Finn World Masters opens in Medemblik with 307 entries
by Robert Deaves 15 Jun 20:55 BST
15-20 June 2025
The 2025 Finn World Masters has been opened in Medemblik, The Netherlands, on Sunday evening. It is the third time the Dutch Finn class has endeavoured to run the Finn World Masters, with two previous attempts cancelled by the pandemic. So was with some satisfaction, and much excitement, that the finally the event is going ahead, five years after it was first scheduled.
Jan Zetzema, the Chair of the Organising Committee, opened proceedings with a heartfelt and emotional welcome, thanked all the many sponsors and volunteers and invited the more than 350 people present to reflect on being at the event. He said, "I want us all to think how special it is to come in peace from more than 30 countries. It's something extremely meaningful. We should all reflect privately on the state of our world." It was a very poignant moment amongst those gathered in the huge event tent.
The practice race was held Sunday afternoon in near perfect conditions, 12-16 knots, sunshine, warm air.
The line up for this year's World Masters is impressive with several former Olympians and class champions. It is great to see Australia's Anthony Nossiter back again, along with two of the 1996 Olympic medalists, Sebbe Godefroid, of Belgium and Roy Heiner from The Netherlands.
There are numerous names to watch this week including defending champion, Laurent Hay, from France, and Britain's Lawrence Crispin and Nick Craig.
For the huge home team, being the top Dutch sailor will be as hard as winning the title. Martijn van Muyden is reportedly going very fast, but will have a hard battle against Karel von Hellemond, Thierry van Vierssen, Peter Peet and possibly Pieter-Jan Postma.
Ron van Klooster, President of Finn Club Holland said, "On behalf of the 250 members of the Finn Club Holland I welcome you here in Medemblik. I hope you are all having a great time. There's a lot of people that put a lot of effort in organising this, so a huge shoutout to them."
However, the Finn Masters is about far more than just the winner, with age categories from 40 up to over 80, of which there are a few. It is a celebration of life, sailing and the Finn class and the inability of some to acknowledge the passing years. It is an annual gathering of friends, of friendship, competition, and camaraderie that transcends the years and the aging bodies. It is something special and unique in the world of sailing.
Finally, Andy Denison, Finn Masters President, opened the event, along with PRO Rob Hoogstra, by saying, "This has potential to become the best Finn event in the history of the class. We are all here in Medemblik and it's fantastic. The Finn Class is clearly at home here, it's a beautiful town, and sailing is great. I am pleased to say that the Finn World Masters 2025 is officially opened."
Racing is scheduled to start at 12.00 on Monday 16 June, with an eight-race series scheduled until Friday.