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Dubai, U.A.E.
Over 1200 competitors from 82 nations headed for the Championship Village in Dubai to compete for the sailing championships of the World. The regatta had many of the normal Olympic Classes boats, but the Hobie 16 was the boat of choice for two classes – Open Multihulls and Women’s Multihulls.
Boats were supplied with the idea that the best competitor would win, rather than the best equipment. Two races per day were scheduled.
The Championship Village was built by the Dubai International Marine Club and was within walking distance of the berach and boats. The competitors stayed there at no cost, thus allowing a minimum amount of expenses for competitors. This also allowed smaller countries with less budget to compete. – one of the objectives of the International Federation.
There was lots to be proud of in the Women’s Multihulls class, as Annie Nelson and Heidi Sehlageter took 2nd in the Worlds for the United States, finishing only 6 points behind the leaders. South Africans Inge Schabort and Gillian Anley took first place honors. Ulla Becker and Dagmar Albers of Germany finished close behind the Americans in third place.
In the Open Multihulls, Wally Myers and Kathy Ward were the first U.S. team, finishing 29th overall. Reigh North and Dieter Cramer of Vancouver, Canada, having never sailed a Hobie 16 before, faired very well. They were in the top 10 and well ahead of Myers/Ward, but flipped the boat on the 4th day and ended up in 38th spot overall when the Arabian dust settled.
First was Shaun Ferry and Alison Lewis of South Africa, Followed by Stefan Griesmeyer and Edward Canepa of Italy, and third was Brad Sumner and Amy Johnstone of Australia. Tornado champion, Andreas Hagara of Austria jumped ship to the Hobie and managed to finish 11th.
(Pictures are in your c:PshpGIfs\ISAF_Hobie16Start.jpg
ISAF_H162.jpg
both are off the internet, taken by Mark Luiks and/or Peter Bentley (not sure who, but seems to ber Mark Luiks)