ASSOCIAZIONE ITALIANA CLASSE FINN

Comunicati classe 2003

1. Rule 42: I have attached the approved submission regarding RRS 42 for the Finn class: in brief, 1 pump per wave under 12 knots, free on the downwind legs over 12 knots. This submission will be in effect, exceptionnally on the 1st of January 2004 (instead of the 1st of March) in order to allow the maximum practice before the Olympics.

2. No Drop: By now you must all be aware of the submission voted by the ISAF Council at the ISAF Conference: No Drop at the Olympic Games. I received many reactions against this decision. I made some enquiries and believe that it is too late to reverse this situation with another submission at the mid-year meeting as the NOR and SI will be already issued. However, I know that some MNA's are still filing submissions for the mid-year meeting. I suggest that you contact your MNA (National Federation), if you want to react against this submission.

3. 2008 Olympics: Men Dinghies Criterias. Please find attached a submission voted at the ISAF Conference regarding criterias for Men Dinghies for the 2008 Olympics. We find this submission to be dangerous for the Finn Olympic status, especially with the criteria "average physique". We do believe that Olympics have to cater for all range of body build and not exclude the medium top of the range. We think that it might be important that each secretary contacts its Council or Event Committee representative (if any) to ask for clarification on these criterias and raise the subject of the Finn Olympic status. For your info, ISAF has insured all the Olymnpic classes that they will keep their Olympic status in 2008 but sailing history has seen more than one surprise and we have to stay vigilent.

4. 2004 IFA fees: as I will be away from the French office from the 31st of December until the end of February (Melbourne and Rio) and on holidays from the 24th of December until the 5th of January, I would like each secretary to send me ASAP the number of members in their respective countries in order to issue appropriate invoices and distribute 2004 IFA stickers before the 2004 FGC. Please refer to IFA rule A.2.3 : "Membership dues shall be paid through National Classes Associations to IFA by May 1st in each calendar year, or - in case the Gold Cup or the Europeans Championships are scheduled earlier - 10 days before the starting date of said events." Fees should reach the IFA bank account before the 2nd of February or be paid in Rio with prior approval from the class. I would also appreciate if you could send me your orders for rules books, sail and mast labels...before the end of the month.

5. Clinic: we are planning 3 clinics next year. The first one will be organised in Rio prior to the FGC and aimed at the South-American countries. The second will be before the last Olympic Qualifyer in La Rochelle or in Hyeres. Priority will be given to sailors from countries who haven't achieved Olympic selection. The 3rd and last one will be in Athens before the Olympics. Please inform your sailors and send us your interest quickly.

6. Website: Technical problems and lack of time are resulting in a poor website. We are looking for an enthousiastic and computer oriented person from the Finn family to keep it updated.

7. 2005 Finn Gold Cup: vote at the 2003 AGM gave the 2005 FGC to Moscow. IFA sent a representative to assess the racing area. It is a rather small lake and the fleet will have to be split in groups but for the rest, facilities are excellent and the organisers are supported by the Moscow Council and are all very motivatedIFA Executive Committee decided to make an exception and agree on the location: - The Moscow Sailing School (the organisers) have signed an agreement to build 100 boats (they signed a contract with Devoti Sailing) equiped with a mast and 2 sails. The organisers will provide a new Finn (with a mast and 2 sails) to each competitor. These boats will then be kept in Russia to developp the local Finn fleet. The organisers have also planned to organise a charter plane from Hamburg to Russia, as the FGC will be organised in June between SPA and Kiel. Hotel accomodation will be at the yacht club. This regatta shall be a low cost event for the sailors and a great opportunity to sail in this part of the world.

8. IFA Major events: . 2004 FGC, Rio Brazil, February 12-20 Website: www.atividade.com.br/finn . 2004 Finn Europeans (last Olympic Qualifyer), La Rochelle, France May 7-15 Website: www.srr-sailing.com . 2005 Finn Gold Cup, Moscow Russia, (in June between SPA and Kiel) . 2005 Finn European, Kalmar, Sweden, August 6-1