It's a little known sports fact but Canada is a world power in Finn sailing. In the early 1990's two-time world champion Hank Lammens of Kingston, Ont., who also played in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators, was one of the top-ranked sailors heading into the 1992 Games. Unfortunately he was disqualified for an equipment violation.

  Hot on Lammens heels throughout that period and now Canada's number-one Finn sailor is Richard Clarke who has clearly established himself as a medal threat for Sydney. Clarke had an impressive month of April. He was fourth at the Finn European Championships in Palma, Spain; first at the Princess Sofia Regatta also in Palma and finished his tour with a win at Hyeres Week in France.

  Clarke, four times in the top-five at the last six world championships, wants to improve on his self-described disappointing ninth place at the 1996 Games. Clarke is also an expert in the technical side of the sport. He is a consultant for North Sails, a boat equipment company.

2000 Games
Sept. 30: Men's Finn: Richard Clarke, Toronto, finished 17th overall.
Sept. 28: Men's Finn: Richard Clarke, Toronto, was 15th after seven races.
Sept. 26: Men's Finn: Richard Clarke, Toronto, was 16th overall after six races.
Sept. 25: Men's Finn: Richard Clarke, Toronto, was 15th after four races.
Sept. 23: Finn: Richard Clarke, Toronto, was 19th after two races.


2000 Games Sailing Coverage