The Finn
The Finn was designed in 1949 to be the ‘monotype’ dinghy at the 1952 Olympic Games. It has remained an Olympic cass ever since and is now the longest standing of any Olympic dinghy class. It currently fills the slot for the Heavyweight Dinghy.
Brief facts:
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Ben Ainslie, 2008
Hull Material GRP (classic boats wood)
Year Designed: 1949
Hull Length 4.5 metres
Beam 1.5 metres
Mainsail Area 10.2 square metres
Hull Weight 107 kg
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What the sailors say:
In other classes, there is very little difference in speed between the good and the very good. But in the Finn, the very good can always leave distance between himself and all others. If you really love competitive sailing, want to work hard, race hard and enjoy the fruits of your efforts then the Finn Class is for you. Paul Elvstrom (1962)
To replace the Finn in the Olympics would be the same as replacing the skis with snowboards in the alpine disciplines. Paul Elvstrom (1999)
The unique spirit of the Finn class transcends generations. Finn sailors know what it takes to master this magnificent boat, being the most physical and tactical in the world. This bonds them together. Jacques Rogge (1998)
I credit the Finn as the best class available, offering an individual a true platform to learn and compete in at the highest level. The knowledge and work ethics gained from my years of Finn sailing have benefited me in all aspects of sailing throughout my career. Peter Holmberg (1998)
When asked what boat you sail it is sufficient to say ‘Finn’ to prove excellence. Paul Henderson (1998)
The Finn is the most physically and mentally demanding singlehander in the world. It breeds exceptional, all-round sailors by testing all aspects of racing. IFA The cult of the International Finn Monotype may seem strange to some people, but to us devotees, there is nothing else remotely like it. The Finn offers the most purely athletic form of yacht racing and is, therefore, the most fundamentally competitive. The Finn offers the rewarding opportunity of doing a difficult thing well. There will always be those who aspire to be the master of a Finn. Jack Knights (1961)
We are the most important class in the world today. We have more boats starting in more races throughout the world than any other class. We must grow through this strength and we must fight the idea of giving up the Finn as an Olympic class boat. Vernon Stratton (1967)
The Finn Class is unique. I learnt about winning and losing against the world’s best. I established life long friends around the world as I learnt how tough physically and mentally a sail boat could be. I learnt the finest details of tuning and balance, the painful difference between fast and slow. Of all the boats that I have raced, from Sabots to the America’s Cup and all the classes in between, for me the tough little Finn is the most sacred of them all. This class is a classic. John Bertrand (1998)