An immediate record breaking response to the opening of worldwide registrations for the Hobie 16 World Championships, to be held on Jervis Bay, surprised the championship organisers on Monday.
The competitor registration rate tripled the initial response to the previous world championships in Weihai, China. The early, unprecedented entries, is believed to have been driven by the desire of sailors to travel and compete in the New South Wales, Shoalhaven region and the limited number of places available.
The perfect sailing conditions and pristine waters of Jervis Bay, as well as, the spectacular environment of the surrounding hinterland has been the focus of the event management committee’s promotions leading up to the opening of registration.
Steve Fields Managing Director of Hobie Cat Australasia said,
“We have tried to get across to sailors from around the world that the Shoalhaven region of NSW is a very special place. After landing in Sydney, truly one of the world’s most magnificent destinations, sailors will travel to the regatta venue of Huskisson on Jervis Bay. I believe the consistent winds make Jervis Bay one of the world’s top 5 sailing locations. Throw in kangaroos and the whole Aussie small town experience and who wouldn’t want to come to Australia for the event?”
The first team to register was former Hobie 16 Grand Masters International Cup Champions Kerli and Ali Corlett from Sydney followed by some of the best Hobie Cat sailors from every state in Australia. As the day broke in different time zones throughout the world, competitors from Hong Kong, France, Belgium, Brazil, USA, New Caledonia and New Zealand had completed their entries and were searching for accommodation around Huskisson, the NSW south coast town hosting the iconic world championships.
It is expected that competitors, families and friends from more than twenty countries will head to New South Wales for the world championships.
