After some delays, we are all very pleased to announce the dates for the 23rd Hobie 16 World Championships. The location has not been a secret and I know we are all excited to go to Camping, Bungalow Resort & Spa La Ballena Alegre, Spain. The last time we held a Hobie 16 World Championships in Europe was in 1997 which was in Spain. I was privileged to be at those Hobie 16 World Championships and see Gwenael Roth and Thierry Monfret from France win the Hobie 16 Open.
Will we see another team from Europe win on home soil? Or will Yamil Saba and Gonzalo Cendra from Venezuela successfully defend their Open title? Did you know nobody has successfully defended their Hobie 16 Open World Championships since Gary Metcalf AUS? Gary won three Hobie 16 World Championships in a row, 1984, 1986, and 1988, then retired undefeated.
The most successful region to win Hobie 16 Open Worlds has been the Pacific. They are eager to go to Europe and bring the championships back Downunder. Many of the Downunder teams have been ‘training the house down’. Or will we get a ‘dark horse’ from North America? They haven’t won the Hobie 16 Worlds since Hobie Alter Jr. in 1982.
It has been too long for me to be on a plane and travel to Hobie Worlds. I am looking forward to seeing a massive turnout of Hobie sailors. I know I am counting down the days.
The event website is updated very soon to provide all the information and registration details.
Have a Hobie Day