The Meanline Fin Slalom challenge started in light, but steady, North winds. The course set, with one long reaching leg, by request of the sponsor (Meanline Fins). Twenty five heats were sailed, in windy 7.0m sails making for a day of exciting racing conditions. This completed the "age group" section of the racing. Each division was full of fierce competitors with Dan Ellis (North Sails and Meanline fins tester), Phil McGain (past PBA world champion and owner of Maui Sails) and Peter Slate (Head tester for North Sails) to just mention a few of the stars at the event.
<div>Dan Ellis managed to take four bullets in the 19-39 division followed closely by Mark Boersma. In the 40-49 division Peter Slate managed to take three first's with Kai Hopf managing to take the final bullet for the division. Wave sailing great Francisco Goya made it down for the racing also where he came in 3rd. It will be interesting to see if Goya can threaten Peter Slates crown at the next event on July 19th, the Quicksilver cup. The women division was also a tight battle. Argentina managed to win the day taking the first two bullets. Tamara won the third heat meaning the battle for first would depend on the results of the final race. Unfortunetly Tamara broke a mast and New Zealand national champion Annie Crombie wn the final heat. This meant that the womens division would go to Argentina Bonilla. Finally the most fierce age division (50-59) made for some great racing. Phil McGain took four bullets with Mike Yasak following in 2nd. For some great video footage of the racing click the link
