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Access Class Meetings
David Staley, Sunday, 11 March 2012
A series of meetings have been scheduled during the Combined World, International & Australian Championships at Middle Harbour Yacht Club………..
Australian Access Class Association Annual General Meeting (Open)
MHYC Members Bar Monday April 9 at 5.30pm
International Access Class Technical Committee Meeting (Closed)
MHYC Quarterdeck Meeting Room Tuesday April 10 at 5.30pm
International Access Class Committee Meeting (Closed)
MHYC Quarterdeck Meeting Room Wednesday April 11 at 5.30pm
International Access Class Forum (Open)
MHYC Members Bar Thursday April 12 at 5.30pm
Access Sailing will also have a Liberty XS along with the new Breeze 2.3 and Breeze 303 available at MHYC prior to and during the event for IACA Committee members and other interested people to view and sail.
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UK Nationals at New Forest - GBR
David Staley, Monday, 27 February 2012
The 2012 Access Class UK Championships will be hosted by New Forest and District Sailability.
Friday April 27th will be a training day followed by racing on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th April.
The Notice of Race and other documentation can be downloaded from www.2012.accessnationals.org.uk
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French Nationals in Calais - FRA
David Staley, Monday, 27 February 2012
The 2012 French Access Class Championships for the Access 2.3, 303 and Liberty classes will be held at the Yacht Club Calaisis in Calais from 15 to 17 June 2012.
Enquiries about charter boats, accommodations etc should be via email to: vlenoir@club.fr or contact@calais-voile.fr
The Notice of Race and Entry Form can be downloaded below.
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Sail Auckland 2012 completed in light airs - NZL
Brendan Tourelle has won the New Zealand Liberty Championships
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Kristine Lederis as amended by IACA, Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Tuesday, 7 February 2012
The final day of Sail Auckland 2012 was plagued by light winds and extremely shifty conditions.
No races were completed in the 470, 420, Laser, Laser Radial and Finn. The SKUD 18, RS:X,and 2.4mR were the only classes to finish both of their scheduled races, and the 29er and 49ers had just one.
Tim Dempsey & Jan Apel (NZL) were off the pace in the lighter conditions, with Quentin Smith from Wanaka (NZL) at the helm of the Australia / New Zealand combination SKUD 18. Dempsey & Apel had won all heats 1-8, so had an insurmountable lead.
The Liberty class had three days of racing, finishing their competition on Monday afternoon. Brendan Tourelle caught and overtook John Buchanan on the final day to take home the National Championship title. Having led throughout the regatta, John was unable to recover from a DNF in race eight today caused by gear problems. Last year’s National Champion, Michael Jones of Wellington, finished in third.
The Royal Akarana Yacht Club and their team of volunteers from several other Auckland Sailing Clubs have pulled off a fantastic regatta, feedback from the sailors has been top notch. They will now start planning for Sail Auckland 2013, also to be held The Landing at Okahu Bay. Sail Auckland 2012 attracted 237 sailors in the Olympic, Paralympic and invited classes.
Getting behind Sail Auckland is a team of dedicated sponsors including The Orakei Marina, Auckland Council, The Lion Foundation, Te Waihou Reserve, New Zealand Spring Water and DB Breweries.
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![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17493.jpg) Sail Auckland 2012 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17494.jpg) Sail Auckland 2012 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17495.jpg) Sail Auckland 2012 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17496.jpg) Sail Auckland 2012 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17497.jpg) Sail Auckland 2012 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17498.jpg) Sail Auckland 2012 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17499.jpg) Sail Auckland 2012 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17500.jpg) Sail Auckland 2012 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17501.jpg) Sail Auckland 2012 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17502.jpg) Sail Auckland 2012 | |
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Fitzgibbon & Tesch Win in Miami - USA
David Staley, Monday, 30 January 2012
The Australian team of Daniel Fitzgibbon and Liesl Tesch have overcome the reigning SKUD 18 World Champions to claim Gold at the ISAF Sailing World Cup round in Miami, Florida.
Alexandra Rickham & Niki Birrell (GBR) started the day tied on points with the top Australians. It could not have been closer, with just two races left to complete on Biscayne Bay.
Fitzgibbon/Tesch were fourth in the first race of the day, putting them one point behind Rickham/Birrell. In the final heat, the Australians delivered, winning the race to take their second Rolex Miami OCR title by a single point.
“It has been a week of us just chipping away, coming back, coming back, until we were third, second and then last night we got up to first, and today we were able to win in the last race,” said Fitzgibbon.
“We were in second going into the final race and we had to beat the British team to win the regatta, I’m really happy about how it worked out.”
Rickham insists they were still happy with their performance at a venue which has proved tough for them in the past.
“We’re happy with everything – this is pretty much the worst venue for us! We seem to suffer here every year so to come away with a Silver is quite a big step forwards,” she explained.
“We’ve learnt tons here and at the Worlds as well – it was a much closer Worlds for us than it has been in the last few years, so I think all in all it’s more about what we’ve learnt from these events than the actual winning, though we always like to win!” Rickham concluded.
Miami was the final event in the US Paralympic Team Trials. Jen French and JP Creignou secured the Bronze and secured the right to represent the USA in the Paralympic Sailing competition later in the year.
French said dockside after racing, “We’ve had a tough week. Most of the boats have been close together, and all of the boats here will give us an idea of what the Paralympics will be like.”
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![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17475.jpg) 2012 Rolex Miami OCR |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17476.jpg) 2012 Rolex Miami OCR |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17478.jpg) 2012 Rolex Miami OCR |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17477.jpg) 2012 Rolex Miami OCR | |
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Rickham & Birrell Win IFDS Worlds in Florida - USA
Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell (GBR) have won the 2012 IFDS Worlds
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David Staley, Monday, 16 January 2012
The 2012 IFDS Worlds have concluded at Charlotte Harbour in Florida, with Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell (GBR) making it four in a row after winning in Athens in 2009, Medemblik in 2010 and Weymouth last year.
Just two points behind, second place was decided by a tie-break in favour of Jennifer French & JP Creignou (USA) who won the last race to displace Dan Fitzgibbon & Liesl Tesch (AUS).
Five boats scored race wins throughout the series, so racing was extremely competitive.
Final results are posted below. For more information, videos and photos, visit the event website.
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![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17464.jpg) SKUD 18s racing at the 2012 IFDS Worlds |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17465.jpg) SKUD 18s racing at the 2012 IFDS Worlds |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17466.jpg) SKUD 18s racing at the 2012 IFDS Worlds | |
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Australian Access Class Events Update - AUS
David Staley, Monday, 16 January 2012
Australian Masters Games, Adelaide Sailing Club, 9-14 October 2011
A fleet of 14 Access 303 & Liberties competed in Adelaide at the Masters Games Regatta conducted by the Adelaide Sailing Club. The Access division had the most States & Territories represented and the largest number of women participating. Results are posted at http://www.yachting.org.au/site/yachting/results/adelaidesc/2011/events/masters/SGrp4.htm
ISAF Sailing World Cup, Sail Melbourne International Regatta, Sandringham Yacht Club, 6-12 November 2011
In addition to the SKUD 18 fleet that has been participating in Sail Melbourne since 2007, this year the Access Liberty was also invited. 7 SKUD teams, from Australia, New Zealand and the UK, competed along with 10 Liberty sailors from the Netherlands and 5 Australian States. Both of the Access classes sailed a program of 10 races from November 7-12. Alexandra Rickham & Niki Birrell (GBR) won the SKUDs and Bob Schahinger won the Liberty competition. See a summary and the results at www.accessclass.org/?Page=30795
Tasmanian Access Class Championship, Derwent Sailing Squadron, 15-16 January 2012
Access 2.3 and 303 classes were included in this inaugural Tasmanian Championships. A regatta report from Russell Phillips, final results and photographs are available from www.accessclass.org/?Page=30784
New South Wales Access Class State Championships
This event was conducted on January 28 & 29 by Middle Harbour Yacht Club in conjunction with Sailability Manly and was preceded by the Manly Yacht Club Australia Day Regatta (January 26) and an AACA Coaching Clinic (January 27). Results photographs are available at /?Page=30839
South Australian Sailability Championships, Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club, 3-4 March 2012
Access 2.3, 303 & Liberty sailors will be welcomed in Goolwa for the Sailability Championships. For more information, visit www.gryc.com.au
‘Be Active’ West Australian Access Class Championship, Royal Perth Yacht Club, 11 March 2012
The championship will be contested in the Access 303 and Liberty classes. The Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions will be available from www.rpyc.com.au/index.php?id=69
Victorian Access Class Championships, Lysterfield Sailing Club, 17-18 March 2012
The Victorian Championships will be held over two days at Lysterfield Lake at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne’s east. There will be divisions for Access 2.3, 303 and Liberty classes. A Coaching Clinic will be held on Friday March 16 to enable competitors to prepare for the Victorian and World Championships. The Notice of Race, Entry Form and information about the AACA Coaching Clinic is available at www.accessclass.org/?Page=30815
AACA National Coaching Clinic, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, 4-5 April 2012
A two-day National Coaching Clinic will be held for Australian competitors in the Worlds. Boats and PFDs must be provided by the participants. For more information, visit www.accessclass.org/?Page=30816.
Access Class Worlds, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, 7-13 April 2012
Middle Harbour Yacht Club are busy preparing for the 2012 Combined Access Class World & International Championships for the Access 2.3, 303, Liberty and SKUD 18. 120 sailors from 12 nations are expected to be in Sydney for the event. An informative website has been established and online entries are now open. For all the event information, visit www.2012accessworlds.mhyc.com.au
Book Accommodation for the Access Class Worlds
Low cost group Accommodation has been secured by the AACA at Lands Edge Sydney Harbour for sailors, family members and volunteers who will be attending the regatta. To secure your place, book early. Information is available at www.accessclass.org/?Page=30818.
Charter Boats, Safety Boats and Volunteers Wanted
For the Access Worlds and the Coaching programs that precede the racing program in April next year, the AACA and MHYC are looking for boats and people.
A significant number of charter boats – Access 2.3, 303 and Liberty classes, with and without servo equipment – are required to meet the needs of an expected large group of international competitors. Owners will be paid $200 for a 2.3, $300 for a 303 or $400 for a Liberty chartered for the Worlds plus an additional 50% if the boat is also chartered for the coaching program. Competitors chartering boats will supply their own sails, but the charter boats must be in good racing condition. A number of coaches and support teams will also be looking to charter RIBs. For information about making a boat or boats available for charter, visit www.accessclass.org/?Page=30817.
MHYC have a large and enthusiastic group of volunteers already working on the 2012 Worlds, but they will need support and assistance to deliver such a large event. Volunteers are sought in a variety of areas that are outlined at http://www.2012accessworlds.mhyc.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view;=article&id;=93&Itemid;=72. If you are able to assist, please contact Commodore Julie Hodder commodore@mhyc.com.au.
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![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17468.jpg) Inaugural Access Class Tasmanian Championships at Derwent Sailing Squadron, January 2012 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17469.jpg) Inaugural Access Class Tasmanian Championships at Derwent Sailing Squadron, January 2012 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17470.jpg) Inaugural Access Class Tasmanian Championships at Derwent Sailing Squadron, January 2012 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17471.jpg) Inaugural Access Class Tasmanian Championships at Derwent Sailing Squadron, January 2012 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17387.jpg) Barnbrook & Mason (AUS) were fourth at Sail Melbourne 2011 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17388.jpg) SKUD 18 Podium at Sail Melbourne 2011 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17389.jpg) Liberty Podium at Sail Melbourne 2011 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17390.jpg) SKUD 18 and Liberties raced at Sail Melbourne 2011 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17391.jpg) SKUD 18 Podium at the ISAF Sailing World Cup Sail Melbourne 2011 |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17392.jpg) Alexandra Rickham & Niki Birrell (GBR) have won the 2011 Sail Melbourne International Regatta |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17393.jpg) Mike Cull (AUS/WA) was third in the Liberty fleet at the 2011 Sail Melbourne International Regatta |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17394.jpg) Bob Hamilton (AUS/NSW) at the 2011 Sail Melbourne International Regatta |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17395.jpg) Ame Branbrook & Lindsay Mason (AUS) at the 2011 Sail Melbourne International Regatta |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17396.jpg) Jamie Dunross & Rachael Cox (AUS) at the 2011 Sail Melbourne International Regatta |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/17397.jpg) Bob Schahinger (AUS/SA) at the 2011 Sail Melbourne International Regatta | |
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SKUD 18 Tuning Guide Published
David Staley, Sunday, 1 January 2012
Version 1 of the SKUD 18 Tuning Guide has been prepared by the IACA SKUD 18 Committee to assist new sailors in the class to prepare their MkI or MkII boat to a competitive level as quickly and easily as possible. The Tuning Guide can be downloaded via the link below. Please note these are guidelines and recommendations only. To help us improve this guide, please forward any comments or suggestions to info@accessclass.org.
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Australian Access Class Regatta Program - AUS
David Staley, Tuesday, 16 August 2011
There are a number of high quality regattas for the Access classes coming up, providing plenty of opportunity for sailors to prepare for the 2012 Combined Access Class World & International Championships……
Australian Masters Games, Adelaide Sailing Club, 9-14 October 2011
There will be a good fleet of Access 303 & Liberty sailors competing in Adelaide. Late entries are still being accepted. For more information or to enter, visit http://australianmastersgames.com.au/Extra.asp?id=122
Sail Sydney International Regatta, Sailability Rushcutters Bay, 1-4 November 2011
A strong fleet of SKUD 18s from at least 4 nations is expected for SIRS in November. Last year was the first time the SKUDs had participated and 7 teams enjoyed the competition and hospitality of Sailability Rushcutters Bay. This event is for Olympic and Paralympic classes only. The Notice of Race has just been published and is available on the event website www.sailsydney.org.au
ISAF Sailing World Cup, Sail Melbourne International Regatta, Sandringham Yacht Club, 6-12 November 2011
In addition to the SKUD 18 fleet that has been participating in Sail Melbourne since 2007, this year the Access Liberty has also been invited. Both of the Access classes will have a program of 10 races from November 7-12. For Liberty sailors, this is an outstanding opportunity to participate in an ISAF Sailing World Cup event with world class race management and an ideal venue. The Notice of Race and online entry is now available at www.sailmelbourne.com.au
Sail Sydney Regatta, 15-18 December 2011
All of the Access classes are invited to participate in the second part of Sail Sydney this year. Details of the host venue are still being finalised (either Sydney Harbour or Botany Bay), so keep an eye on the event website www.sailsydney.org.au
Tasmanian Access Class Championship, Derwent Sailing Squadron, 15-16 January 2012
All the Access classes are invited to participate in this inaugural Tasmanian Championships.
New South Wales Access Class State Championships
It is anticipated this event will be conducted on January 28 & 29 by Middle Harbour Yacht Club in conjunction with Sailability Manly. Keep an eye on the Access Class website for more information.
South Australian Sailability Championships, Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club, 3-4 March 2012
Access 2.3, 303 & Liberty sailors will be welcomed in Goolwa for the Sailability Championships. For more information, visit www.gryc.com.au
‘Be Active’ West Australian Access Class Championship, Royal Perth Yacht Club, 11 March 2012
The championship will be contested in the Access 303 and Liberty classes. The Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions will be available from www.rpyc.com.au/index.php?id=69
Victorian Access Class Championships, Lysterfield Sailing Club, 17-18 March 2012
The Victorian Championships will be held over two days at Lysterfield Lake at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne’s east. There will be divisions for Access 2.3, 303 and Liberty classes. A Coaching Clinic will be held on Friday March 16 to enable competitors to prepare for the Victorian and World Championships. For additional information, email david@accessclass.org
IACA International Coaching Clinic, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, 2-3 April 2012
A two-day International Coaching Clinic will be held for overseas competitors in the Worlds. Boats and PFDs must be provided by the participants. Coaching fees are to be confirmed. Enquiries to David Staley david@accessclass.org.
AACA National Coaching Clinic, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, 4-5 April 2012
A two-day National Coaching Clinic will be held for AACA members at Middle Harbour Yacht Club. Boats and PFDs must be provided by the participants and coaching fees are $40 for the two-day clinic. Enquiries to David Staley david@accessclass.org.
Access Class Worlds, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, 7-13 April 2012
Middle Harbour Yacht Club are busy preparing for the 2012 Combined Access Class World & International Championships for the Access 2.3, 303, Liberty and SKUD 18. 120 sailors from 12 nations are expected to be in Sydney for the event. An informative website has been established and expressions of interest / entries are now invited. For all the event information, visit www.2012accessworlds.mhyc.com.au
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2012 Access Class Worlds to be held in Sydney
Middle Harbour Yacht Club - Venue for the 2012 Worlds
Photograph:David Staley
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David Staley, Wednesday, 30 March 2011
The Access Class 2012 Combined World & International Championships will be hosted by Australia’s Middle Harbour Yacht Club from April 7-13 next year. The event is expected to attract over 120 sailors from 12 countries.
The event is open to competitors of all agres and abilities, providing one of the few sporting arenas where athletes with a disability compete on equal terms with able bodied athletes.
The selected venue, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, is located at the Spit Mosman, just 7 kilometres north of Sydney's CBD.
The Club was established in 1939 and boasts an outstanding track record of hosting numerous high profile sailing events including the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta which brings together over 300 boats each March and the Premier Short Ocean Racing Championship – which is the lead up event to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race.
With a membership of 1600 and the largest active sailing membership in Sydney, MHYC is one of Australia's most respected yacht clubs with numerous Olympians and National Champions amongst its members. Recognised as a national leader in sail training and aquatic education programs, the Club premises is also the home of the Australian Sailing Team.
Its facilities also include a 75-berth, fully-serviced, floating marina; 700m2 rigging area; bar and dining facilities and a tranquil, shore-side beach which makes MHYC unique.
The Club’s highly-qualified race management team, who managed key course areas for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, will manage the event
MHYC Commodore Julie Hodder said, “We are delighted MHYC has been chosen to stage the prestigious Access Class 2012 Combined World and International Championships. We have the facilities and team to make it the Best Access Regatta Ever.”
“It is important athletes of all abilities have the opportunity to compete internationally. We propose to build on the excellent work undertaken by the Club’s Sailability program which is held every second Sunday at the Club,” she said.
Over the past 15 years, the Class has gained a strong following in Australia with very active support being provided by Sailability programs nationally working in close alliance with established sailing clubs. MHYC has joined with the local branch of Rotary to provide a strong team of volunteers and the resources necessary to support its Sailability program.
International Access Class Association President, Terry Peek said, “The IACA is delighted that Middle Harbour Yacht Club will be hosting the 2012 Worlds. The venue is outstanding and overseas visitors will really enjoy the club facilities, the beautiful Middle Harbour waterway, the local area and all that Sydney has to offer”.
“The Club has an excellent reputation for conducting high standard events and is approaching our 2012 Worlds with enthusiasm and professionalism. They will be well supported by the Class Association and Sailability in Australia. We encourage Access sailors from around the world to start planning their trip to Sydney in April 2012 – it will be an event not to be missed”, Mr Peek said.
About the Boats.....
The Access classes are universal design sailing boats sailed by people of all abilities right around the world. There are now more than 1800 boats sailing world-wide. The Access 2.3 is an International Sailing Federation (ISAF) International Class keelboat. The 303 and Liberty are ISAF Recognised Classes. Access fleets throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America continue to grow, with the majority of boats being used weekly in Sailability programs.
The SKUD 18, at 5.8 metres, is the largest of the Access classes and is the two person boat selected for the 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Sailing Competitions. With its asymmetric gennaker and high tech rig, the boat is an exciting challenge for able-bodied and disabled sailors alike. The SKUD has been designed to offer exciting high performance sailing for racing sailors regardless of their mobility
Competition Divisions.....
The Combined World & International Championships will incorporate the following divisions, each sailing 10 heats over 5 days of racing:
• Access 2.3 Single Person Open World Championship
• Access 2.3 Single Person Servo International Championship
• Access 303 Single Person Open World Championship
• Access 303 Two Person Open World Championship
• Access Liberty Single Person Open World Championship
• Access Liberty Single Person Servo International Championship
• SKUD 18 Two Person International Championship
For more information about the event visit www.2012accessworlds.mhyc.com.au
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![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/16933.jpg) Middle Harbour Yacht Club - Venue for the 2012 Worlds |
![](/web/20120317142340im_/http://www.skud.org/site/misc/image/thumbnail/16934.jpg) Members of the 2012 Worlds Organising Committee at MHYC | |
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