Finn Class returns to Aarhus for 2024 Finn Gold Cup
by Robert Deaves 4 Jan 2024 05:54 PST
31 August - 7 September 2024
2018 Finn Gold Cup in Aarhus © Robert Deaves
The 2024 Finn Gold Cup will be held in Aarhus, Denmark, from 31 August to 7 September. Hosted by Sailing Aarhus it will be sailed out of the Aarhus International Sailing Centre. Entry opened on Jan 1 and entries are already coming in fast.
The class was last in Aarhus for the 2018 World Sailing Championships, as well as for the Finn Silver Cup in 2017 in Kaløvig. In fact, the 2024 Finn Gold Cup will be combined with the 2024 Finn Silver Cup, for the U23 championship. The enthusiastic and growing Danish fleet are fully behind the event, which is expected to act as a catalyst for growth regionally and attract a large number of Finn sailors from neighbouring countries such as Finland, Sweden and Norway.
President of the IFA, Rob McMillan said, "We are delighted to be returning to Aarhus again for what I am sure will be a great event. Many of us remember the 2018 World Sailing Championships out of Sailing Aarhus and are relishing the chance to sail on the Bay of Aarhus once again. I know a lot of sailors from all over the world are very much looking forward to this championship, as well as supporting the growth in Finn sailing across the Nordic countries.
"For us as a class, the Finn Gold Cup is our premier event and remains a supreme challenge and achievement within the world of sailing. As such, we strive to maintain the high standards expected from the event, so holding it in Aarhus again is a great match, and we have high confidence that Sailing Aarhus will organise another perfect event for the class as part of our 75th anniversary year."
The Finn Gold Cup will be preceded by the Danish Championship from 23-25 August, hosted by Egå Sejlklub a few km to the north of Aarhus, and sailed on the same waters, so offers a great opportunity for some practice ahead of the world championship. The boats can be left there for the following days before the Gold Cup starts, if needed. Entry will be open on Manage2Sail shortly. Links on the Danish class website here: www.danskfinnjolle.dk
The Finn Gold Cup coincides with the Aarhus Festival, one of the largest cultural events in Scandinavia, showcasing local, national and international artists. For 10 days the city becomes vibrant with entertainment, art, gastronomy and music.
The event website contains accommodation options and more information is being added all the time. Limited camper van spaces will be available near the club, while there are many hotels and apartments within easy reach.
Jon Koch Hansen, CEO of Sailing Aarhus, said, "We are proud and excited to have the International Finn class back in Aarhus for the first time since we hosted the Hempel Sailing World Championship in 2018. The Finn dinghy is a prestigious class and it has been a longstanding desire for us to bring the class back to Aarhus.
"At Sailing Aarhus, we have a clear goal of attracting at least one major international sailing event to the city each year, and in addition to our 29er World Championship, we must certainly admit that the upcoming Finn Gold Cup 2024 fulfils this goal."
Entry is open and the Notice of Race and all details can be found on the event website: 2024.finngoldcup.org.