Entries open

11th Finn Junior World Championship to take place on Lake Balaton

Entries are now open for the 11th Finn Junior World Championship, which is taking place from 30 July to 6 August on Lake Balaton, Hungary.

Lake Balaton is a favourite for Finn sailors having hosted a large number of major events in recent years. This year’s host is the Batatonfüred Yacht Club, and with a large number of Eastern European countries developing junior Finn fleets, it is hoping to exceed 50 boats on the water. The regatta is open to any sailor under the age of 21 on 1 January 2009.

President of the International Finn Association, Balazs Hajdu commented: “We are especially honoured to host the world championship in the year when this one-person dinghy celebrates its 60th birthday. Balatonfüred is the capital of Balaton’s sailing life becoming a pulsating and teeming city in the summer. I do hope that besides attending an excellent world championship, the sailors will also have a lot of fun.”

He added: “We would also like to welcome young sailors from other classes to come and experience what Finn sailing is all about. Most of our top sailors started in the class as a Junior and we believe this is the perfect start to a successful Olympic campaign. We have a limited number of charter boats available. Early booking is recommended.”

The winner will be also offered one year’s sponsorship from Pata Boats of Hungary including free use of a brand new Pata Finn and mast.

One week before the championship, a leading international Finn sailor will run a clinic for the young sailors.

Entries should be made through the International Finn Association. To enter the event, reserve a charter Finn or for more information please contact Corinne Rolland McKenzie on corinne.mckenzie (at) orange.fr or see the event micropage at www.finnclass.org.