Exactly 8 years ago I bought a Finn, with the intention of having a physical challenge. A motivation to do something about my physique. The Finn made me perhaps 8 years younger. In my 43-year sailing career, I dare say, the most beautiful class I have ever sailed in. Twice I have attended a World Masters Championship with more than 350 participants each. All ex-champions or ex-Olympians who also want to maintain that physical challenge. People with the same aspiration or goal bring people together. You then have to proclaim that goal in order to make that group as large as possible. Because the more ‘sailing’, the more joy. That was the reason I became chairman of the Finn class. By planning 1 cup competition per month, by organising a nice OBK, by going to International competitions with as many as possible, by organising training sessions, by offering team clothing, by creating sociability and by giving everyone the feeling that they are an ambassador for our Belgian operation. We have seen an evolution from 11 to 40 active Belgian Finn sailors, wonderful, Finn Sailing Belgium vzw, you can no longer ignore it. Every contributor can be proud of this! I am grateful to you!
The buffer in our cash register, we have been able to bring from €2,000 to €5,000 thanks to the influx of sponsors, thank you Joris. What are we going to do with this? Everyone will get their chance to express their preference at the upcoming general members meeting. Your own rib, your own Finn, your own double cart, sponsoring the coach, … all this makes for a fun debate.
6 February 2022 my wife and I are going to the Bahamas. We signed a contract to go there for 14 months to charter for an owner of a catamaran. A career choice, after 30 years of education something different. We are in the prime of our lives and want to go all out for this challenge. No more time to sail Finn, unfortunately, and therefore no more time to manage the class, which is why I am resigning as chairman.
Together with the people who take care of the daily operation of our class, we are looking for a solution. We have already come up with one and it will be presented at the next General Members’ Meeting. All the more reason to be present, as we need you to continue to build our class steadily.
In that sense, I sold my boat, because in my garage it will not contribute anything. When I get back, I am going to buy a new one, and I have made up my mind that I am not going to let go of Finn sailing!
We want to make sure that everyone is familiar with our uniform and wears it as much as possible, in function of our togetherness.
That is why we are doing a campaign.
We keep the familiar polo shirt and the black windstopper.
If you don’t have anything yet, order it, I would say. For our sponsoring members it is part of their package. For those who already had the uniform, this is the opportunity to order extra so that you can change your uniform during the competitions. Hihi.
The class will give you a 40% discount on the cost price.
Fill out this form as soon as possible so we can place the order and get everything printed.
Hope to see you on 5 February 2022
Chairman,
Wim Henderieckx
