Please select your home edition
Edition
Zhik 2024 December

Kiel to host 2017 Para World Sailing Championships

by Daniel Smith 11 Dec 2016 21:05 AEDT 20-25 June 2017
Heiko Kroger (GER) racing at the Kieler Woche © Otto Kasch

Kiel, Germany has been selected by World Sailing to host the 2017 Para World Sailing Championships from 20-25 June during the world-renowned Kiel Week 2017.

Kiel's announcement as the host venue falls less than one month after World Sailing released the Para World Sailing Strategic Plan for 2017-2020. The Plan outlines four main priorities as well tactics to achieve the goals, ensuring World Sailing presents a strong bid to the International Paralympic Committee for re-introduction into the 2024 Paralympic Games and future editions.

View the Para World Sailing Strategic Plan [PDF].

The 2017 Para World Sailing Championships will be an integral part of World Sailing's continued efforts for reinstatement and the governing body has committed £90,000 to support sailor participation at the event. In addition, World Sailing's logistics and shipping partner, GAC Pindar, will support the transportation of Para World Sailing equipment to the 2017 Worlds and the 2017 Sailing World Cup Hyeres.

The disciplines proposed by the Para World Sailing Committee for inclusion in the 2017 Championships are:

  • One Person Keelboat (Norlin 2.4 OD) – Open
  • One Person Keelboat (Hansa 303) – Female
  • One Person Keelboat (Hansa 303) – Male
  • Two Person Multihull (Weta) – Mixed
  • Two Person Keelboat (SKUD 18) – Open (International Championship)
  • Three Person Keelboat (Sonar) – Open (International Championship)
  • Other formats may also be tested in the Weta and Hansa 303.

Kim Andersen, President of World Sailing said, "The 2017 Para World Sailing Championships is a pivotal event for World Sailing to demonstrate to the International Paralympic Committee the strides we have taken to develop and enhance Para World Sailing.

"Positive steps have been taken since the sport was removed from the 2020 Paralympic Sports Programme and we continue to work closely with the athletes, our members, classes and the media to push for reinstatement in 2024 and continuity beyond.

"Kiel have a long running history of delivering exceptional sailing events and through our combined efforts and with the support of our partners we aim to deliver record attendance at a Para World Sailing event."

On the selection of Kiel, Massimo Dighe, Para World Sailing Manager, added, "All four bids received for the 2017 Para World Sailing Championships were excellent and this highlighted the significance and importance of the event.

"The decision of the Para World Sailing Committee to select Kiel as host venue for 2017 is a great occasion for the sport, being a part of a big event like Kieler-Woche, that every year grabs the interest of sailors and attention of the media around the world is really important.

"World Sailing will start to work with the organisers immediately to ensure that the event is a success and showcases the progression of Para World Sailing."

Dirk Ramhorst, Event Chairman of Kieler Woche said, "We are proud and happy to host the Para World Sailing Championships 2017 in Kiel within the Kieler Woche. We will make sure that this event will contribute to the return of sailing in the Paralympic Games in 2024.

"Inclusion of disabled sailing has always been an integral part of the Kieler-Woche portfolio. The city of Kiel and the state of Schleswig-Holstein have invested significantly in the recent years to make the venue and harbour of Kiel Schilksee fully wheelchair friendly. I am personally looking forward to welcoming all Para World Sailors in Kiel next year."

Related Articles

The Ocean Cleanup's 30 Cities Program
A look at The Ocean Cleanup and its the 30 Cities Program The cliche goes that one should avoid meeting one's heroes, as there's always a chance that the flesh-and-blood person might not live up to expectations. While I've never met Boyan Slat, I'd gladly take this risk. Posted today at 9:00 pm
Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta day 3
Mother Nature teases the competitors Mother Nature teased the competitors today and made them wait a bit, but she did not disappoint; the sun came out and a big westerly built to 18-20 knots! Posted today at 5:22 pm
A century of human endeavour
The Fastnet Race is regarded as one of offshore sailing's most complete proving grounds For 100 years, the Rolex Fastnet Race has been regarded as one of offshore sailing's most complete proving grounds. It is a place where ambitions and dreams meet harsh reality, where skill, endurance and fortitude are severely tested. Posted today at 10:14 am
Martine Grael in Racing on the Edge
First female driver to win a Fleet Race captured in behind-the-scenes documentary Major milestone moment for SailGP captured in behind-the-scenes documentary series, which reaches 10 million total viewers since launching in 2021. Posted today at 8:45 am
Get ready to celebrate world's best sailing photos
16th edition of the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award Professional photographers from around the globe are invited to submit their best yacht racing images captured between October 14, 2024, and October 12, 2025. Posted today at 7:15 am
Alli Bell & Restless crew to make Transpac history
On course to be the first woman skipper to win Transpac overall Alli Bell and the crew of her Cal 40 Restless took a winch handle to the notion that winning the Transpacific Yacht Race's top corrected-time prize requires membership in an old-boys club or a mighty war chest. Posted today at 6:28 am
Rolex Fastnet Race IRC Four preview
The pinnacle of grass roots sailing has 97 entries The very largest yachts, including the 100ft Ultim foiling trimarans and 60ft IMOCAs are an essential part of the spectacle of the Fastnet Race, however a critical element in the race's enduring appeal is that this is predominately a grass roots event. Posted on 14 Jul
Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta day 2
Classic Long Beach conditions return The weather conditions at the Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta shifted noticeably today, delivering the classic Long Beach breeze that many expect from this world-class venue. Posted on 14 Jul
NYYC International Women's Championship update
Third group of skippers includes Nicole Breault, Dominique Proyoveur, Laura van Veen While there is no nationality requirement for the crews that will compete in the 2026 New York Yacht Club International Women's Championship, a number of teams are embracing the opportunity to wave their respective national flags at the debut edition. Posted on 14 Jul
The Sardinia Cup set to return in 2026
The competition will make its long-awaited return to the waters of the Costa Smeralda The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) is pleased to announce the return of the Sardinia Cup, one of the Club's most iconic regattas and a renowned international sailing event. Posted on 14 Jul
Hyde Sails 2024 - One DesignBoat Books Australia FOOTERSea Sure 2025