International 14 World Championships only 5 months away

by Tracey Johnstone 20 Jul 2014 08:54 BST 3-17 January 2015

There is no excuse for missing out on the 2015 International 14 World Championships being held at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, in Victoria, Australia, from the 3rd to the 17 January 2015.

Everything an International 14 sailor needs for a great time and good competition is going to be at next year's Worlds in Geelong.

Victorian Fourteen Foot Sailing Council President and class representative on the organising committee, Matt Balmer, is firm is in his view of, "no excuses, no regrets," everyone should be in Geelong in 2015.

"It's an open championship, so everyone is welcome. Anyone can come and compete against the world's best. There is no qualifying or rankings to get in there," Balmer said.

At the top end of the fleet the competition is going to be hot. The best class skippers from UK, Canada, Germany, America and Australia will be in town with their leading-edge design boats and crew. For the class novices, there will be opportunities to be up on the podium as well, with lots of daily prizes, encouragement awards and a handicap results on offer.

The famous flat-water sailing conditions on Geelong's Corio Bay are perfect for both the expert and novice class member. Boat speeds will get up which will ensure exciting racing for the sailors and the spectators.

"The flat water will definitely make it much easier for a novice crew to handle the boat and get around the course. Even when it is windy you will still be able to focus more on the racing, rather than just getting the boat around the course safely.

"The Northern Hemisphere guys have a perception that Australia is too windy. That was part of the reasoning behind selecting Geelong. We get sea breezes there, but they are not Perth sea breezes, not 25 knots.

"We want as many boats as possible finishing as many races as possible, while still having good conditions for the top ones to fairly fight out for the trophies," he added.

There'll be no chance of hypothermia at the Geelong championships with hot summer days greeting the Northern Hemisphere competitors as they enjoy the warm water and brilliant sunshine.

The host venue, Royal Geelong Yacht Club, is an internationally recognised regatta venue, which is known for it's superb facilities, World Class race management and welcoming members and volunteers.

It's only a short walk from the club to a range of affordable accommodation choices and the centre of town, RGYC forms a great venue for both competitors and their families.

Geelong is known as the gateway to the magnificent Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula, offering visitors the chance to experience some of the World's best surf beaches, alongside award winning wineries and golf courses.

The social program for competitors and their families is going to be full of great activities to maximise the trip to Geelong. The Australian fleet members are planning to show to their international visitors many of their national championship traditions; including, daily post-race drinks and presentations, Aussie Barbeques and plenty of hometown hospitality.

The two Lay Days will have on offer plenty of activities, which the sailors and their family members can enjoy, including the choice of a visit to the local surf beach for some surfing lessons.

Standard Entries close on 14th November 2014. Late entries may be accepted after this time with a late entry administration fee of AUD 100 applying, until the close of entries on 12th December 2014.

Notice of Race available at: www.i14worlds2015.com/regatta-documents Enter here: www.i14worlds2015.com/online-entry