Tag: Finn Gold Cup

Porsche Centre Brisbane Named Major Partner For Manly Finn Championships

Photo Credit: RQYS/Facebook

The 2026 Finn World Sailing Championships in Manly will be backed by Porsche Centre Brisbane, with the partnership supporting a February regatta series hosted at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.

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Partnership Announcement In Manly

Porsche Centre Brisbane has been confirmed as a major event partner for the 2026 Finn World Sailing Championships. The partnership is linked to a February 2026 program hosted by Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Manly, Queensland.

The partnership involves Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron and the International Finn Association of Australia, with the regattas scheduled across several consecutive events during the month.

Porsche Centre Brisbane
Photo Credit: RQYS/Facebook

February 2026 Regatta Schedule

The Manly program includes the Australian Finn National Championships, the Finn Gold Cup and the Finn World Masters.

Provided information lists different start and finish dates for the Australian Finn National Championships and the Finn Gold Cup. The partnership announcement lists the Nationals running 7–12 February 2026 and the Gold Cup running 13–19 February 2026, while the event information page lists the Nationals as 7–10 February 2026 and the Gold Cup as 12–19 February 2026.

The Finn World Masters is listed consistently as 20–27 February 2026.

Event Context And Significance

The Finn is a single-handed dinghy that previously competed as an Olympic class, debuting at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952. The class is known for demanding on-water competition at high performance levels.

The February series is expected to attract more than 500 competitors and supporters, according to the partnership announcement. The same source states the Finn Gold Cup will return to Brisbane for the first time in 50 years, and the Finn World Masters will be contested in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time, running back-to-back with the Gold Cup.

Manly Finn Championships
Photo Credit: RQYS/Facebook

Host Venue Background

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron is based on the waterfront in Manly and was formed in 1885. The club hosts regular championship racing for members and also stages national and international regattas on Moreton Bay.

Community Response Online

Social media responses to the announcement indicate positive anticipation for the February 2026 schedule. Comments referenced hosting and servicing multiple Finn events across the month and described the period as a major sailing month for Manly.

What Happens Next

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Event updates, official notices, volunteer information and entry links are being managed through the event channels listed for each regatta. Organisers are continuing preparations ahead of the February 2026 series in Manly.

Published 18-Dec-2025

Manly to Host Trio of Major Finn Regattas

Photo Credit: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron

Manly has been selected to stage three significant international Finn class sailing events in 2026, with the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron named as the host venue.

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Major Regattas Scheduled for Brisbane’s Manly

Three consecutive Finn class championships will take place in Manly, Brisbane in February 2026, with entry now open for international competitors. The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) will host the Australian Finn Nationals, the Finn Gold Cup, and the Finn World Masters across a three-week program.

Background and Significance

The 2026 series will see the Finn Gold Cup return to the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron for the first time since it was last held there in 1976, marking a 50-year milestone. It will also be only the third instance in which both the Gold Cup and World Masters are hosted at the same venue, following events in La Rochelle in 1996 and Weymouth in 2000.

Hosting rights were secured through a formal proposal by the International Finn Association of Australia and RQYS. The bid outlined Brisbane’s strong local fleet, previous hosting experience, and established infrastructure as reasons for selection.

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron
Photo Credit: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron/Facebook

Event Structure and Expectations

The event schedule will begin with the Australian Finn Nationals on 7 February. It will be followed by the Finn Gold Cup and conclude with the World Masters on 27 February. Organisers expect a fleet of 140 to 150 boats across the three events.

Racing will occur on Waterloo Bay. Depending on conditions, there’s an option to shift the Finn Gold Cup outside Green Island. The events are expected to draw participation from Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, with up to seven shipping containers already booked for boats from overseas.

RQYS and Manly as Host Venue

RQYS in Manly is considered one of Australia’s top sailing clubs, recently completing new facility upgrades. The site includes four launching ramps, five rigging lawns, marina access, and support vessels. Previous regattas at the club, including the 2023 Ronstan International Finn Australian Championships, received positive feedback for race management.

Manly offers proximity to Brisbane Airport, accommodation at Manly Marina Cove Motel, and low-cost camping options on-site. Tourist access to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Moreton Bay Islands is also a draw for visiting competitors and supporters.

Finn championships Manly
Photo Credit: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron/Facebook

Growth of the Australian Fleet

The Australian Finn class has grown substantially in recent years, aided by national committee efforts and event initiatives. In 2023, twelve Australian boats competed internationally, including three from RQYS. Queensland currently leads the country with 34 Finn-class boats based in Manly.

Future Opportunities

The events will take place during the European winter and are expected to attract long-term stays from international sailors. The hosting aligns with Brisbane’s broader positioning as a sports event destination ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games, presenting potential for increased sponsorship and visibility.

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All relevant entry information, notices of race, and updates are available via the RQYS website and the International Finn Association portal.

Published 6-May-2025