Day of reflection for top Finn yachtsmen

Press, 26 February 1980, Page 32

Day of reflection for top Finn yachtsmen

From JOHN COFFEY in Auckland • It was strangely quiet on the Takapuna foreshore yesterday. The flag poles were bare of the emblems of the 14 nations contesting the world Finn Gold Cup yachting championship and there was not the usual frenzied activity around the craft in the boat park. The choice of rest day in the Peter Stuyvesant-spon-sored series was quite inspired, for summer weather returned to Auckland yesterday and there was not even enough breeze to nudge the fleet along the six or so nautical miles to the course area.

Instead, it was a time for relaxation and reflection. For three young men, Larry Lemieux (Canada), John Bertrand and Cam Lew;; (both United States), it was perhaps an opportunity to calculate their chances of success in the final two heats today and tomorrow. Only they can now aspire to have their names in-

scribed on the gold cup beneath those of such great small-boat' sailors as Paul Elvstrom (Denmark), Andrew Nelis (Belgium), Willi Kuhweide (West Germany) and Joerg Bruder (Brazil). Most pressure rests on the sturdy shoulders and cool temperament of Lemieux, not only because he holds a narrow advantage on the over-all points table,' but also because Bertrand and Lewis have the comforting knowledge that they have emerged triumphant from similar situations in the past. Lemieux has conceded 16 points, Bertrand 19 and Lewis, who wrested the trophy from Bertrand in England last year, has lost 21 points. Ironically, only Lewis has twice gained line honours from the first five heats and it has been sheer consistency that has carried Lemieux and Bertrand ahead of him. Lemieux must feel that he is out-numbered. In addition to Bertrand and Lewis, the United States has Andrew

Menkart in fourth position, and it was Menkart who dominated in the light airs which prevailed for the start of Saturday’s heat.

Overseas officials have praised the evenness and allround competence of the leading New Zealanders. Graham Deegan (twice), Richard Dodson and Bruce Deegan have claimed third placings behind their illustrious rivals, and, with Tom Dodson, are all in the top 10 and engaged in a tactical tussle to be the best-per-formed New Zealand representative.

Confusing their plans is the continued uncertainty of whether the world Finn Gold Cup is indeed part of this country’s Olympic Games trials. The protest by Peter Lester against the extending of the Pacific Cup contest — which was to be the first half of the trials — earlier this month has still not been resolved, an answer might be given today, after Lester has made his written submissions.