Flag ceremony opens Finn European Masters at Campione del Garda
by Robert Deaves 5 Sep 2023 05:43 BST
5-8 September 2023
The preparation is over and the 2023 Finn European Masters gets under way on Tuesday with 92 boats from 25 nations represented at Campione del Garda, in Italy.
Two days of registration and measurement was followed by a flag ceremony at Univela Sailing on Monday evening after a textbook day on Lake Garda with the Ora filling in after lunch to 12-15 knots in 28-30 degrees for about 50 boats doing some last minute training.
At the Opening Ceremony on the club lawn, with spectacular views over Lake Garda, Tristano Vacondia from Univela Sailing welcomed the sailors to the club and was followed by the Finn Masters President, Andy Denison, who reinforced the welcome and spoke of the community of Finn sailors coming together for another great championship. The championship already has a great community atmosphere with most of the competitors staying at the club or close nearby and enjoying the fabulous hospitality of the club every evening.
Apart from one day the water in the last week, Lake Garda has been kind with nice winds and temperatures in the high 20s, and while the wind is predicted to reduce slightly over the coming days, the forecast for the week is looking good.
Racing is scheduled to begin at 13.00 on Tuesday with an eight-race series through until Friday.
Gallery from Monday here.