Representing New Zealand and the Kerikeri Cruising Club, Andrew Murdoch secured his first medal at a major international Finn regatta by taking bronze at the 2013 Finn European Championship which finished in Warnemunde in Germany on Sunday (NZ time).
He was one of two top five finishers for New Zealand in the championships with New Zealand sailing team teammate Josh Junior taking overall 5th.
As a two-time Olympian in the Laser class, Murdoch had announced his move to the heavy-weight single-hander earlier this year. With his previous best in this class being a 7th at ISAF Sailing World Cup, Palma earlier this year, the 31-year-old Far North sailor said he was delighted to come away with his first podium finish in what is just his third major international in the class.
"Pretty stoked to have just picked up bronze in Germany," Murdoch said. "I have a couple of travel days (days off) now to Estonia where I'll begin preparing for the World Champs which start in late August."
The event was marred by light winds throughout which forced the cancellation of the final day of racing and saw many involved watching and waiting. The medals and final results were, in effect, decided on the overall standings at the end of the penultimate day. A total of eight races were still sailed on the final day of the six day series with the entire fleet of 103 boats racing together.
Murdoch made a great start at the championship by taking 3rd place on day one last week while Junior placed 6th before light winds cancelled racing on Monday. The unfortunate dead calm conditions became a reflection of an event plagued throughout by a lack of a decent zephyr. Murdoch's 23-year-old compatriot Josh Junior eventually finished 5th and the final day's cancellation denied him a shot at ousting Murdoch for bronze, a distinct possibility based on the points proximity.
Vasilij Zbogar (SLO) was the winner of the overall title with Ed Wright (GBR) winning silver. 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.
Meanwhile, happening at the same time nearby in the Netherlands, Gemma Jones and Jason Saunders delivered an encouraging top 10 result at their first ever Nacra 17 World Championship by finishing in 9th place overall. Across the eight races sailed, the kiwi pair were in the top 10 in five and if the final day had provided wind they would have further improving their final placing.