Aarhus, Denmark to host 2018 ISAF Sailing World Championships
by ISAF 11 May 2014 09:01 BST
10 May 2014
The International Sailing Federation is pleased to announce that Aarhus, Denmark has been selected to host the 2018 ISAF Sailing World Championships.
Held every four years, the ISAF Worlds is a key event for sailors campaigning for the Olympic Sailing Competition, bringing together past and future World and Olympic Champions across the ten Olympic classes.
The second largest city in Denmark, Aarhus is situated on the eastern side of the peninsula of Jutland. With a history extending back to the Viking Age, Aarhus has sailing imprinted in its DNA.
Bid partners, the Danish Sailing Association, Sport Event Denmark, Sport Aarhus Events (City of Aarhus) and Sailing Aarhus bring together proven regatta organization skills in a venue offering world-class racing conditions.
The competition venue will be established at a new Aarhus International Sailing Centre in Aarhus Yachting Harbour. Easily accessible and within walking distance of downtown Aarhus, the area is a favourite destination for residents and tourists alike who enjoy the restaurants and shops as well as clean bathing waters, fishing and fresh air.
Aarhus has welcomed several world class sailing events in recent years including the 2008 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship, 2010 505 World Championship, 2011 A-Cat World Championship and the 2013 49er and 49erFX European Championships.
In March 2014 an Evaluation Commission appointed by ISAF received presentations by the following cities in their bid to host the event:
- Aarhus, Denmark
- Busan, Korea
- Gdynia, Poland
- The Hague, Netherlands
The Commission made their recommendation to the ISAF Executive Committee who unanimously endorsed the recommendation.
Jerome Pels, ISAF Chief Executive Officer said, "The bids ISAF received were of exceptional quality and we are grateful for their commitment to the sport. All four venues demonstrated passion and commitment to host the 2018 ISAF Worlds which made ISAF's decision a difficult one to make.
"In recent years Aarhus has demonstrated its expertise in hosting high calibre sailing events featuring the finest sailors on the planet. We look forward to working closely with the organizing authority to deliver a world class event for sailors, spectators and those watching from home."