Finn World Masters 2024 returns to Centro Velico Punta Ala

Finn World Masters returns to Punta Ala © OpenStreetMap

After 15 years, the Finn class once again chooses Centro Velico Punta Ala for the Masters World Championships, experiencing an impressive number of preregistrations.

With just 15 days to go, Centro Velico Punta Ala is preparing to host the prestigious Finn World Masters once again. The World Championship for the Finn class for over 40s will take place from June 7 to 14 in the waters of the Gulf of Follonica. This year, the event will feature many former Olympic champions and sailing legends from around the world.

Fresh from organizing the Eurilca Europa Cup, Centro Velico Punta Ala is now gearing up for another challenging logistical endeavor. Currently, about 300 sailors from 30 different nations have confirmed their attendance, a level of participation not seen since the record 350 participants in the 2016 edition.

This significant turnout is undoubtedly partly due to the great success of the 2011 edition, which remains in the heart of all participants. Among this year's competitors, there will be 5 Super Legends over the age of 80, including British Howard Sellars, born in 1941, who last competed here also 15 years ago.

Under the spotlight will be some big names, such as the reigning Portuguese champion Felipe Silva, the French veteran Laurent Hay, a competitor in 2011 and multiple medalist, Sebastien Godefroid, Olympic silver medalist in 1996, Valérian Lebrun, 2021 Masters World Champion, Nick Craig, holder of numerous world titles in various classes, and the talented Peter Mosny from Slovakia, among many others.

Italy leads the list of nations with the most entries, bringing 47 boats to the water, closely followed by the Netherlands with 44, Germany with 40, and England with 22, along with significant participation from Australia, USA, Brazil, and Argentina.

The event schedule includes the first two days dedicated to registration and technical checks, followed by the opening ceremony and trial regatta on June 9, which will officially raise the curtain on the event. The following five days will feature thrilling on-water challenges: from June 10 to 14, eight races are scheduled with the fleet divided into two race areas to accommodate the impressive number of participants.

The event will culminate with the crowning of the Finn World Master 2024 Champions.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the Finn Master World Championship is also a gathering and reunion moment for the most experienced sailors, many of whom have Olympic careers and continue to choose the Finn class for its top-level competitiveness.

The logistical base of the event will be PuntAla Camp & Resort, renowned for its commitment to outdoor hospitality and the main sponsor of the event. There will also be various proposals and initiatives for companions, such as the unmissable excursion to the enchanting Cala Violina beach, a true gem of the Tuscan coast, or wine tasting at the Morisfarms winery, a partner of the event.

From sailing enthusiasts to the simply curious, everyone is invited to Punta Ala from June 7 to 14 to cheer on the sailing legends and enjoy a week of sporting spirit and the beauty of the Maremma. It will also be an opportunity to take the season's first dip in the crystalline waters of the golden beach of PuntAla Camp & Resort, overlooking the Isola d' Elba.

We look forward to seeing you in Punta Ala from June 7 to 14 to discover together the new FINN Master World Champion!

www.centrovelicopuntaala.it/en/finn-world-master-championship

Finn World Masters returns to Punta Ala - photo © CVPA