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Dinghies planing in a strong breeze under mountains
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Finn

One-design class · since 1949

Boats
7
Results
12
Wins
0
Races
2
Length
4.5m
Beam
1.5m
Sail area
10.2m²
Official class page
OverviewCompareBoats7Races2

Why sailors choose the Finn

The Finn is a heavyweight single-handed Olympic dinghy, raced at the Games from 1952 until it was dropped after Tokyo 2020, and it is known as one of the most physical and tactical boats to sail. Big sailors choose it because few dinghies suit their weight, and a very strong masters circuit keeps it alive. Without Olympic status, the class has fewer young sailors coming through.

  • Very physically and tactically demanding single-hander
  • Suits heavy sailors (about 90 kg and up)
  • Long Olympic history, 1952 to 2021
  • Large, active masters (40+) championships
  • Lost Olympic status for Paris 2024, so youth pipeline weaker

Our note

Specifications

One-design class

First built
1949
Length
4.5m
Beam
1.5m
Sail area upwind
10.2m²

Single-handed dinghy; hull weight 107 kg; year is the design year

Published figures for the design; individual boats are often modified. Sources: finnclass.org

What sailors and testers say · in our words, from the linked pages

  • The class presents the Finn as the toughest single-hander physically and mentally, and the longest-serving Olympic dinghy since its 1949 design.

    International Finn Association · International Finn Association

  • Losing Olympic status upset him; he sees it as the next step for big Laser sailors, while masters events often draw over 350 entries.

    NZ Finn Association secretary Ray Hall, via Scuttlebutt · Scuttlebutt Sailing News, 2021