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6 May 2012, 11:26 am

Champions Ready To Go At SEIKO 49er Worlds

Youngsters Welcome Sailors To Croatia

©Nikola Sisko

49er World Championship

Zadar, Croatia

The 49er Class has returned to Zadar, Croatia to dispute the SEIKO 2012 World Championship with some of the best sailors in the world.

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 grounds, 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.

Follow the action on www.49erworlds.org with racing beginning May 7 and the prizegiving on May 12.

Jerelyn Biehl

World Sailing TV

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