Finn International University Sailing Cup in Moscow

by Robert Deaves on 21 Feb 2013 World University Summer Games 2013 - When sailing was not included in the programme the Russian Finn Association seized the opportunity to create a new sailing event for students – the International University Sailing Cup (Finn). This will be held in Moscow in May and will be sailed in the Moscow Sailing School's fleet of Finns.

In 2013 Russia will hold the World University Summer Games – Universiade in Kazan from July 7-17. The sport of sailing is not included as an event, so the Russian Finn Association, with support from the International Finn Association (IFA), offered to hold the International University Sailing Cup using Finns in Moscow just before the Universiade. This initiative was also supported by the Russian Students Sport Union and has received the endorsement of the International University Sport Federation (FISU). Moreover, the President of FISU, Mr. Claude-Louis Gallien, is supporting the initiative. He was also a Finn sailor and a participant at the Olympic Games.

The driving force behind this new event has been the Russian Finn class secretary Vasiliy Kravchenko. 'We have good potential to promote the Finn class. Many junior or post-junior Finn sailors are students and while all universities have their own sports competitions and sports programmes, and sailing is still an option for university sports programme, the Finn class is not represented there unfortunately. The university sports programme is a big additional force for class popularisation.'

All National Finn Associations are invited to support the first International University Sailing Cup (Finn) in Moscow from May 28-June 2 and to send sailors and invite friends from other classes to participate in the event. Moscow Sailing School's fleet of Finns, which were bought for the 2005 Finn Gold Cup, are available for charter, free of charge. Sailors will also have the chance to have a look at Moscow and, on request, Kazan.

Oleg Matytsin, the President of the Russian Student Sports Union and first Vice-President of International University Sports Federation said, 'Today Russian sailing, including students, is experiencing a revival. They won five medals at the World University Games in 2011, and the success of the last two years at Junior Finn World and Continental Championships, who, incidentally are also students, include gold and bronze at the World Championship and silver and bronze at the European Championships. It is no coincidence that Russia was given the right to host the International University Cup in sailing for the World Universiade Kazan 2013 in the Finn.'

'The joint organisation of the International University Cup is important in terms of strengthening the ties between the student section and sports schools and countries. I think that active cooperation between the Russian Sports Student Union and the Russian Finn Association will help revive student sailing and bring it to a new level.'

The official invitation reads,

The International University Sport Federation (FISU), Russian Finn Association and Russian Students Sport Union are pleased to invite you to the International University Sailing Cup (Finn) 2013, which will be held in Moscow prior to the 27th Summer Universiade in Kazan.

The event will be held on Klyazma and Pirogovo Lakes in Moscow on May 28 to June 2, 2013.

The Championship will take place at Moscow Sailing School, which hosted the 49er World Championship and the Finn Gold Cup in 2005, and Junior Finn World Championship (Silver Cup) in 2007 and 2011.

Programme:
May 28 - Registration, Charter boats distribution, Opening Ceremony
May 29 - Fleet Races
May 30 - Fleet Races
May 31 - Fleet Races
June 01 - Fleet Races, welcome Russian Finn Association dinner
June 02 - Medal Race, Closing Ceremony

Eligible competitors shall be a national of the country he/she represents, be at least 17 and less than 28 years of age on January 1, 2013 and be a student or postgraduate student of a university. The entry fee is 130 Euro.

Charter boats can be provided for participants. One fully equipped Finn (a 2004 Devoti that was built for the 2005 Finn Gold Cup) and one mast (Hit Mast, bend numbers are available) can be provided by Moscow Sailing School to each participant for charter free of charge on demand with a damage deposit of 300 Euro. Sailors are invited to bring their sails and personal equipment only.

Sailors and accompanying persons can stay at Moscow Sailing School hotel just near the dinghy park. The approximate price is 30 Euro per night per person, and this includes three meals per day. The number of rooms at Moscow Sailing School hotel is limited, so reservations will need to be made in advance. The reservation of the rooms and charter boats should be done by April 30.

Expected conditions for the time of year are moderate winds of around 6-10 knots, which sometimes can increase up to 12-16 knots. The day temperature is normally around 22-28°C.

For more details please go to the official event web-site or contact Vasiliy at the Russian Finn Association at finn(@)moscow-finnclass.ru