Chips are down for the 2026 Finn Grand Slam
by Robert Deaves 5 Feb 07:49 PST
17-19 April 2026
Finn Grand Slam © Robert Deaves
The inaugural WTF Grand Slam year will include a series of key European events during the year including many of the iconic class events and venues along with some enticing new venues.
The concept is simple - encourage participation, showcase the class, highlight the class rock stars and have some Finn fun.
The World Tour for Finns (WTF) is now in his fourth season, so it seemed an ideal time to extend this concept to focus attention on specific events. The WTF includes 60 events in 25 countries worldwide, while the WTF Grand Slam, at least in its inaugural year will have a European focus. Sponsorship and support are being sought to expand and develop the Grand Slam in future years.
More than 1,200 Finn sailors take part on the WTF, and it is expected that around 3-400 will qualify for the WTF Grand Slam. It is also intended to distribute prizes through the fleet, not just the usual superstars, but to encourage those mid-fleet and back of the Finn fleet (those who know, know) to create a wholly inclusive shared experience for all.
For this first year, the class has tentatively put forward significant prizes and prize money and included as many countries and regions as possible with the objective to focus interest, attendance and media exposure on specific events to build greater visibility for national class events, which together with prize money will be a first for the class.
For the inaugural series:
- Nine events in eight countries from April to October.
- Four events to count for the overall Grand Slam 2026 titles.
- Extensive prizes and prize money, up to €1,000
- Entries and prizes will be allocated to Gold, Silver and Bronze groups.
- U23 and U29 categories with separate prizes.
- IFA will focus media and coverage on these events.
- Grand Slam prize-giving, with Grand Slam Grand Final is planned to be held at the 2027 Finn Gold Cup in La Rochelle.
WTF Grand Slam 2026:
Leg 1: 17-19-Apr, Mediterranean Finn Cup, Palamos, ESP
Leg 2: 30 May - 1 Jun, Italian National Championship, Cannigione, Sardinia, ITA
Leg 3: 20-27 June, European Championship, Gydnia, POL
Leg 4: 3-5 Jul, British National Championship, Brixham, GBR
Leg 5: 21-23 Aug, SWE/DEN National Championship, Varberg, SWE
Leg 6: 2-6 Sep, Swiss National Championship, Silvaplana, SUI
Leg 7: 7-11 Sep, German National Championship, Berlin, GER
Leg 8: 18-20 Sep, Dutch National Championship, Medemblik, NED
Leg 9: 2-4 Oct, International Finn Cup, Malcesine, ITA
Further details will be published in due course.
It's going to be another big year for the Finn Class. WTF? Let's go Finn sailing.