Page 28 - Folk Boat Year Book 2022

A View from NFIA by Simon Osgood (NFIA Secretary)

It’s been a long handover period due to the pandemic, but I am finally installed as
Secretary and Treasurer at NFIA (Nordic International Folkboat Association). The past
12 months have been interesting and one of great positivity as we see the class enter
th
its 80 year.

I see real enthusiasm from emerging International fleets of Finland, Estonia and The
Netherlands, the latter country having had a total refocus and reorganisation in the
last 12 months. The established countries of Denmark and Germany still drive the
economies of scale with the boat, having well over 700 boats in circulation. Whilst the
true home and origin of the Nordic Folkboat is Sweden, they are looking to invigorate
the class as they experience slight decline.

You will all be familiar with the UK fleets, and it’s great to be able to report to other
countries our fleet expansion and overall growth.

The class throughout the world has the same values and outlook, which I believe is
the appeal to the boat. We are seeing younger members and sailors coming into the
Danish fleet, partly influenced by family and partly as the Danish Sailing Association
fund very limited Olympic classes and this leaves drop out of talented youth sailors
who lose faith in the system and then opt for a classic view on sailing. This to me is an
endorsement for the boat, as youth is critical to keep the class going for the next 80
years.

We still see development with the boat, whether that be a new builds, rigs or sails,
and this is still very much supported by NFIA as we wish the class to continue to
develop in the spirit of the design.

This year will see NFIA’s two recognised international events take place. Firstly, the
Gold Cup, in Kiel Germany. A much-loved venue by Foldboaters, and one which
always provides great racing and socials. The second event and the first ever seen
outside the traditional Folkboat Countries, is the Sessan Cup. This is effectively a fleet
race event, but you participate as a two boat team. NFIA has always supported taking
events to new countries and very much look forward to the UK visit.

As we enter into the 80 year, every single country from the US to Estonia, are
th
working on celebrations, and as a board we at NFIA are sharing these initiatives, and
28