The Centro Velico Punta Ala and the PuntAla Camp & Resort provided the perfect stage for one of the best editions of the Finn World Masters ever..
The 2024 Finn World Masters in Punta Ala celebrated its 75th anniversary in the best possible way. After years of dedication and determination, Laurent Hay finally achieved his long-desired title. The Centro Velico Punta Ala surpassed all expectations, creating an event that seamlessly blended sport, class, and elegance, offering high-level fairplay challenges at sea and numerous opportunities for sharing and socializing on land.
Since the 2011 edition, the Finn sailors had longed to return to this charming location in the Maremma Tuscany, renowned for its passion for sailing and warm hospitality. From the very first day of this edition, it was clear why. Each day was surprisingly better than the previous one. The 285 sailors from 30 different nations enjoyed themselves immensely on the two race courses in the clear waters of the Gulf of Follonica, even sailing until sunset.
“It was amazing. We had everything, we had wind, big days for the big guys and soft days for the other guys. We got 7 races in. The Gala Dinner was pretty much the best we had. Super! We will love to come back” commented Andy Denison, President of the Finn World Masters.
“Thomas A. Daddi, President of the Centro Velico Punta Ala, stated: “We are honored to have hosted such a significant event and to have contributed to making this anniversary unique. We thank all the participants for choosing the PuntAla Camp & Resort, and we hope to see you again soon. ”
The organization, managed with great professionalism by the team of the Centro Velico Punta Ala under the guidance of Maria Luisa Cionini, was impeccable both at sea and on land. A group of twenty young volunteers supported the skippers daily in the operations of launching and retrieving boats from the beach, ensuring a smooth and trouble-free experience. The numerous social occasions, such as the evening Happy Hour at the Beach Bar, the Opening Ceremony, and the Gala Dinner, which saw the participation of over 500 people, helped create a welcoming and family-like atmosphere. The participants felt at home at the PuntAla Camp & Resort, reinforcing the community spirit that is the heart of this event: a true paradise for all, participants and companions alike.
“t was a well-organized event. I met some wonderful people who took great care of me and all of us sailors. I don’t know how many years I have been participating in the Finn World Masters, certainly more than 20, including the one here in Punta Ala in 2011. This year, the effort has started to take its toll, especially when launching and retrieving the boat. But on the water, the race was super fun. ” said Howard Sellars, the English Super Legend, born in 1941, second in his category.
Ideal weather conditions played a crucial role in the success of this edition. Throughout the week, participants enjoyed sunny days, increasing winds, and pleasant temperatures. In the final days, the wind reached speeds between 14 and 18 knots, leading to exciting challenges and a competition fought until the last leg!
After seven races, Laurent Hay finally won the title of the Finn World Masters, a goal he had been pursuing for several years. Hay lifted the Golden Cup, thus fulfilling his dream. Hay ha potuto sollevare la Golden Cup, coronando così il suo sogno.
In second place, just one point behind, was his fellow countryman Valerian Lebrun, Lebrun did not make it easy for Hay: he was constantly on his heels throughout the competition, ready to capitalize on any opportunity to overturn the standings. In the final race, Lebrun won in the red fleet, while Hay, with great determination, finished second in the green fleet, allowing him to maintain his lead.
Martijn van Muyden, the Dutch sailor in the Grand Master category, consistently performed well throughout the week, earning a well-deserved third place on the overall podium. He also fought hard for the victory until the very end, finishing just three points behind Hay. Anche lui ha combattuto duramente per la vittoria fino alla fine, chiudendo a soli tre punti da Hay.
However, the Finn World Masters is not just a competition. Dedicated to sailors over 40, it is a unique opportunity for exchange among enthusiasts and experienced skippers, a moment for sharing opinions and ideas that fosters the growth of the sailing sport. It’s no surprise that many brought their families, who were able to enjoy the amenities offered by the campsite and explore the beauty of the Maremma, such as the Morisfarms wineries and the pristine Cala Violina beach.
The Centro Velico Punta Ala would like to thank the Municipality of Scarlino, the Municipality of Castiglione della Pescaia, Morisfarms, and Decathlon Grosseto for their invaluable support in organizing the event. A special thanks also goes to the PuntAla Camp & Resort and the entire team, including the Beach Bar Punta Ala and the Isolotto Caffè & Restaurant, for their warm hospitality. Finally, heartfelt thanks to Chef Michele Cocola, President of the Restaurant Association of the City of Follonica, and to lady chef Beatrice Tosi, who, with their Bottega team, delighted all guests with the wonderful Gala Dinner on Wednesday evening.
Special recognition also goes to the Port Authorities of Castiglione della Pescaia, Piombino, and Porto Santo Stefano for their essential support, and to the Red Cross for their assistance at sea.
In conclusion, this edition of the Finn World Masters was a success from every perspective, and we are confident that the Finn class will soon return to this beautiful location.
FINAL RESULTS
1 FRA 75 Laurent HAŸ 9.0
2 FRA 111 Valérian LEBRUN 10.0
3 NED 6 Martijn van MUYDEN 12.0
4 NED 98 Nanno SCHUTTRUPS 13.0
5 NED 148 Peter PEET 20.0
6 GER 711 André BUDZIEN 21.0
7 GBR 790 Nick CRAIG 24.0
8 GBR 5 John GREENWOOD 24.0
9 HUN 50 Akos LUKATS 26.0
10 GBR 74 Lawrence CRISPIN 28.0
SUPER LEGENDS
1 NED 8 Rodrick CASANDER (1944) 258
2 GBR 777 Howard SELLARS (1941) 291
3 FRA 23 Daniel CHÉDEVILLE (1944) 299
LEGENDS
1 NZL 9 Rob COUTTS (1954) 130
2 NED 11 Hendrik de JAGER (1949) 149
3 AUS 68 Jay HARRISON (1952) 154
GREAT GRAND MASTERS
1 NED 148 Peter PEET 20
2 GER 711 André BUDZIEN 21
3 GBR 5 John GREENWOOD 24
GRAND MASTERS
1 FRA 75 Laurent HAŸ 9
2 NED 6 Martijn van MUYDEN 12
3 GBR 790 Nick CRAIG (1974) 24
MASTERS
1 FRA 111 Valérian LEBRUN 10
2 NED 98 Nanno SCHUTTRUPS 13
3 POR 21 Filipe SILVA 29
LADIES
1 AUT 852 Claudia Maria GRABER 217
2 AUT 330 Tina WEINREICH 377
Qui tutti i risultati: https://www.manage2sail.com/en-US/event/FinnWC2024#!/results?classId=Finn
Here all the pictures from the event https://www.facebook.com/centrovelicopuntaala/photos_albums
