28th July to 3rd August – Arco- Lake Garda – Italy
300 skippers from 14 different countries are already registered for the forthcoming O’pen Skiff World Championships from 28th July to 3rd August in Arco on Lake Garda, Italy. There have never been so many racers or countries present. These numbers reflect the exceptional dynamism of the international class and the broad appeal of Tahe’s excellent dinghy rig.
With three weeks to go to the start of this historic event, all the racers are in intensive training to try and win their class in the U12, U15 and U17 categories and 14 different countries will be represented on the start line.
As of today 299 entries have been received and, behind the two biggest teams (France and Italy), other nations will also have a strong presence. The home nation has the biggest group with 125 young skippers from Italy’s major clubs making them one of the favourites for overall honours at their favourite competition location. The French team is bringing an impressive 65 competitors, the biggest contingent France has ever sent to an overseas event ! The Polish team numbers an impressive 32, who showed their skills to good effect in 2023 with podium spots in the U12 and U15 sections. And with nearly 20, the New Zealand team is back in force after their Covid-enforced absence. No doubt the reigning U15 Champion Erwan Brazle will be looking to retain his title !
The German team is up to 17 with many of them training regularly on Garda. And there’s also a strong Japanese team, Japan will host the 2025 Championships, with India also increasing their presence, up to 7 skippers present in Arco this year. Great news ! America likewise make a welcome return, bringing 7 racers with a lot of experience on the American national circuit, as is Hungary, with Switzerland and Australia not far behind, always very active on the international scene. And to round off our tour of the nations, a special mention for Ukrainian entrant Sviatoslav Yasnolobov, the 2023 U12 Champion, and the small but top-performing Spanish micro-team, who took the 2nd and 3rd spots on the U15s podium.
It’s shaping up to be a hotly-contested Championship week on this magnificent expanse of water, with its exceptional wind stats that should allow all the competitors to enjoy their racing in the best possible conditions !
