Finn

Class Captain: Simon Pettit (finncaptain@hisc.co.uk)

The Finn is the longest standing Olympic class, having been selected as one of the singlehanded classes in every Olympic Games from 1952 through to Tokyo in 2021. Sadly, we will not see it in the 2024 Games, but the class remains very strong and competitive worldwide.

Many of the best-known sailors in the world have spent time in the Finn including, Paul Elvström, John Bertrand, Russell Coutts, Iain Percy, Ben Ainslie and Giles Scott.

Team GB has a rich heritage of Olympic success in the Finn having won Gold at every Games since Sydney in 2000. Multiple wins have also been achieved at the Finn Gold Cup World Championships including the impressive win for Ed Wright in January 2023, the second time he has become Finn World Champion.

The UK fleet is made up of Club sailors who enjoy racing at all levels in boats that are identical to those used by the top sailors, in fact some of the boats at HISC were previously raced successfully by Team GB sailors – you may spot the double gold medal winning boat used by Giles Scott in Rio and Tokyo at HISC.

The Finn does have some history at HISC but has not had an active fleet for some time. We were thrilled to change this in 2023 with the newly established fleet.

The sailors are mainly categorised as Master’s but all ages are very welcome to join us. The boat is great to race in the harbour and is an excellent boat for Hayling Bay as it is a highly developed sea boat capable of sailing in stronger winds and waves.

Mast bend characteristics and sail cut can be matched to sailors’ weight and fitness levels to allow for a weight range from 85kg to 115kg plus making this a truly versatile class.

We look forward to taking part in the 2024 club racing programme, and in addition this year we have the Rooster British Finn National Championship at HISC from 4 to 6 July.

If you are interested in any aspect of the Finn, including trying one out, please do contact the Class Captain or speak to any of us at the Club, we’re a friendly and enthusiastic bunch!

Class Captain: Simon Pettit (finncaptain@hisc.co.uk)

BRITISH FINN ASSOCIATION | Sail a Finn Today! (finnuk.org.uk)