A fantastic weekend behind a 9 boat fleet in Espoo. Besides the Melges 24 boats six other classes competed on the same race area making the mark roundings interested.
This race was the 6th Finnish ranking event. The weather during the weekend was already cold (appr. 14-15 degrees) but sun from the partly blue sky. The strange thing about the weekend was that the wind direction was NW to NE. The typical direction is usually SW. And the best part - wind velocity appr 10 to 15 knots and in gusts appr 20 knots + really small and choppy waves. In some downwind legs speeds were over 14 knots.
The courses were really long (1½ hours) but came an excellent chance to make some difference during the upwind and downwind legs.
After 5 races and a steady performance Midnight Sun Sailing One helmed by Sami Ekblad took a clear win before team boat Midnight Sun Sailing Two helmed by Esa Harjulahti. Team Uusikaupunki FIN316 helmed by Henri Jefimoff took bronze althought two other boats got the same points - FIN316 had one race win. Full results http://www.emk.fi/content_files/espoogp_2008_m24_final.htm
The fleet has now a three week break before the double event in Tallinn (20-21.9. and 27-28.9.)