The South Island Finn championship was sailed at the Timaru Yacht Club over the weekend of February 1 and 2. 

The weather was quite pleasant for this summer, featuring relatively light winds, making for an interesting weekend. Saturday was fine and sunny, with easterly winds ranging from about 9 to 14 knots and a small swell, along with the sight of dolphins! Richard Hawkins from Otago, the reigning national champion, won both race one and race two, while Isaac Armstrong from Naval Point claimed victory in the third race. The races were competitive, as the photo illustrates, with positions shifting as some tricky conditions were navigated. 

Sunday's weather was different. A cold southerly swept in, bringing light rain. A solid swell welcomed the fleet of 12 boats, with around 14 knots that gradually decreased as the day progressed. Brendan Hogg from CBYC claimed victory in race 4, Richard Hawkins won race 5, and Mike Pearson (CBYC) took race 6. Overall, it was a successful regatta at a new venue for the South Island Finn Fleet.

The next stop for the CBYC Finnsters is the Nationals in Waiuku at the end of February, where CBYC will be represented by Bredon Hogg and Rick Chapman (who sponsored the P Class Nationals), and then the Southern Chiller at Port Chambers in March.

Final results: 1. Richard Hawkins (PCYC), 2. Brendon Hogg (CBYC), 3. Isaac Armstrong, 4. Mike Pearson (CBYC)