Windy

FIN 8

8mR WINDY, SIRA CUP SILVER MEDALIST UNDER NEW OWNERSHIPWindy (FIN-8), one of Finland's most successful 8mR yachts, has been sold. Built in 1927, designed by Carl Holmström, the boat is now owned by a newly founded syndicate of four. The syndicate consists of Pekka and Matti Ervamaa, Petri Wilska and Ari Bungers. Ari is a member of the Suomenlinna Pursiseura (SuPS) and the others of the Suomalainen Pursiseura (SPS). The members are all experienced sail racers in the Finnish A-boat and Hai classes, as well as in the international 5.5 metre class."When we heard that Windy was for sale and renovated by the recently deceased boatbuilder Mika Louhivaara, we visited her in Ouritsaari, the classics boat yard in Helsinki. Our decision was made right there, as we found the boat in such great condition. The 8 metres are wonderful boats, the class is active and the 8 metre sailors are a great group! Windy's sails require some work after which, we will start training for the 2025 Worlds in Turku," says Petri Wilska.Windy's previous owner, Jyrki Halonen, stopped active racing a few years ago and the boat has been docked since 2014. "The new owners are very welcome to our class and I am especially happy that Windy is returning to the race courses in time for the next Worlds in Finland.", says Max Nordlund, chairman of FEMA, the Finnish 8 metre Association. "Windy now joins our 'Road to Turku' regatta series, which starts this summer, where we will train the 8 metre fleet for the upcoming Worlds."The 8mR class is currently 12 boats strong in Finland, most of which are actively racing. Windy has previously received a silver medal at the World Championship Sira Cup in Scotland in 2007. In 2013, Windy sailed in the World Championships in Helsinki. The following summer Windy lost her mast, and subsequenry retired from the race courses. The syndicate has high hopes for Windy to be racing again by the end of the summer.