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49er World Championship - World's top sailors prepare for battle

by Jerelyn Biehl on 7 May 2012
49er medal race with beautiful wind and waves - 49er World champs 2011 Event Media
The 2012 49er World Championship is set to get underway in Zadar, Croatia on the 7th of May with the prizegiving ceremony to take place on the 12th of May. Some of the world’s best sailors will be on hand in Zadar to do battle.

Seventy eight teams representing 32 nations have arrived in Zadar not only to claim the remaining five country slots for the 2012 Olympics but to test their skills for the upcoming Games against the best sailors as well as claim the title of 49er World Champion.

The last time the 49er Class was in Zadar was in 2009 for the European Championship where Pietro and Gianfranco Sibello of Italy were crowned champions. Fitting as Pietro will make his debut after a lengthy medical hiatus that will find him back on the water with his brother with hopes to qualify Italy for the 2012 Games. Pietro was given a hearty round of applause at the Opening Ceremonies last night by fellow competitors.

While several teams have already been named by their Federations for the 2012 Olympic Games and will use these Worlds as a testing ground, there are still several nations that have yet to name their team. Competition as always will be fast and furious and the organizers in Zadar are prepared to host the best event.

49er Worlds website
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