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Sailboat Specifications

Finn Monotype

Cat (Unstayed) · Centerboard Dinghy

Designed by Richard Sarby · Built by Børresen Bådebyggeri · First built 1949

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LOA 14.76 ft  ·  Beam 4.95 ft  ·  Displacement 320.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 108.00 ft²  ·  Cat (Unstayed)  ·  Centerboard Dinghy
About the Finn Monotype Sailboat

Designed by Richard Sarby in 1949, this single-handed Olympic-class dinghy represents one of sailing's most demanding and prestigious one-design classes. Originally built by Børresen Bådebyggeri, the Finn has earned a legendary reputation as the heavyweight division of dinghy sailing, requiring exceptional physical strength and sailing skill to master effectively. At nearly 15 feet overall with a substantial 320-pound displacement, this centerboard dinghy delivers impressive stability and power handling capabilities that set it apart from lighter racing dinghies. The unstayed cat rig features 108 square feet of sail area, creating a powerful but manageable sail plan that rewards precise technique and fitness. The relatively deep 2.79-foot draft provides excellent upwind performance while maintaining the shallow-water versatility expected from a centerboard design. With over 4,300 hulls built since its introduction, the Finn has proven its worth through decades of Olympic competition and club racing worldwide. Available in both traditional wood and modern fiberglass construction, this boat excels in competitive fleet racing and serves as an excellent training platform for sailors looking to develop advanced boat-handling skills. The Finn's demanding nature makes it ideal for experienced sailors seeking a physical and technical challenge in protected waters and moderate coastal conditions.

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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 14.76 ft / 4.50 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 13.29 ft / 4.05 m
Beam 4.95 ft / 1.51 m
Max Draft 2.79 ft / 0.85 m
Min Draft 0.40 ft / 0.12 m
Displacement 320.00 lb / 145 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 108.00 ft² / 10.03 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Cat (unstayed)
Construction Wood or FG
Designer Richard Sarby
Builder Børresen Bådebyggeri
First Built 1949
Number Built 4300
Associations Finn Class - International
Related Sailboats Albacore · Tasar · Phantom Dinghy Uk · Comet Trio · Dingo 15
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Finn Monotype's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Finn Monotype has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 36.98. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Finn Monotype's comfort ratio?

The Finn Monotype has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 4.27. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Finn Monotype safe for offshore sailing?

The Finn Monotype has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.9. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Finn Monotype?

The theoretical hull speed of the Finn Monotype is 4.89 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Finn Monotype weigh?

The Finn Monotype has a displacement of 320.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 14.76 ft.

Who designed the Finn Monotype?

The Finn Monotype was designed by Richard Sarby, first built in 1949.