Record Fleet for Finn World Masters

Torbole, Italy (May 15, 2016) – More than 355 Finn sailors from 32 countries will line up on Lake Garda for the 2016 Finn World Masters on May 16-20.

Uppermost in everyone’s mind though is that this event in Torbole is making history. The previous record of 273 entries has been far surpassed, though the forecast for the week has reduced the entry list from its previous higher numbers.

The following categories will be competing:
(a)   World  Master  (the  overall  winner)
(b)   Master  (winner  40-­‐49  years  old)
(c)   Grand  Master  (winner  50-­‐59)
(d)   Grand  Grand  Master  (winner  60-­‐69)
(e)   Legend  (winner  70+)
(f)   Ladies
(g)   Classic  Boat  (Built  prior  to  1985)

Sunshine and showers have been the predominant themes so far with Lake Garda is not yet showing the conditions that it is famed for. Many of those who arrived early spent time watching a windless lake through the rain, while enjoying Italian hospitality.

The hope is that conditions will improve through the week, and certainly the practice races today produced the best conditions for the past week with sunshine and 14-18 knots of Ora marking a spectacular precursor to an event the fleet has spent two years looking forward to.

Competitors in Torbole include many former Olympians and many former champions. Increasing numbers of sailors are returning to the class for the great competition that it offers and the standard is rising every year. The defending champion is Vladimir Krutskikh (RUS), but he will have a tough job retaining the title with many new first time Masters, who have trained hard for this event.

Keeping with tradition is as much a part of the Finn class as great competition. The tradition within the Finn class is that once a Finn sailor, always a Finn sailor. And to prove just that, the 2016 Finn World Masters has attracted 33 Legends, those over 70 years old, who just can’t seem to give it up. They are an inspiration to the fleet and proof, if any was needed, that Finn sailing remains a sport for life, as well as a lifestyle.

Event website – Entry list – Facebook

Source: Finn Class