Pictured: Finn sailors Anthony Arnold, Tony Bierre, Hayden Barney, Phil Chadwick, and Trevor Martin at RQYS.
Baysiders love a good party, and this month, an epic crew of more than 500 sailors hailing from all over the world will cruise into Manly for the Finn World Championships, hosted by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. And while the racing is serious, the on-shore vibe will be anything but!
For the uninitiated, a Finn is sailed single-handed and has one sail and a rotating mast. There’s only one design for a Finn, which means in competition, it all comes down to the skill of the sailor. Finn sailing is a physically and mentally demanding sport. Australia has produced many champion Finn sailors, including the legendary John Bertrand, who famously skippered Australia II in the 1983 America’s Cup.
Off the water, we’re looking forward to showing these international and interstate guests what we love most about the bayside: our bars, cafes and restaurants, waterfront walks, weekend markets, and our friendly village vibe. A highlight on the event calendar is the Finns Rock concert, starring The Filthy Animals, at Manly Harbour Boat Club on February 21 (find out more on page 6). So, even if you don’t have your sea legs, you can still be part of the celebrations!
Find out more about the Finn World Championships on page 2, and if you’re interested in learning to sail, contact any of our local yacht clubs – they’ll be happy to steer you in the right direction.
