THE fast growing fleet of Finn dinghies based at Roadford Lake were joined by 11 travelling boats for the UK Finn Masters. The three day, seven race series kicked off on Friday, September 10, when race officer Chris Arscott of RWYC set two back to back races which took the competitors the length of the lake.

The first to master the 15-20 knot conditions was the sole Legend (sailor aged 70+) Richard Hart. In the second race Graham Page posted a convincing victory.

On Saturday Graham Page showed how it should be done, with bullets in races three and and a second in race four (won by Rory Barnes). The lighter winds allowed the classic Finns to get in amongst the modern boats although by the end of each race the slicker boat handling skills at the top end of the fleet were showing through.

The joys of sailing on a lake were again evident on Sunday with a tricky beat that really tested the competitors, followed by a long broad reach/run down the lake.

Graham Page won race six and won the Master title and overall title. The wind had picked up to 15-18knots and the final start was especially well negotiated by the Roadford sailors who really mixed it up with the visitors. A problem with his mainsheet at the final mark dropped Ray New from second to sixth and so robbed him of an overall podium finish, but was enough for him to claim the 'grand grand master' title. The race was won by Rory Barnes who clinched the grand master title and second overall.

The Classic Boat prize went to Peter Vincent and best Roadford boat go to Alan Williams. The Finn Class are determined to come back again next year – a real reward for the dedication and enthusiasm shown by Graham Brookes and his team.

Bob Hindmarsh, Community coach and Roadford Watersports centre manager said: 'It was great to see all the competitors embracing the challenge and performing so well.'