Croatia’s Ivan Kljakovic Gaspic is the 2009 Finn European Champion at the conclusion of racing in Varna, Bulgaria.

Light and very instable wind on the last day of the 2009 Finn European Championship in Varna, forced the racing committee to cancel the Medal Race and the final race.

Leading the championship from day one, Ivan Kljakovic Gaspic took his first major Finn title. The new European champion came into the event as a hot favourite. First in the ISAF World Rankings, Gaspic has climbed to the podium twice at ISAF Sailing World Cup events this year and took bronze at the Finn Gold Cup in Denmark last month.

“I am of course very happy with my result. I know I had great speed and I was confident I could do well. To win this first major title means a lot for me.”

Kljakovic Gaspic has faced strong competition this week, especially from Finland's sailor Tapio Nirkko, who raced at his highest level this week, finishing in second overall.

Great Britain's Ed Wright, who was among the pre-regatta favourites recovered from an OCS early in the regatta, to take the bronze.

Image: ©Kamen Kovachev/Divart.net