Epic conditions heralds opening of 2025 Finn Gold Cup in Cascais
by Robert Deaves 2 Sep 05:47 UTC
30 August - 6 September 2025
Cascais is turning out to be a Finn sailor's dream. Since the fleet arrived here, they have been treated to exceptional conditions, with solid winds, hot sunshine, warm air and huge waves. There is an air of epicness on the way in Cascais.
The 2025 Finn Gold Cup was opened in Cascais Monday night as more than 80 sailors from 20 nations from around the world gathered at the Clube Naval de Cascais to mark the end of the equipment inspection and registration and the beginning of the event.
A practice race was held in the afternoon in 10-15 knots and big waves, a fitting precursor to what is looking like an epic week of racing ahead.
Over the next five days the conditions are forecast to begin with light to moderate winds and increase through to next weekend. It will be a fitting challenge for what is regarded as one of the most iconic trophies in the sport of sailing, for many the ultimate challenge.
Last year's winner, Oskari Muhonen, from Finland, decided to surprise everyone with a last minute entryand managed to get himself and a boat here just in time. He said, "Really beautiful venue and good weather. I think the forecast for the week looks pretty good. The first 2 days the wind will be lighter but then it should be pretty full on afterwards.
"Really fun to be back in the Finn. I haven't sailed too much during the last year. I just did the Finnish nationals last weekend which was really fun and nice and then a few days of training here sand back racing again, so looking forward."
The opening ceremony was held Monday evening on the deck of the Clube Naval de Cascais, preceded by the prize-giving ceremony for the Portuguese Nationals last week. Won by the IFA President Rob McMillan
McMillan, from Australia, summed up the sentiment of the gathered sailors after the epic practice race. "Another fantastic day in Cascais, with a few of the people showing their skills today. I think everyone agrees it's going to be a brutal week. The Finn class is thriving, the builders are busy, sailors are loving the racing, the club is putting on a great show. What more can you say? Everyone's having a great time here, huge courses, big waves plenty of wind, proper sailing."
Last year's runner up, Domonkos Nemeth, from Hungary added, "The week to come is going to be pretty challenging for everyone, if the conditions are like this. Nobody will skip leg day that's for sure, so yeah, I just wish everyone a good luck and see you on the water."
The welcome from the club has been exceptional, the equipment inspection has been smooth but thorough, but all the sailors are now excited with huge anticipation of the week ahead. There will be great battles on the water, and great camaraderie and fun on the shore.
The 2025 Finn Gold Cup is open.
Full gallery on flickr here.
More information on the event noticeboard.