First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all members of the USAFA who placed their trust in me with their votes during the 2025 USAFA Annual General Meeting. Together, we engaged in meaningful discussions and approved significant updates to the USAFA bylaws, alongside forwarding valuable proposals to the IFA. Stay tuned for more details, courtesy of our exceptional secretary, Anna Broughton.
Next, we owe a tremendous thank you to the Key Biscayne Yacht Club for hosting a spectacular regatta. Their efforts seemingly won the favor of Poseidon, Boreas, and Eurus, blessing us with a diverse range of sailing conditions. This showcased a true test of skill and determination, ultimately crowning the finest Finn sailor in the U.S.
I also wish to convey my deep appreciation to Robert McMillan, the current IFA President, who journeyed to Miami with a clear purpose: to strengthen the IFA and advance its mission. A formidable competitor, Robert brought intensity to the racecourse, and it was an honor to meet and challenge him on the water.
As we look forward to an exciting summer of sailing, I’m thrilled to announce that we’ve elected an outstanding team of Vice Presidents. I’m confident their leadership will energize USAFA’s grassroots initiatives and further expand Finn sailing across the U.S.
To those considering whether to join the Finn class and measure your abilities against some of the world’s top single-handed sailors, now is the perfect time. The U.S. offers numerous affordable options to get started. Embrace the Finn—it’s a rewarding challenge that hones your skills, deepens your understanding of the forces acting on a boat, and sharpens your edge not only in this class but in others as well.
Keep sailing, and keep thriving.
Rodion Mazin
USAFA President