France’s Laurent Hay emerged victorious at the 2024 Finn World Master Championships in Punta Ala, Italy. This marked his first major championship win in the class, following multiple second and third place finishes in the past. The competition was fierce, with France’s Valerian Lebrun securing second place and Martijn van Muyden from the Netherlands coming in third.
The final day of the championship was filled with excitement and challenges for both the race teams and sailors. Despite a week of exceptional performances, the wind took time to stabilize, leading to a race against the clock with a 15:00 cutoff time. The final race commenced just minutes before the time limit expired, adding to the suspense of the competition.
With 285 participants, the racing was divided into four random groups each day. The Yellow and Blue groups on the North course began first, while the Red group on the South course started later. Giocomo Giovanelli from Italy claimed victory in the Yellow group, while Roberto Strappati, also from Italy, emerged victorious in the Blue group. Meanwhile, title contender van Muyden faced a setback with a sixth-place finish, leaving the championship battle between Lebrun and Hay.
In a thrilling showdown, Lebrun secured a win in the Red group, putting the pressure on Hay to finish in the top two to clinch the title. Despite facing challenges and falling behind in the Green group race, Hay managed to make a remarkable comeback on the final stretch. In a split-second decision, Hay overtook two boats just meters from the finish line, securing the second-place finish that ultimately led to his victory.
Reflecting on his win, Hay expressed his gratitude for the competitive environment and praised his training partner, Valérian, for pushing him to improve. The prize-giving ceremony honored not only the champions but also the Legends and Super Legends of the class, highlighting the rich history and legacy of Finn sailing.
Looking ahead, the event is set to take place in Medemblik, The Netherlands next year, with preparations already underway for an even larger turnout. The Finn World Masters serves as a platform for sailors of all levels to showcase their skills and passion for the sport, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition among participants.
Overall, Laurent Hay’s triumph at the 2024 Finn World Master Championships exemplifies the dedication, skill, and spirit of the sailing community, setting the stage for future generations of sailors to continue the legacy of this esteemed competition.