Saturday 4 July 2009

Opening ceremony

On a boiling hot afternoon in Vallensbaek, the opening ceremony of the 2009
Finn Gold Cup was held alongside the harbour together with free drinks and a
massive feast laid on by the Municipality of Vallensbaek. After a few short
speeches by Mr Steen Hillebrecht, Chairman of Vallensbaek Sailing Club, Mr
Balazs Hajdu, President of the International Finn Association and Mr Kurt
Hockerup, the Mayor of Vallensbaek a band carried on proceedings accompanied
by the chatter and munching of 98 Finn sailors, their guests, event
officials and club members.

Balazs Hajdu said, " I am very proud that the Finn class chose Vallensbaek
and Copenhagen in Denmark for the 2009 Finn Gold Cup because Denmark has
been and still is a great in supporting Finn sailors in the past.

"I am also happy and proud to see such a huge fleet in Denmark this year,
especially in a post Olympic year. I wish all the best to our sailors, fair
wind and may the best man win."

Mr Hockerup said, "It is a great please to welcome you to the biggest
sailing event in Denmark this year. It is 50 years since the Finn Gold Cup
was last held in Denmark, when the greatest sailor ever from Denmark Paul
Elvström won."

"Being one of the largest sailing clubs in Denmark, I know from personal
experience that Vallensbaek YC is well qualified to host this event in the
best possible way. Vallensbaek harbour will provide a great framework for
the event. You will be given excellent conditions for great racing."

"I would like to thank everyone involved in contributing to make this event
a success and wish you all a fair week with competitive racing. Good luck to
you all."

"With these words and the handling over of this shirt to the chairman of
Vallensbaek Sailing Club, I hearby declare the 2009 Finn Gold Cup open."

The impressive display of food was then demolished by the assembled Finn
sailor and guests.


Photo (left to right): Mr Kurt Hockerup, the Mayor of Vallensbaek, Mr Steen
Hillebrecht, Chairman of Vallensbaek Sailing Club, Jakob Nybroe of the
Organsing Committee, Balazs Hajdu, President of the International Finn
Association

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