KUNIO SUZUKI TAKES THE 2001 JAPANESE NATIONALS

Although only 7 boats took part in the recent Japanese National Championships, the high level of competition and perfect sunshine made for a fun regatta for all the sailors.

Race one started around 8 -10 knot and Siesta found good conditions to take first place. Race two saw an increase in the breeze to 10-12 knot and Fundation took first place. We plan to make 3 races for one day, but we made only two races.

The second day in Kobe produced two fantastic races in near perfect sailing condition and glorious sunshine. Race 3 started around 12-15 knot and race 4 around 15-18 knot, Siesta got the first place for both races.

Kunio Suzuki of Siesta was winner for Japan Nationals. Kunio Suzuki is a very experienced sailor having also been in the Japanese team for the Sydney Olympics in the Laser class. Second position went to Masatoshi Hazama of Pamayan, who represented Japan in the Soling Class t the Atlanta Olympics. Third went to Team Fundation, who have taken advantage of the experience they've gained racing overseas at Key West Race Week 2001 and the Kenwood Cup.

1 JPN70 Siesta Kunio Suzuki
2 JPN304 Pamayan Kumeshirou Tanaka/Masatoshi Hazama
3 JPN126 Fundation Masato Fujimaki
4 JPN146 Early bard Shojiro Yamazaki/Mitumasa Oosawa
5 JPN361 Zenda Express Hiroshi Okamoto/Akiyoshi Kimura
6 JPN120 Yellow Magic Tomoshi Nomura/Hiromi Yamabe
7 JPN179 Aoba Yoshiki Jinno/Naoyuki Umekawa