-world-masters-en
