FLIPPER TO THE RESCUE

Try as hard as we might, we couldn’t get the Flipper 900ST to live up to its name, but I’m sure that will be reassuring to potential buyers because this Scandinavian sportsboat proved itself safe and stable right through to its 40kt potential.

You have to give it to those Finns though — calling a boat a Flipper shows there’s a humorous facet to what some might see as a national frozen-on austerity.

Those familiar with ‘60s television may have linked the name to the eponymous problem-solving dolphin, and that’s in fact the inspiration — early Flippers even had a dolphin as part of the logo.

For readers unfamiliar with the brand, Flipper has been in production in Finland for half a century. Together with sister brands Bella, Falcon Aluminium Boats and Aquador, they form the larger Bella-Veneet organisation, employing more than 150 workers. Although bought out by Swedish company Nimbus Boats in 2018, production still takes place at Kuopio in Central Finland.

Like many brands, Flipper