Finn Class: Life after the Olympics >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News

Among the key ingredients for enduring one design classes is a reliable supplier, so it’s a tribute to the recent growth of the Finn Class in North America to lack that attribute. But while revitalizing dormant boats has taken the group this far, a lack of domestic supplier will soon halt momentum.

With the Olympic involvement for the class coming to an end this summer with the Tokyo 2020 Games, a partnership that dates back to 1952, the focus for the class is now on Corinthian competition, and for that the USA Finn Association is getting proactive.

Here’s the pitch from Peter Frissell, USAFA President and Finn Foundation President:

What if you could buy a brand-new, competitive, US-built Finn rather than paying a premium to ship a new Finn from overseas? The Finn Foundation is launching a project to make that a reality.

I want to tell you about this exciting effort and how you can help.

• Challenge: Finn sailors and the USA Finn Association face a big challenge: To buy a new boat, we have no choice but to ship one from overseas. The cost and timeline of this put a strain on class growth.

• Action plan: We’ve developed a plan to combat these challenges and improve the outlook of US Finn sailing. This comprehensive plan involves the Class, the Finn Foundation, the International Finn Association, and the University of Michigan. And we need your help.

The Finn Foundation is raising $35,000 to purchase the Lemieux Finn molds and finance a reputable US boat builder’s start-up and development costs.

• Goal: By building quality, competitive, class-legal Finns in the US, North American Finn sailors will be able to buy a new boat at a reasonable price. Having affordable new Finns will bolster class growth, and that means a healthy USA Finn Association for years to come.

For additional details, click here.