After six intense days of competition, the new IFCA Fin Slalom European Champions have been crowned. Nico Prien and Jenna Gibson secured the titles in Hvide Sande. The final day of competition began with light winds, but by the afternoon the wind had picked up to between 12 and 16 knots. These conditions allowed for the final eliminations in the men’s event and the concluding races in the women’s event. The final races decided the winners in all categories.
Nico Prien clinched the European Championship title in commanding fashion with six wins from eight heats; he even had one first-place finish to spare. “A very special week in Hvide Sande,” Nico wrote afterwards on Instagram. “With all the travelling I do around the world, a place that’s just a three-hour drive from my home feels like home too. This week, and in general, I feel at one with myself and am completely at peace. I’ve enjoyed every moment here!” Taty Frans finished second, closely followed by Sacha Fortune in third place. Brendan Lorho, winner of the Long Distance race and leader after the first day, missed out on the podium by just 0.7 points. With Anton Richter in sixth place and Gunnar Asmussen in tenth, there were two further German top-ten finishes.
The 16 women’s elimination races were dominated by Jenna Gibson, who won 14 of them. Gibson said afterwards: “I’m absolutely delighted. We had really good wind, and I sailed with the same equipment all week, which is quite unusual for Denmark. I hope to be back next year!” A clear way behind, the Patrik duo of Justine Lemeteyer and Mae Davico rounded off the podium. “It was a week full of learning experiences that will stand me in good stead for the final competitions of the season,” commented Justine Lemeteyer on Instagram.
Anton Richter was the top junior, finishing sixth in the overall rankings, whilst Charlotte Philip from France claimed the title in the women’s category. Arxon Gomperts, who had travelled with Taty Frans from Bonaire, was named best junior. Frans himself claimed the Masters title, whilst Oliver Schott won the Grand Masters category and Bernd Langbehn the ‘Legends’ category.
All the information and results can be found at ifcaclass.com
