The March 2013 edition of FINNFARE has been published.

The March 2013 issue (No 143) of the International Finn Association's magazine FINNFARE has been published.

This first issue of 2013 is packed full of what makes the Finn class so special. There continues to be growth in Finn sailing across much of the world as we move out of one Olympiad and into the next. It is therefore perhaps appropriate to first focus on Brazil, where the development of the fleet over the past few years has been a great reward for all the effort that has been put in and a sign of the great things to come in the run-up to Rio 2016.

A new quadrennial also means a new influx of young sailors, keen with enthusiasm and ambition, and in this issue we talk to Australian Jake Lilley, who medalled at his first event and will be on the European circuit this year with very high ambitions. His enthusiasm for the Finn is typical of the latest influx of sailors. He said, “To now be sailing the true Olympic boat is a great privilege and there is nothing else I would rather do.”

Another first for the Finn class is the International University Sailing Cup, being held in Moscow. This is great initiative arising from a great opportunity. The Dinghy Academy project in Valencia is also featured along with another development project, this time between the Russian and Italian class associations, the Fantastica Finn Academy at Malcesine on Lake Garda.

There is a lot to look forward to over the next four seasons as the fleet prepares for Rio 2016. The class will continue to bring you the best of the news and pictures from around the world as the journey continues.

However, if you want to know what is really going in the class you only have to read the reports from South Africa, Brazil, Russia, New Zealand, Belgium, Norway, France and many other countries to see that there is not just a revival of some fleets but a positive explosion.

This growth is not just by chance. The class is starting to reap the rewards of many years of investment, development and encouragement. Do young people of today aspire to sail the Finn? Of course they do, and many are realising their dreams the world over with new Finns available worldwide on a level not seen for 40 years.

Contents include:

Focus on Youth – Jake Lilley interview – Exclusive interview with Jake, who has since been named part of Australia’s Sailing Squad for 2013, as he takes his first steps in the Finn.

Focus on Brazil – In-depth report on Finn growth in Brazil, looking forward to the next Olympics in Rio in 2016. Also a report on their successful 2013 Championships in Sao Paulo

André Nelis Tribute – One of the greatest Finn sailors of all time remembered by sailors and friends.

Ralph Roberts – Ralph’s thoughts on being awarded an ISAF Gold Medal in recognition of decades of service to ISAF.

Sailing World Cup – Updates from Melbourne and Miami.

Technical update – Latest on flags on sails and other developments.

News - The latest Finn news from across the world.

Country reports - from Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden and Switzerland.

Cover photo: Jorge Rodrigues at the Brazilian Championship. Photo by Ale Socci

This issue can be downloaded through the class website or viewed online here. Back issues are available through the Finnshop at www.finnclass.org/shop

 

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