Olympic Games 1996

FINN - RACE 5 RACE REPORT

Course Area Charlie - Course Format Trapezoid Outer Upwind (ZU)

Starting in wind conditions of 15 knots, with the wind at 190 degrees and 4 foot seas, it was the 1992 Barcelona bronze medalist Craig Monk (NZL) who was first at the windward mark, holding a commanding lead over Christoph Bergmann (BRA) and Paul McKenzie (AUS) in third, followed by RSA, ESP and FIN.

The defending gold medalist, Spanish Jose Maria van der Ploeg, and Canadian Richard Clarke, were both over the line at the start. Neither boat returned to restart and both were therefore disqualified.

Heading up the windward leg, most of the fleet favoured the left-hand side of the course, led by Monk (NZL), Jail Makila (FIN) and Bergmann (BRA). Monk dominated for the entire race with the Australian Paul McKenzie hot on his heels on the last two legs. On the last upwind leg to the finishing mark McKenzie overtook Monk to take first place followed by NZL, FIN, BEL, NED, BRA and RUS.

Australian Paul McKenzie will be thrilled with his result, as this is his first ever win of an international race in the Finn dinghy class.

McKenzie revelled in the big seas, 15 - 18 knots sea breeze, working the left-hand side of the course. McKenzie, a two-times World Champion of the "A" Class Catamaran, sailed well to overtake Craig Monk (NZL), a heavy weather expert.

McKenzie was a doubtful member of the AUS Olympic Sailing Team qualifying outside of the requirements. However, the Australian Yachting Federation decided to send him to Savannah because of his dedication to the development of the class. A chartered accountant from Melbourne who has spent the last six months in intensive training on the European circuit, McKenzie said with a broad grin after the race: "This is my old sail."