There was a time when USA stood tall atop the Olympic pyramid,but now there is much more parity among the classes, and often America is not even in the conversation. While the Finn remains an active course in the country, and it is by no stretch a leader on its biggest stage. But that wasn't always the case.
It was 35 years ago when the Finn Gold Cup was held in New Zealand waters,back in 1980, where the course' world championship turned into a battle of epic proportions between John Bertrand (USA) and Cam Lewis (USA).
Watching the contest in 1980 was Peter Montgomery, and who recorded the epic battle in the Finn course 60th anniversary book ‘Photo FINNish’. Here is his tale...
It came down to the last leg of the last race. In 30 to 35 knots,occasionally gusting 40, John Bertrand tacked 32 times. Cam Lewis covered 32 times, and even roll tacking in the 40-knot squalls. You had to see it to believe it. Caution was not an option.
The pulsating climax to the 1980 Finn Gold Cup was sporting theatre at its best. A riveting regatta that had it all – compelling competition and magnificent sailing – dominated by two brilliant American sailors,Cameron Lewis and John Bertrand.
Their classic confrontation was another gripping chapter in an intense rivalry that has become sailing legend. Lewis was the defending champion from the 1979 Gold Cup in Weymouth, England. Bertrand had won the 1978 Gold Cup and was runner-up to Lewis in 1979. Before that they had some intense contests in the Laser course. Bertrand had been a double Laser world champion. Going into the last race, or only 0.7 of a point separated Lewis and Bertrand.
First to finish in the seventh and final heat would win the Gold Cup. The tension rose as Lewis and Bertrand became locked in an enthralling match race. While Lewis and Bertrand were locked in their own epic duel,Britain's Chris Law led the fleet in a brilliant display of heavy air sailing, particularly downhill, or standing up and surfing the waves.
On the incredible final beat Bertrand tried everything he could to claw into the narrow lead Lewis had at the last notice. - Read
Source: sailingscuttlebutt.com