In-form Scott heads up British Finn Europeans challenge 

British heavyweights prepare for European Championship action in La Rochelle

Giles Scott is set to spearhead a strong British challenge at the Finn European Championship, which gets underway in La Rochelle, France, on Monday (5 May).  

The 26-year-old sailor is unbeaten since his full-time return to the class in October 2013 after a stint America’s Cup campaigning, and has finished on the top step of the Finn class podium in eight of the ten events he’s contested since June 2011.  

But the Portland-based star, who won the European and World titles in 2011, will face a tough challenge for silverware in the 95-strong fleet due to compete next week – including from his own British Sailing teammates and training partners who will hope to end Scott’s dominant streak.  

They include Ed Wright, the European Champion in 2006 and runner-up at last year’s edition, as well as Andrew Mills who won bronze at the 2011 Europeans, and Mark Andrews who secured a hat-trick of EUROSAF regatta victories last season.  

Meanwhile, the host nation’s Jonathan Lobert and Thomas le Breton will be expected to put on a strong showing at their home event, with defending champion Vasilij Zbogar of Slovenia and Croatian world number one Ivan Kljakovic Gaspic also among those vying for honours.  

While not eligible for the European Championship title, Brazil’s surprise 2013 World Champion Jorge Zarif and Australia’s world number two Oliver Tweddell will among those international contenders expected to be in the mix for the overall regatta victory at this Open event.  

The six-day regatta also combines the Finn Junior European Championship, where Emsworth’s Peter McCoy, fresh from completing his Plymouth University exams, will be aiming to defend his 2013 crown.

Racing at the 2014 Finn European Championship gets underway on Monday 5 May, with two races scheduled per day from Monday 5-Friday 9 May, and the final medal race on Saturday 10 May.

For news and results from the Finn Europeans, follow us at www.britishsailingteam.com, on Facebook or on Twitter @BritishSailing

For further event information, visit http://www.finneuropeans.org/

British Sailing Team entries:
Podium squad (coach Matt Howard)
Giles Scott
Ed Wright
Andrew Mills
Mark Andrews

Podium Potential squad (coach James Gray)
James Hadden
Peter McCoy
Ben Cornish