Luke Muller wins Finn North Americans

The 2020 Finn North American Championship was held December 18-20 at Coconut Grove Sailing Club in Miami Florida.

The first day saw winds in the upper teens, the second days in moderate strength, and for the third day there was not enough wind to complete any races, although the race committee made two attempts but had to abandon both.

Luke Muller, who will represent the USA in the Finn at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, won all the races from Jack Jennings in second and Caio Gervassi in third.

A.J. Pereira, the sole 20 something in the field, earned a fifth.

Muller was hard pressed by the challengers in the lighter air races, but once the pumping flag flew, he won races by over a 100 meters, a testament to his training, equipment selection, and skillful progression.

He and training partner Eric Anderson are spending the month of January training-in-earnest in the variety of sailing conditions offered by the Miami area—ocean waves, windy chop, and a five-day cycle of different weather conditions.

In the past two years, the Miami Finn fleet has grown from three boats to nearly a dozen, providing loaners and storage to experienced sailors keen on the Finn. This effort has led to several boats being sold to new prospects who have decided to join the fun.

Long-time Miami sailmaker, Tom Bremen (145 pounds) has joined the fleet, and has mastered the art of making sails from Dacron, which have proven to be fast for lighter sailors.

Coach Larry Suter has also used the fleet loaner to sail in this regatta. He also weighs in on the lighter side and is having success with the Dacron sails. Larry has coached scores of world and national champions in several classes.

Event details: https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/21032

Source: Charles Heimler