Finns flying at HISC
by Simon Pettit 25 Dec 2023 04:12 NZDT
Rodney Cobb sailing his Finn in Chichester Harbour in 2023 © Maria Pettit
The Finn fleet met at HISC on the 10th December to recognise the top three sailors for the season in club racing, celebrate a major milestone for one sailor and look ahead to an exciting 2024 season at the club.
The fleet introduced a new season trophy, the Finn Class Victor Ludorum to be awarded to the sailor that achieved the best results over 17 series and races at the club including Race Week and their Open Meeting. Simon Pettit took the trophy with a total of 132 points, Mike de Courcy finished second on 229 points and Dan Belton finished third on 277 points.
Simon Pettit, HISC Finn Class Captain then presented Rodney Cobb with a special half model of a Finn and a framed picture of him racing at the club in 2023 to recognise his 50th year in the class. Rodney has competed internationally and is well known and respected at home and abroad. He has always been very willing to share his valuable knowledge and experience with new and seasoned Finn sailors as demonstrated this season at the successful Try a Finn event. Rodney was genuinely surprised, thanked everyone and reminded us that he is looking forward to competing at the front of the fleet again next season.
The HISC Finn fleet reached 14 boats in 2023 and at the time of writing is expected to reach 19 boats in 2024. 2024 is set to be a very exciting season for the class as the club will host the Finn Open Meeting on April 6th and 7th, part of the British Finn Association Traveller Series, and the 2024 Ronstan British Finn National Championships on July 4th to 6th.
For anyone interested in sailing a Finn at HISC please contact