J24 celebrates a true World Championship
by Hugo Ottaway on 12 Jul 2010
Racing in Malmo - J24 2010 World Championships Simon Grain
Now in its 36th year, the J24 class has good reason to celebrate the forth coming 2010 World Championship in Sweden.
With the Global Financial Crisis it is a testament to the strength of true one design sailing that 13 countries are represented and with a month still to go before the starter fires the gun, this number is sure to increase.
J24 has always had a strong following and this year the world's best yachtsmen and women will gather in Malmo, Sweden. The entry includes Mauro Saint Cruz, 3 times world J24 Champion from Brazil, he along with with competitors from as far away as USA, Argentina, Japan and Singapore to name but a few, will make this a tough regatta.
Here in Melbourne two crews qualified to represent Australia and are preparing to leave next month for Malmo. The first is skippered by Kirsty Harris and her female crew, they have been training all winter and last month came second in the Australian Women's Keelboat Championships.
The second crew, skippered by Hugo Ottaway has one female crew, previous worlds competitor Nikki Claringbold on board.
The One Design J24, is perfect for both men and women to compete on even keels and there are many female crews competing.
The two Australian crews will travel the greatest distance of all the competitors to Sweden and are keen to match it with the worlds best.
To follow the regatta, go to the J24 worlds 2010 website. www.j24worlds2010.com
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