Finn

These boats could have been designed specially for Bosham sailors. Superb upwind/downwind craft, they fly to windward and give exhilarating rides downwind. In open waters, the heavier helms (90kg+) have the edge, but in Bosham and Chichester channels, there is little advantage being that heavy and local knowledge plays a big part..

These craft are modern plastic classics and a fine sea boat. The boat was designed in 1949 by Rickard Sarby and was first used at the Olympics in 1952 in Helsinki where BSC member Charles Currey won a silver medal. It has been used at every Olympic regatta since then. The GBR Finn fleet is the most competitive in the world and whilst the Bosham boys are never at the front at national meetings, we have a great time in great company. A lot of mystery surrounds the techniques to master these boats, but follow a few simple rules and any reasonable sailor can tame them. Modern materials have transformed the rigs. In winds from 3kts to 33 kts the Bosham Finns can go sailing!

The Finn sailors come in all shapes and sizes (70 - 100kg) and are predominantely male. You will find every one of them at Bosham very keen to assist you in trialling, buying, fitting out, sailing or campaigning a Finn. These boats retain their value, so take that into account when budgeting for one of the many used boats that come on to the market.

In 2022 the Bosham Sailing Club celebrated 70 years of Finn sailing with a special FinnFest weekend, attracting sailors and boats from all over the country to sail in the spiritual birthplace of the class. See pictures from the event here.

Find out more about the Finn and the role Bosham has played in its development in this new Yachts and Yachting article by Dougal Henshall.

Jeremy Drummond is the BSC Finn Class Captain and can be contacted by email at finncc@boshamsailingclub.com

Last updated 10:49 on 20 June 2024