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What is a Finn?

A high-performance, refined sailboat, the Finn ranks as one of the world's great boats. Because each rig is tailored to each individual's style, sailing ability is key and superior sailing ability wins! A one-man centerboard dinghy, the Finn requires tremendous physical exertion and mental concentration. This combination of excellent craft with sophisticated competitor makes Finn racing unique.

When did it become an Olympic Boat?

Designed by Swedish sailor Rickard Skarby in 1949, the boat was the winner of a design competition to provide the best possible single-handed boat for the 1952 Olympics in Finland. The new Finn challenged the sailor to the maximum, which immediately attracted many competitors. The Finn remains today as the oldest continuous class in Olympic sailing.

What does one design mean?

Each boat and its parts meet the same weight, length, width, and material composition specified by the boat class.

What courses do you sail?

I usually sail a trapezoid course. During a regatta, I normally sail at least 2 races per day and sometimes more depending on the race committee.

How do you keep score?

You race X number of races of the regatta, each race is counted as an individual score.  At the end of the event all the scores for each race are added together, minus your worst race score.  For example:

Take an 8 race series scores of:  2, 2, 4, 5, 3, 2, (7), 4= 22 points

All the scores are tallied for each competitor and the lowest points total wins

New to Olympic Class Sailing is the addition of the exciting medal race.  This race includes only the top ten highest ranked boats for a series final.  It is a one race double points tally.  So in addition to the scores you have accumulated over the entire series, this one race is added to your points total AND IT IS NOT DISCARDABLE.  This makes it very important.  This was added to produce exciting action at the end of events to draw a larger audience to the sport of sailing.

Example:  Take the 22 point total from your series score and that ranks you in the top 10 overall.  The last day you race in the medal race and finish 3.  This equals 6 additional points. 

You finish the regatta with a total of 28 points.  This is your final score to determine where you finish in the top 10 overall.

How do you make the Olympic Team?

You compete in the Olympic Trials which are governed by US Sailing. This event usually is held over an eight day period consisting of 2 races per day. The winner of each class is then selected to represent the US at the Olympic Games. This is a winner takes all trials system!! You win or go home.

How do you pay for your sailing?

I rely heavily on sponsorships and tax deductible donations to fund my campaign.  Without the support of sponsors and generous donors my dream cannot be realized.  Additionally, I am supported by the United States Olympic Committee and US Sailing for a percentage of my budget.  I also have Yacht Club Foundations who support my effort.  If you are interested in sponsoring or donating please click here.

What countries have you sailed in?

Australia
Canada
Chile
China
Croatia
Denmark
Ecuador
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Netherlands
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Uruguay

Alabama
California
Connecticut
Florida
Illinois
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
North and South Carolina
Rhode Island
Texas
Washington
Wisconsin
Maryland

Do you sail your boat by yourself?

Yes

What is your off water training?

I work exclusively with Chris Herrera of Jaguar Professional Training for my off water workouts.  Chris tailors my workouts for muscle endurance and high cardio output to enhance my performance on the water. 

Are you on a special nutritional diet?

Yes, my nutritional plan is monitored by Lisa Dorfman from the University of Miami.  She is a member of the US Sailing Performance Enhancement Team.  Depending upon my goals of weight loss or gain, she tailors my program to reach the desired muscle to fat ratio at a target weight range.

Do you have special training partners?

Yes, my training partners include Jonas Hoegh Christensen (DEN), Ed Wright (GBR), and Chris Cook (CAN). They are all members of their respective Olympic Teams.

Where do you do most of your training?

My training is based all around the world.  Depending upon the location of events I participate in each year, I set up training camps with my training partners in order to get quality on water time before competitions.  My primary training location is Clearwater, FL, but I spend a large amount of time training overseas in order to better prepare myself for the rigorous international circuit.