The countdown is on to the 2016 RC44 World Championship

by RC44 Class Association on 5 May 2016 The countdown is on to the 2016 RC44 World Championship Marina de Sotogrande and with less than a week to go, defending Champion Vladimir Prosikhin and his crew onboard Team Nika will undoubtedly be eyeing-up the 11-strong fleet in competition for their title.

Third place in both the match and fleet racing at the RC44 Bermuda Cup in March was a respectable start to the season for Prosikhin, as the team found their feet with two new crew members onboard. However, with Bronenosec Sailing Team on red hot form on the one hand, and Team Aqua gunning for the only title they have never won on the other, Team Nika will have to up their game next week if they want to stay ahead in what promises to be one of the hardest fought World Championship events to date.

The dominant force in the fleet after winning the Bermuda Cup in March, Team Aqua enter this years World Championship as favourites, with the iconic golden steering wheels on deck. But, despite an impressive track record after nine years, five fleet racing series titles and three match racing series titles, the RC44 World Championship crown has always eluded them. A fortune tactician Cameron Appleton will be looking to change this year.

'Expectations to win this event are normal within our program, all teams yearly goals are based around the worlds. But for sure if you try too hard or want something to badly you will make mistakes and forget about the basics of what makes an event successful. One thing about this class, you can't make mistakes the fleet is just too good,' commented Appleton.

New to the fleet in Sotogrande is the all Russian crew of BlackWater and, after a short absence at the beginning of the year, Nico Poons' team Charisma returns to the fleet with American John Kostecki calling tactics and French team Aleph Racing comes back with Kiwi Olympic sailor Hamish Pepper onboard as tactician.

Next week will also be a big one for local heroes Peninsula Petroleum Sailing Team. Racing on the beautiful home waters of San Roque owner John Bassadone will be hoping good fortunes and the dependable westerly Poniente breeze will be blowing in his favour as he takes on the fleet.

'It's fantastic to sail in familiar waters so close to where I live in Gibraltar. To have this regatta as the World Championship makes its additionally special. I am looking forward to seeing our friends and fellow competitors and hope we get good wind and everyone has great fun,' explained Bassadone.

Racing kicks off on Wednesday 11th May with a day of match racing followed by four days of fleet racing for the World Championship crown and with every team capable of not only winning races but regattas; the RC44 World Championship Marina de Sotogrande is not to be missed.