Finn Europeans - The Final Days

That fine sailor is Peter.  Tom trusted his fine new boat to his dad while waiting for the wind to pick up.  Peter hasn't stopped grinning.

Eight spots for the Tokyo Olympics had already been secured at the World's in Aarhus last year.  Tom had qualified Canada for a spot by finishing 5th at that regatta.  But for the rest of the fleet, a lot was hanging on the Finn European Championship results for the competitors.  There were four spots available - not including those that had already qualified, the top four would secure positions at the 2020 olympics for their nations.

Tom stood 14th on the scoreboard going into day 5 for race 9 and 10.  His coach told us that the points were so close that any sailor to have two good races would zoom ahead to get into the important top ten for the medal race.  And, conversely, any sailor that had one bad race would plummet down the standings.  The wind did not pipe up until well into the afternoon and the sailors stayed on shore waiting while we floated offshore.  Finally, the race committee saw enough wind and the sailors were called out to the course only to have a thunder cell roll over the course just as the 9th race was set to start.  Sailors were sent back in and we went to dock.  Not until 6:30pm was racing cancelled for the day!  A long day of waiting for wind...the life of a sailor!  Frustratingly, Tom did not have an opportunity to move into the medal race.

Tom and the fleet and coaches prior to a start sailing to and fro, waiting.

The final day was fraught with drama.  Two of the four olympic spots were taken by Norway and  Brazil who finished in the top ten.  But the second two spots were up for grabs if a race could be run. As the standings stood, Switzerland and USA had the spots but the points were so close that it could easily change during a final race that included the 74 boats in 11th to 84th places.  In order to get the medal race off, the cut off time for this larger race was 3:00 pm.  The wind was light all day.  At about 1:30 the sailors were called out to the course and waited.  Finally, at about 2:30 the committee noted wind further out at sea and beginning to fill.  They moved the start line and at 2:57, after one false start, got a clear start and the race began.

On water coaching.

Switzerland and USA secured their spots.  Much celebration.  Followed by terrible disappointment from Switzerland who had been disqualified after two fouls.  Greece, who finished 13th, was awarded the second Olympic spot.

The final race is called!  Team Canada, who had been grabbing some shade and cold water on Milly, leapt into action to prepare the boats and get to the start line.  

Tom finished 12th in a regatta where all the fastest were competing!

We were so thrilled to be there.  It was fun to be part of the water scene with coaches and competitors. By the end of the week, they were all waving, even some of the judges.  It was great to meet Tom's friends on land and competitors on the course.  And, best of all, it was wonderful to see Tom compete with such determination, sportsmanship and grace.  We are very proud parents!

Team Canada