Royal Canadian YC to host International 14 World Championship

by Candice Best on 3 Aug 2013 At the International 14 (I14) World Championships, to be hosted by the Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCYC),
some of the world’s top sailors will showcase their skill and athleticism, from September 7 through September 22, 2013.

Competitors in the I14 fleet converge at the World Championships every 18 to 24 months to compete and see who has the fastest boat and the best crew. For this iteration of the championship, they’ll be doing so on Toronto’s waterfront with the RCYC island clubhouse as the hub.

The I14, as it is commonly referred to among the sailing crew, is a 14-foot racing dinghy, and one of the oldest dinghy classes racing today. It traces its origin back to the late nineteenth century. Over the past 100 years, the I14 has evolved, now boasting a fierce look and high-tech design that continues to fascinate awe-struck spectators and humble even the fittest sailors. Strategically maneuvered by its crew of talented athletes, the I14 reaches speeds of up to 25 knots or 50 kilometers per hour.

The Worlds will welcome competitors from countries such as Australia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan and the United States, as well as Canadian competitors. Additionally, several hundred spectators per day plus sponsors are expected to head out onto the water to watch the racing.

Beyond the races, there are a number of events – awards presentations, ceremonial banquets, dinners and social nights – scheduled over the two-week period. Competitor arrivals begin onSeptember 7, 2013, while racing activity starts on September 9, 2013.

Preparations for the 2013 I14 World Championships are being orchestrated primarily by RCYC members and staff. Countless volunteers have devoted their time to organizing the event, as well as improving the on-land competitor facilities. While some plans are over two years in the making, all hands are on deck as the start date approaches. The time and effort of the volunteers is a true reflection of the RCYC membership’s longstanding commitment to sailing excellence.

With the support of the RCYC membership, the broader sailing community, and the esteemed sponsors, the 2013 I14 World Championships are well positioned to go off without a hitch. Fierce competition between the world’s top sailors will create an exhilarating race for spectators.

Early bird registration for the I14 World Championships closes August 1, 2013. Expect exciting competitor announcements in the upcoming Event website