The 2016 Sailing Calendar

7/26/2019 The 2016 Sailing Calendar

1/7

2 6

ailing

Image Source: Steve Hall

By J effery Nevi l
https://www.flickr.com/photos/oclipa/20691108038/https://www.flickr.com/photos/oclipa/20691108038/


2/7

Sailing, like all the best sports, is a pinch

of athleticism mixed with some stunning

sights, challenges unlike any other

sporting practice and a genuine sense of

achievement.

Today, sailing is a highly specialised

practice that has come a long way since

our ancestors depended on it. Technical

innovations, such as satellite

communications, have added the

benefits of GPS, satellite phones and

even Wi-Fi. These developments havemade sailing more accessible than ever,

and to a much wider variety of people.

This combined with our historical affinity

for sailing has shaped a calendar of

events worldwide across 2016 that

simply shouldnt be missed.


3/7

Antigua Sailing Week

April 23rd

to 29th

Image Source: Seun Ismall

The 2016 Antigua Sailing Week will host

a wide range of regattas, events, and

high speed races in and around the

waters of the remote Caribbean islandits named after. The setting is almost

perfect, with clear waters and beaches

for watching all the action, and perfect

weather all year round.

The sailing week itself is one of the

oldest in the world, formed in 1968 by a

group of Antiguan natives in an effort toboost tourism to the island during off-

peak month. Over 4 decades later, the

Antigua Sailing Week has grown into

one of the largest celebrations of sailing

culture in the world, honouring both the

classic, vintage world of Caribbean

yacht racing, as well as the evolution of

the practice and the technologies it now

encompasses.

A new addition in 2016 will be a series

of courses and workshops. Hosted by

industry experts, these courses will

range from beginner to advanced,

offering educational, hand-on sessions

for anyone with an interest in developing

their technical understanding of sailing.

Visit the website
https://www.flickr.com/photos/seun78/6097895404/http://www.sailingweek.com/v4/http://www.sailingweek.com/v4/https://www.flickr.com/photos/seun78/6097895404/


4/7

Hyres Sailing World

Cup

April 25th to May 1st

Image Source: International Sailing Federation

Having finally been awarded official

Sailing World Cup status in 2013, theHyres circuit of the SWC has become

an integral part of the entire event. Over

a 10 day period in early Summer, some

of the best international sailing talent will

come to compete in Hyres. The

prestigious event is seen as a precursor

to the Olympic Games for professional

sailors, indicating in advance who will be

competing.

So far, the Hyres stretch of the SWC

has entered into 10 Olympic Series, as

well as 2 Paralympic series. Over 60

nations are represented at the event,

with over 150 boats on average taking

place in the regatta, as well as 27

international judges and over 350

volunteers.

If youre interested in seeing the very

best in sailing talent from around the

globe, as well as something to tide you

over until the Olympics in Rio, the

Hyres Sailing World Cup is as serious

as it gets.

Visit the website
https://www.flickr.com/photos/isafmedialibrary/10308008363/http://www.sailing.org/worldcup/regattas/hyeres_2015.phphttp://www.sailing.org/worldcup/regattas/hyeres_2015.phphttps://www.flickr.com/photos/isafmedialibrary/10308008363/


5/7

54th Lord Birkett

Memorial Trophy

July 2nd & 3rd

Image Source: Natural England

Sailing is a common past-time along the

seven-mile long Ullswater Lake, locatedin the picturesque Lake District. The

Ullswater is home to several sailing

institutions, including the Ullswater

Yacht Club, an organisation that has

been hosting events at Ullswater on a

local, national and international scale

since 1960.

One of the most famous of these is the

Lord Birkett Memorial; an annual regatta

in which contestants race the entire

length of the Ullswater and back over

the course of 2 days. The competition is

open to sailors of all experience levels,

and sees visitors from home and

abroad come to cheer the racers on.

Last years event saw a record breaking

231 boats take part in the race.

The site of the race itself is a tranquil

slice of English countryside, with plenty

of room to fit campervans and tents.

Alternatively, you can hop on the

Ullswater Steamer and follow the action

all the way down the river, complete with

commentary.

Visit the website
https://www.flickr.com/photos/naturalengland/6152016239/http://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk/http://www.ullswateryachtclub.org/Default.aspx?tabid=227http://www.ullswateryachtclub.org/Default.aspx?tabid=227http://www.ullswateryachtclub.org/Default.aspx?tabid=227http://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk/https://www.flickr.com/photos/naturalengland/6152016239/


6/7

Rio 2016 Olympics &

Paralympics

August 5th to 21st

Source: International Sailing Federation

Rio has a grand legacy to live up to, with

the shadow of the London games stilllooming largely. Nevertheless, the Rio

Olympic Games are set to be just as

impactful, taking place against the

backdrop of one of the most bustling,

vibrant, and colourful cities in the world.

Therell also be plenty of sailing to enjoy

at the games. Marina da Gloria, locatedat Guanabara Bay, is currently being

revamped for the Olympics. The venue

itself is world famous as a spot for

competitive sailing; in 2009, it served as

part of the Volvo Ocean Race circuit,

whilst in 2007 it hosted the Pan

American Games.

Qualification requirements whererevealed last month, which means

competition in the lead-up to the games

will be fierce for a competing spot. On

an international level, the Olympics will

offer the biggest sailing event of the

year, featuring the best talent and

technology for the casual observer to

enjoy!

Visit the website
https://www.flickr.com/photos/isafmedialibrary/10267743236/http://www.rio2016.com/enhttp://www.rio2016.com/enhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/isafmedialibrary/10267743236/


7/7

Checklist

Appropriate Clothing-Sailing jackets,

whether youre taking part or just

observing, will keep you dry, warm, andhelp you look the part.

Image Source:Marine Super Store

SustenanceRegattas can last hours,

even days, so make sure youre suitably

hydrated and fed through-out an event.

BinocularsIf you have a keen interest

in boating, especially the technical

aspects, nothing beats technical sailing

in action. Bring your binoculars so you

dont miss anything.

Image Source:Binoculars

Dry ClothesYoull almost always be

near a source of water, so bring plenty

of dry, alternate clothing to ensure you

arent uncomfortable at any point.

A Sailing WatchKeep track of your

race. Monitor your race time and

progress throughout your regatta with

state of the art technology.

Image Source:Marine Super Store
http://www.marinesuperstore.com/clothing-technical/jacketshttp://www.marinesuperstore.com/http://www.flickr.com/photos/35264349@N02/23858428193http://www.marinesuperstore.com/http://www.marinesuperstore.com/http://www.flickr.com/photos/35264349@N02/23858428193http://www.marinesuperstore.com/http://www.marinesuperstore.com/clothing-technical/jackets

Documents

The 2016 Sailing Calendar