"Vanguard supplied Harken-equipped Finns to the Olympic Games in 1980 and 1984. Today’s Finn sailors have replaced the old Classics with Carbo blocks, with the 75mm Carbo Ratchet (2670) a popular choice for the mainsheet. Countless Harken Cam-Matics® handle the double-ended vang, centerboard, cunningham, and hiking strap controls as well as the mainsheet traveler. Many Finn builders are using Harken blocks in their standard layouts and the sailors are happy with that."—Mitja Margon - Managing Director Harken Slovenia; Olympic classes specialist
Hiking Strap adjustment
Sailors can fine-tune the angle of the hiking straps out on the water for different sized waves, wind speeds, and body types. Strap tension can be adjusted to suit a range of sailor heights. Shock cords pull the straps inboard and out of the way when not in use.
Centerboard system
Partially raising the centerboard downwind reduces drag and lessens the side load. The double-ended 2:1 system also allows racers to quickly clear the centerboard of seaweed and debris.
Mainsheet Traveler
The traveler system uses all Small Boat gear and bearing systems. In light air, the 2:1 traveler adjusts the sheeting angle and the twist of the sail.
Mainsheet
The 3:1 mainsheet system is tensioned via the swivel base in the cockpit and bends the mast. When the bend exceeds the sail's luff curve, the mast inverts and flattens the sail. Less bend increases the sail's draft. The Finn class does not restrict pumping in heavy winds, and the deadend on the boom allows a powerful 1:1 downwind.
Copyright© 2008 Harken, Inc. All rights reserved
If you would like to link to or reprint this article please contact Brownie Lewis
