Finn Gold Cup – Entries now open

by Dan Wilkinson on 12 Jan 2012 J.P. Morgan Asset Management Finn Gold Cup 2012, organised by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, is taking place from 13th to 18th May on Falmouth Bay. Entries for the event have officially opened.

One of the most respected and competitive sailing events in the World, the Finn Gold Cup will be part of the qualification criteria for the London 2012 Olympics for a number of countries. It will attract the very best sailors from around the globe with many competitors challenging for their Olympic qualification and others, who have already qualified, using the event for crucial tuning ahead of the summer Olympics. A total of 11 races will be sailed, with two races per day for five days, the sixth and final day (Friday 18th May) will see a 'Medal Race' featuring the top 10 placed competitors.

Last month saw Team GB sailor, Giles Scott win the 2011 Finn Gold Cup at the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Sailing World Championships in Perth, Australia. The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club wishes to congratulate Giles and in recognition of his achievement has awarded him a free entry to the Finn Gold Cup in 2012.

Giles Scott confirmed his entry 'It was fantastic to win the Finn Gold Cup at the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Perth! The Gold Cup is one of the most renowned competitions in the sailing world, to have my name added to the winners list is a real honour and big personal achievement. It’s exciting that this year’s Gold Cup will be sailed on British waters in May, particularly with such a strong Skandia Team GBR Finn squad, who I’m sure will be pushing me hard in my title defence! I’m very happy to confirm my entry as defending champion and grateful to event hosts ‘The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club’ for awarding me a free entry. I’m really looking forward to racing, Falmouth will be a great venue, hopefully I can repeat the success of Perth.'

The Falmouth Finn Festival will be hosted by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club (RCYC), situated in an idyllic waterfront setting in Falmouth; the RCYC was formed in 1871 and is the 15th oldest 'Royal' yacht club in England. The first patrons of the Club were Queen Victoria and the Duke of Cornwall, the current patron of the Club is HRH Prince Charles who succeeded his father, the Duke of Edinburgh, in 1977.

Robin Taylor, Event Director for the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club explains the reasoning behind hosting the event 'We are extremely proud to host such an important regatta, it will enrich the history of the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club and enables Falmouth to host a world class sailing regatta in an Olympic year. We’re excited to have the opportunity to welcome a host of sailors from all over the world to our wonderful sailing waters in Falmouth. There’s a lot of hard work and preparation going into organising the event, and thanks to all our generous partners, and of course our title sponsor J.P. Morgan Asset Management, there will be lots to look forward to'

One man who knows all about Falmouth and the Finn Gold Cup is five times winner Ben Ainslie CBE. With three Olympic gold medals and one silver to his name, Ben is Britain’s most successful Olympic sailor, and was one of the first Team GB athletes to be selected for the London 2012 Olympics. Competing in the Gold Cup in Falmouth will be a return to his sailing roots as Ben first started sailing in Cornish waters aged eight.

Ben said 'It fills me with great pride that Cornwall will be hosting the 2012 Finn Gold Cup, Falmouth has some fantastic sailing facilities and it’s a great opportunity to showcase them to the sailing world. I grew up in the area and my parents still live there, I’m looking forward to competing, it will be exciting to sail in my home town.'

The Gold Cup forms part of a wider Falmouth Finn Festival, starting with the British UK Open Finn National Championships from the 4th to 7th May. Entries for the Finn Nationals are also now open. Falmouth is Cornwall’s leading south coast resort and home to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. The town has an international reputation as one of the great sailing and watersports centres of the world. The local community are excited about the prospect of hosting an event like the Finn Gold Cup.

Councillor Geoffrey Evans said 'I am thrilled that the prestigious Finn Gold Cup is being held here in Falmouth, we have superb sailing waters, well-organised sailing clubs and a vibrant community, which makes Falmouth an ideal venue. I look forward to welcoming the potential Olympic athletes in their preparation for the big event. To celebrate this there will be an exciting Olympic-themed shore-side programme culminating with a grand firework Event website