Dear Finn sailors,

It has been a hard few years for the Finn community with so much uncertainly, disappointment and disillusion, ending with our class ultimately being dropped from the Olympic Games in 2024. The way the Finn class was removed from the Olympics still leaves a bad taste in the mouth and we all feel sympathy for those most affected – the young sailors who have had their dreams stolen from under them. 

However the Finn class is much greater than just the Olympic Games and for 90 per cent of members, nothing really has changed. Therefore, we must look to the future and plan how we want this class to look in the coming years.

Since the Olympic decision was made in June 2021 the focus from the Executive has been on supporting the major events this year, including the Olympics, as well as looking to the future. We have had many discussions on the direction of the class and on the immediate priorities.

While we are aware that some members are asking for swift action and pushing some pretty radical ideas, we are just a few months since the Games. I do not believe we should make hasty changes and decisions. There is plenty of time for us to consider the future direction of the class and the various initiatives that have been under discussion for some time. We are turning a new page in the history of the class, rather than starting a new book.

I would however like to put on record the immense amount of work done by the IFA Executive and many national secretaries, sailors and others over the course of the last few years. Despite what some of you may have heard I fully believe we made a gallant and exhaustive effort to protect the Finn in the Olympics.

There have been comments from some sailors and the press that IFA underestimated the threat to class status. I can assure you this was not the case. The IFA Executive was never complacent in exploring every option, and did not fail to grasp the concept that gender equality was a serious requirement from World Sailing and the IOC. The truth is the Events Committee recommendation to Council in May 2018 to approve the submission regarding a female Olympic ‘counterpart event’ to the Finn was voted down. At that point IFA managed to secure, at least, a mixed singlehanded dinghy event for 2024, which kept us at the table, even if not ideal.

However, a few months later the World Sailing President filed the mixed offshore keelboat submission just days before the 2018 November World Sailing AGM and torpedoed the Finn’s Olympic status. In the time between November 2018 and the IOC’s final decision in June 2021 the IFA worked tirelessly on every level to prove to the world that the Finn is a much better Olympic event option than the mixed offshore keelboat, for which the largest sailing nations and boatyards lobbied. The result of our work was that, to the surprise of the sailing world, the IOC rejected the mixed offshore keelboat. However a second attack against the Finn, the unmixing of the previously approved mixed kite event into two separate events, could not be defeated. Despite multiple submissions from many World Sailing members, the Finn failed to receive any support during the 2021 decision making process to replace the failed concept of the keelboat event. 

There were a few moments over the past three years when a few votes here or there would have made a huge difference in the outcome, but it wasn’t to be. We were very dismayed that many of the MNAs that have traditionally supported the Finn would not stick their necks out to voice support for us. So before placing blaming at the feet of the Executive, perhaps you should also question your MNA and Council member why they did not feel able to support the Finn. I know many of you have.

In terms of communicating this process over the last two years, while we have tried to keep everyone updated, this has not been easy with most of what happened with the Olympic lobby either quite sensitive in nature, or so widely reported by the sailing press that there was very little to add. However I know many of you responded to our request for help and carried this out diligently and respectfully and I wish to thank everyone who helped with this.

So where do we go from here? I am aware there has been a lot of chat and hearsay online over the last few months, so while we understand many of you are concerned and frustrated with the events of the past year, I hope with this extended letter setting out the position of the Executive and our plans for the future, we can provide some confidence and reassurance on the future of the Finn class.

The Class

Let’s first consider the position from which we are starting. We are a global class with around 2,000 active and enthusiastic sailors in more than 40 countries worldwide. Up until now we have had a significant proportion of younger sailors in the class, driven by Olympic ambitions. While we will not retain all of them, we must find ways to retain some of them by creating attractive events with good competition. Our sailors are generally athletic, even considering the masters fleets, where the level of fitness and ability has always been very high.

Many former sailors will no doubt continue to be attracted to race with the Masters, and while that is to be encouraged, we also need to look after the rest of the membership that have not reached 40 years old. Of course the goal is to keep as many former elite sailors in the class as possible, so the strategy for the next few years will be to hold interesting events in great venues that are attractive to a wide range of sailors of all ages. The intention is also to try to maintain youth interest with the annual Finn Silver Cup as well as other events. There is a temptation to incorporate it into the Finn Gold Cup again, but this will not happen for the moment and will be reviewed periodically.

Early indications are encouraging that not only will we retain some of these sailors, but will attract some former sailors back for some of the major events. 

Aside from the matter of the Olympics, we can say the class is very healthy. Despite many event cancellations due to COVID across the whole sailing world, I was very encouraged that the Finn class held all its major championships in 2021. The strength of our class was very obvious from the many successful events held after the Olympics, with good fleets at both the Masters championships and a large number of regional and national events.

On that note may I congratulate the three deserving medallists from Tokyo 2020. As usual the Finn put on a great show of sailing with respect, friendship and unrivalled camaraderie, as we saw on the final day.

No one really knows what will happen in 2022, but by holding attractive events at popular venues – such as the choice of Malcesine for the Finn Gold Cup – we hope to have a better idea of what the class will look like in the post-Olympic era. We can build on that. 

Allow me to now outline a few of the areas that have, and are, being discussed by the Executive, and perhaps answer some of the questions that have been directed at us in recent months.

Finance

The class finances are currently very healthy. Expenditure has been reduced over the last few years following a review of spending and more efficient management as well as to due to lack of travel and the cessation of development grants once the Olympic qualifiers were over. In the short term there is no concern over any potentially reduced income, but of course this remains under constant review.

While an Olympic class we have come to rely on professional management and professional race organisation. I believe this is still the wish of the majority of the class. There is still a huge amount of ongoing work for the paid Executive and it is essential we maintain that for the time being to maintain the high standard of services, media and event management. 

I’d remind that your subscription allows IFA to provide three issues of FINNFARE a year, manage five websites, man a professional office able to deal with queries and promotion, organise a range of high quality regattas each year, produce some of the best media output of any class worldwide, as well as subsidising the Masters organisation.

IFA members invest thousands of pounds in equipment, as well as in travelling to events each year, and your subscription helps IFA to provide these services at a high standard which also maintains the value of everyone’s equipment. 

I would also say that just because there are funds in the account, does not mean they should be spent. We have no idea what the future holds, so we need to be prudent with excess spending. Several have suggested using funds as prize money, but the Executive do not believe using members funds as prize money is good use of this money. Any prize money should only come from sponsorship. Instead the class funds can and should be used for organising and promoting the events, and growing the class.

You will see from the event calendar elsewhere in this issue, and on our website, that our major championships will continue in the same format in the short term. We are not short of proposals to run these events, and as long as we make them attractive and schedule them prudently, there is no reason to believe that they cannot all have a place in our calendar.

I am aware that many are concerned that running four or five major championships each year is not viable, but current trends would seem to indicate otherwise. Therefore at least in 2022 and 2023, and probably 2024, the Finn Gold Cup, the Open Europeans, the Finn World Masters, the Finn European Masters and the Finn Silver Cup will be held as separate events. I feel it is important to continue to appeal to the youth that the Finn can still be a pathway boat by offering opportunities and incentive.

You will see in the projected championship schedule that we have secured most events for 2022 and 2023. This took longer than expected due largely to a very busy summer season, but I hope you agree we have a great programme ahead of us. 

As well as seeing a lot of interest in hosting our traditional events we are exploring other opportunities for sponsorship, and circuits, including a completely new, professionally broadcasted showcase event, on which we hope to be able to communicate more details in the near future.

I am also encouraged that the Finn class remains welcome at most existing major events and that each national class association is still actively organising a series of events next year. Without doubt the Finn circuit is active and healthy, so we need to find avenues to leverage that success to provide a coherent and sustainable circuit that remains attractive but does not become burdensome. All this will evolve with time and cannot be created overnight. 

When further details have been finalised they will be announced, but the Executive is looking at the following.

•  A World Ranking list. The concept will be to include as many events as possible to showcase the spread of the class and provide superb promotion opportunities.

• An event circuit, perhaps starting as a Euro Cup, consisting of the major events and selected national events. While this does show favouritism to Europeans, we have to face reality that the majority of Finns are in Europe and that travel is not going to be easy in the near future. It will be a circuit that is realistic for the weekend sailor and appealing for those with more time on their hands. It can be considered a starting point for something more global.

• There have also been calls for more Masters events through the year, so perhaps a Masters Circuit using existing events can also be established.

•  As mentioned previously, we will also look at opportunities for showcase events with greater sponsorship opportunities as well as pinnacle events such as perhaps some kind of Grand Final to replace the Olympics.

• We will explore joining with other multi-class regattas at premier venues.

The major purpose and benefit of any of these is that they showcase the spread of the class with big numbers and acts as a publicity tool to market the class and the events. 

Reselection in 2028

Trying for reselection for 2028 has of course been discussed within the Executive and wider afield. At the moment there seems to us to be very little chance of this happening. However we remain open to the possibilities and stand ready to react quickly if our continued efforts – albeit limited – bear fruit.

Based on the World Sailing Council decision of 29 October 2021 (approved by an overwhelming majority) the following 2024 Olympic Events will be reviewed for 2028:

• M & W Kite - IKA Formula Kite

• Mixed Multihull - N17

• Mixed Dinghy – 470

Council will decide by 30 June 2022 on the outcome of the 2028 Olympic Event review based on WS Regulation 23 (to retain Event and Equipment, to retain Event and evolve Equipment, to retain Event and select new Equipment, or select new Event and new Equipment).

New Equipment for 2028 shall be selected no later than 31 December 2023.

The next Olympic Event review regarding 2032 will start in 2023, however the event review system will probably be substantially changed in the coming years which will be interesting to follow in the light of the Finn’s endeavour to come back to the Olympics.

Rules changes

Many of you will be aware of some significant rule change proposals forwarded to the Technical Committee earlier this year. The intention was to continue the evolution of the Finn through several small but important changes.

The Technical Committee discussed proposals concerning various weight reductions, changes to cog and use of different materials for different components. However, no consensus was reached with the exception of a potential increase in Hiking Extender width, which will be proposed to members at the next AGM.

The basic premise was that any change should be inexpensive and not exclude older boats from top-level racing. The class is already universally attractive for big athletes.

There have also been discussions surrounding the free pumping question, with again a wide range of arguments for and against. 

I hope we can have a useful discussion ahead of any submissions for the 2022 AGM. To that end please refer any proposals to our Technical Committee Chairman Paul McKenzie, for possible presentation to the 2022 AGM.

Sustainability strategy

In 2018 IFA developed a sustainability and environmental strategy (see under HOME on the finnclass.org website) and this needs further development and implementation. Reporting to the Executive, IFA would like to invite someone with these issues at heart who would review where we are as a class, and what we can do better, and where we can get involved. It’s an increasingly important issue that we need to address as a class and through our individual associations. I hope many of you feel able to engage on this topic over the coming year. 

Communication

In terms of media there have been around 50 news releases sent to members this year, including regular updates surrounding the COVID situation and the changes and scheduling of events. However one of the messages we heard from members this year was lack of updates from the Executive. Therefore, a principle objective of the coming year will be to try and communicate more regularly with the members. 

I’d remind you that we also have a professionally run office, so do not hesitate to get in touch if you have questions and ideas.

We regard to the media output of the class, this is a crucial part of our communication, and will continue. It has proven a worthwhile promotional tool for the class and I regularly get feedback from sailors how much it is appreciated.

What next?

Please be reassured that the Executive is working through a huge list of priorities, as well as managing the day to day operations of the class, which have not changed much at all. There is always a lot to do.

The next IFA AGM will be at the Finn Gold Cup in May in Malcesine. Before then we will issue a questionnaire to gather feedback and opinion on a range of topics – event structure, race format, IFA structure, class rules, whether we campaign for reselection in 2028 etc. The questionnaire we did two years ago was very useful, but now we have a different priority and a different direction.

I believe our vision for the class should be to maintain the athletic nature of the boat, put on appealing and attractive events for all age groups, and protect and prolong the amazing legacy of the class for the next generation of Finn sailors.

The Executive are always looking for bright and energetic people to work with them, so if you feel you have something to offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with myself, Robert, or one of the Vice Presidents.

I have full confidence in the Executive that we will be able to achieve everything set out in this letter. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I know that Finn sailors like challenges.

May I wish you all a safe and happy New Year and a successful season on the water in 2022.

Kind regards,

 

Dr. Balazs Hajdu
HUN-1
IFA President