Formula 16 World Championship - Aussies claim title in Newport

by U.S. F16 Class Association on 10 Jul 2014 Australian sailors Adrian Fawcett and Jesse Dobbie on Falcon F16 dominated the fourth F16 World Championship of the young Formula 16 Catamaran class in Newport, Rhode Island.

Former Olympic silver medalists Pease and Jay Glaser tried hard, but just managed to end fourth on the final result list. The young hotshots and current U.S. Formula16 Champs Ravi Parent and Sam Armington on a Viper did better and came second. The podium was completed with Robbie Daniel from Red Gear Racing and the primary sponsor of the event together with his crew Catherine Shannahan on a Viper.

Adrian Fawcett and Jesse Dobbie (AUS) said, 'The venue for this Worlds was fantastic. Newport is a place all sailors need to visit. Friendly people, lots to do and see and really great sailing conditions. We did lose a day due to unstable wind but Mike the PRO still managed to get in 13 races.'

A typical F16 fleet with single handers, youth teams and mixed gender teams enjoyed racing in Nangarasset Bay. Again, the F16 class showed it's big versatility. The youngest skipper on the racecourse had just reached the age of 12, the oldest sailor was 74 years old with several youth teams in the fleet.

Whereas the top end of the fleet showed professional sailing performances, the weekend teams competing enjoyed their company and were happy competing in this event.

The regatta clearly showed, that the F16 boats can be handled by youth teams in any weather conditions. As there are worldwide fleets racing and as there are affordable second hand boats, the class could offer opportunities for young sailors after leaving the Optimist class.

Full results can be found here.

The next big event for the F16 class are the Europeans in Le Touquet from 28/07 till 01/08. More info here.