It's all about the Gold Cup - 2024 Finn Gold Cup opens in Aarhus
by Robert Deaves 3 Sep 06:49 NZST
31 August - 7 September 2024
It's all about the Gold Cup. The Finn Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious and oldest trophies in sailing and today the 68th edition was opened in Aarhus, Denmark, with around 110 entries from 20 countries.
The trophy is littered with the names of some of the best athletes in the sport of sailing over the past seven decades including Paul Elvstrøm, John Bertrand, Cam Lewis, Fredrik Lööf, Mateusz Kusznierewicz, Ben Ainslie and Giles Scott.
However, despite the long list of names on the trophy box, the Finn Gold Cup remained elusive and unreachable for many sailors over the years. To win it even once was a major achievement, but to win more than once was incredible and something only a handful of sailors achieved.
Today, despite the change in circumstances for the Finn Class, it remains the pinnacle achievement of one of the most influential classes on the planet. It is still a trophy and an event that captivates the imagination and the ambition of sailors worldwide. It is a piece of history, not just of the class, but of the sport of sailing, and to hold it and to be in the presence of such greatness is an emotional and an uplifting experience. The sacrifices and the skills of those who have gone before to lift this cup is legend. And it is still worth winning.
On Tuesday, racing begins to decide the 2024 winner, and in the year the class celebrates is 75th anniversary. Many sailors have come from all over the world to try and hold this diminutive, but impressive, trophy aloft next Saturday. Some may be old, but some, many in fact, are young, some are experienced, and some are still finding their way, but the collective experience of racing to become part of the amazing legacy of the Finn Gold Cup is as strong as ever. It will be a tough fight at the front, at the back and in the middle, and it will develop those here as they reach inside themselves for that extra effort to exceed expectation and meet the desire to excel at something very hard. The challenge is as rewarding as the success. It's all about the Gold Cup.
On Sunday in Aarhus the practice race was held, with Germany's Andre Budzien leading most of the way, but behind him were many young sailors seeking glory, including Australia's Jack Eickmayer, who was not far behind, and Finland's Oskari Muhonen who also found the front early on.
The competitor's briefing and welcome ceremony was held in the evening, overlooking Aarhus Bay, with more than 100 Finn sailors present. From the IFA Executive, Tim Tavinor welcomed the sailors and spoke of the prestige of the event, and then Jon Koch Hansen, CEO of Aarhus International Sailing Center, extended the welcome of the city of Aarhus.
So far the weather has been kind, and the sailors have been enjoying the wonderful hospitality of the city and the sailing centre.
On Tuesday, the racing starts for real. After all, it's all about the Gold Cup.