28 Jul 2013

NZ Finn sailor wins bronze in Europe

8:57 am on 28 July 2013

Andrew Murdoch has secured his first medal at a major international Finn regatta with bronze at the Finn European Championship in Warnemunde, Germany.

New Zealand boasts two top five finishers at the Championship with Josh Junior concluding the regatta in 5th place.

Vasilij Zbogar from Slovenia was the winner of the overall title with Ed Wright of Britain winning the silver medal.

Two-time Olympian in the Laser class Andrew Murdoch (Kerikeri Cruising Club) announced his move to the heavy-weight single-hander earlier this year and in what is just his third major international in the class he has come away with today's podium finish.

Before now the 31 year-olds best result in the Finn was a 7th at ISAF Sailing World Cup, Palma earlier this year.

The 23 year old Josh Junior has finished 5th although a cancelled race due to light winds denied Junior his shot at ousting Murdoch from the bronze - a distinct possibility based on the points proximity.

Junior, who grew up sailing at the Worser Bay Boating Club in Wellington, medalled at ISAF Sailing World Cup in Hyeres earlier this year and will now turn his focus to the up-coming World Championships.

The Finn fleet will come together again around one month from now in Tallinn, Estonia for the 2013 Finn Gold Cup to decide the 2013 Finn World Champion.