FINN GOLD CUP
Well, the 2008 Finn Gold Cup is now just a pleasant memory.
Congratulations to Ben Ainslie for winning
Although, Ben did not have it all his own way it is easy to see why many consider him the best pound for pound sailor in the world at the moment.
I would like to congratulate the medallists, Ben, Dan and Jonas; the sailors in the medal race and all who competed, truly an incredible experience and one I know I will probably never experience again.
On behalf of the IFAA I would like to say a few thanks:
Firstly I would like to thank John Shallvey, to secure an event like the Gold Cup you need someone with the drive and the vision to put their hand up and then drive the vision to reality, I doubt people know the amount of effort and time that went into the Gold Cup, thanks again John, it's an experience I will never forget.
Black Rock Yacht Club and its members, again I doubt people fully have a grasp on the amount of work undertaken by the volunteers from the Black Rock Yacht Club. Particularly I would like to thank Commodore Greg Willcock, Club Captain Roger Blasse and the other members of the BRYC events committee.
There was also a dedicated band of people people involved in the event organizing committee: Bill Bell, who also acted as the PRO; the Kevin and Ross Wilson; John Lamble; and Rod Austin, Sail Melbourne Manager, who had to put up with a lot over the journey.
The measurers, what can you say about the band of old Finn sailors who donated their time to ensure that the rest of us sailed the regatta on a level playing field (with respect to equipment anyway). Special thanks to Andre Blasse who did a fantastic job assisting Juri, the IFAA will be strongly supporting Andre in his endeavour to be accredited as an international measurer. Thanks to Graham Lewis for pulling the volunteers together; the volunteers being: Bob Barr, John Brownell, Mark Fisher, Ted Lhuede, Graham Lewis, Peter McGann, Fred Schenck and Peter Takle.
There are many others too numerous to mention; the canteen girls, the Sail Melbourne volunteers, the people who opened there homes up for the international sailors, the many people who moved boats, carted people around, provided security, the on the water rescue boats, start boats, finish boats, media boats and of course the two hottest trolley dollies on the east coast, the two Johns, Lamble and Dick.
Zhik, the IFAA's major sponsor; thanks for your support, I look forward to a lasting relationship in the future.
I am sure that I have forgotten people, I apologize in advance, as a sailor and the member of the committee your efforts in making the 08 Finn Gold Cup the screaming success was truly appreciated.
Graham Lewis was kind enough to send through some of the pictures he took over the GC, thanks for that Graham. See here
CHARTER BOATS WANTED
We are still looking for a few charter boats for the Gold Cup and lead up regattas. if you have a boat that you are not using over the summer, or know of a boat that will go unused (that measures) please let any of the Class Executive know ASAP.
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR 2008 FINN GOLD CUP
The selection criteria for the 2008 Finn Gold Cup is now available.
The calendar for the selection is available in the regatta's section, we will add to the calendar if there are other events available.
the IFAA is currently negotiating with the high performance coaches from each state to finalize training weekends in each State; information will be posted when it becomes available.
2008 FINN GOLD CUP ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
There are links to Black Rock Yacht Club and Sail Melbourne added to the website. Accommodation information for the Black Rock area can be found on both these websites.
If as a Finn Association member or just a supporter of the Finn class you are able to offer home style accommodation to a traveling Finn sailor there is information available on the Homestay Program on the Sail Melbourne website.
Accommodation Information
For commercial accommodation in the Black Rock Area
Tourist information for Melbourne.
Sail Melbourne Finn Gold Cup Brochure
Finn Gold Cup - Melbourne Jan 2008