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15.03.2012
Finn focus at the 2012 European Championship
Scarlino ready for European Championship
The Finn class is returning to Tuscany in Italy for its 2012 Senior and Junior European Championships. A favourite area because of its great climate and stunning scenery, the venue once again is the Marina di Scarlino, a modern large marina located half way between the town of Follonica and Punta Ala.
The host for the championship, sponsoreed by enegrgy company Sorgenia is the Club Nautico Scarlino, with the racing taking place just a short distance offshore in the Gulf of Follonica.
The Finns had a very successful European Championship at the same club in 2008 and it is with some eagerness that the sailors are returning there to begin the 2012 European sailing season in earnest.
To fit in with the rest of a very busy season, the dates are very early – in fact this is the first time the Finn Europeans have ever been held before April. However the long term forecast looks pleasant enough with temperatures in the early 20s and winds from 10-15 knots.
A week before the first race, the pre-entry was at 79 sailors from 28 nations, including 15 juniors, which is an encouraging number considering that a number of the top sailors are skipping this championship, preferred to base themselves in Palma for extensive training programmes. This includes most of the strong British team who would have been the favourites here. Both Olympic champion Ben Ainslie (GBR) – who is still getting back to fitness after an extended period off for back operation – and the current World and European champion Giles Scott (GBR) will be absent in Scarlino.
However, the event is not short of big names, and being the first major event of the year, it will be interesting to see who has gained most from winter training programmes and if anyone has obtained an edge on the others. A lot of nations still have to make their selection for the Olympics, which should add further interest to the mix.
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Coppa Italia Finn in Scarlino 2011
Foto: Marina Prinzivalli
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