ROYAL Channel Islands Yacht Club’s Hobie Fleet teams begin the Hobie Multi European Championships today in Lake Garda, Italy.
Hosted in Campione del Garda, action continues through to 26 July, with plenty of local talent on display.
Jersey are set to compete across three categories: Hobie 16 Youth, Hobie 16 Open and Hobie 16 Masters.
As well as European teams, there are competitors from all over the world, which provides a high level of competition for the Island’s top Hobie sailors as well valuable experience for the youth teams.
Campione del Garda plays host to the 50th edition of the championships. It is the second time it has been organised by Univela, the University of Sailing, and the first time at the venue.
The last time Lake Garda was the destination was in 2015 when the championship was organised together with the Circolo Vela Gargnano, on the Brescia coast of Lake Garda, which reaffirms itself as one of the favourite destinations for sailors from around the world.
The European Championship, which takes place in collaboration with the European Hobie Class Association, will see 2023 champions, the French Arnaud Thieme and Ludovic Siguret aim to defend their title.
Ten days of regattas from the great Hobie community, with five titles at stake from the small Dragoons to the Hobie Cat 14 and Hobie Cat 16, sees a total of 300 athletes expected.
Being an open competition, there will be everyone from Australians to Canadians and Mexicans present who will contribute to what is sure to be a great spectacle.
Teams
Hobie 16 Youth event: Luke Paxton Garnier and Stephanie Egan, Juliette Walton and Russell Walton, Kai Surcouf and Livy Forbes
Hobie 16 Open event: Ollie Voak and Megan Roworth, Luke Paxton Garnier and Stephanie Egan, Tom Newman and Lucca Gentili, Kai Surcouf and Morgan Surcouf, Philip Richardson and William Richardson
Hobie 16 Masters: Adrian Jesson and Ollie Voak, Philip Richardson and William Richardson
