Seattle's Brink Finishes 4Th At Laser World Event

Seattle sailor Mark Brink never managed to finish higher than fifth place in the Laser World Championships, but consistent finishes lifted his final position to fourth overall last week in Newport, R.I.

With winds generally light to moderate, 105 sailors from 32 countries competed Aug. 10-17. Australian Glenn Bourk won his third consecutive title. He was followed by Steve Bourdow of New Orleans.

Brink had good starts and all-important first legs, but was ``hammered'' downwind by lighter sailors.

He said his speed improved as the regatta progressed. Brink, the lone Laser sailor from the Seattle area to qualify for the world event, has competed five times. His best finish was third.

The Laser is a one-person boat and probably the most active internationally raced sailboat.

Combined with the Laser world event were the Laser Radial worlds and Women's Laser worlds, bringing the number of competitors to more than 200.

The mood of the event, complete with team coaches and sponsored athletes, ``was electrifying,'' Brink said. He also sensed a growing enthusiasm in the class.

Seattleites win Tasar

-- Dave Watt and Debbie Van Bruwaene of Seattle won the Tasar U.S. Nationals in convincing fashion on Crescent Lake on the Olympic Peninsula Aug. 18-19. Their finishes of four firsts bested the 11-boat fleet. Jonathan and Libby McKee were second.

Watt's victory followed a discouraging episode in the July WAVES regatta at Vancouver, B.C., when he was disqualified for an illegal centerboard and rudder. Watt, a Boeing aerodynamicist, had modified the foils.

Fleet spokesman Zig Burzycki said the class is embroiled in a dispute over foils. He said the issue should be resolved at the international-class level by the end of the year. Watt used the modified foils on Crescent Lake and was not protested.

Racing heats up

-- Seattle's ultracompetitive J-24 fleet is playing host to the J-24 district championship this weekend at Shilshole Marina. About 30 boats are expected to compete, including several from Portland.

Bellingham Yacht Club's traditional PITCH regatta is again set for Labor Day weekend. The regatta begins with a Friday evening race and continues Saturday and Sunday. Classes will include several PHRF divisions plus IOR, Etrchells 22 and a non-flying-sail cruising class. There may be San Juan 21 and 24 classes and an IMS class. To register, call 733-7390.

Milltown Sailing Association is the new sponsor of Everett's Son of Pitch Regatta, also sailed Labor Day weekend. The only major format change is that no Friday evening race is scheduled. As many races as possible will be held Saturday and Sunday. Registration will be open Aug. 31 until 9 p.m. For details, call 258-4939.

Notes

-- Seattle's Mark Herrmann finished fourth in the Finn Nationals, sailed in Wilmette, Ill., in light winds Aug. 14-16.

-- The 14th annual Wooden Boat Festival will be Sept. 7-9 in Port Townsend. The multifaceted event includes classes, hands-on workshops, exhibits and films. A traditional schooner race will be conducted Sept. 8 at noon. Details: 385-3628.

-- The Tacoma Women's Sailing Association is sponsoring a racing clinic Sept. 14-16. Some of the area's best racers will instruct the clinic, which is open to men and women, novice and expert. For details, write TWSA Race Clinic, P.O. Box 2195, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.