The 63rd 5.5 Metre World Championship opened Sunday night at the impressive clubhouse of the Yacht Club of Greece overlooking the Saronic Gulf with views over the city of Athens.
Unfortunately, last week’s Scandinavian Gold Cup was cancelled as the high winds that have dominated the last seven days continued unabated. It was the first time in 107 years and 98 editions the Scandinavian Gold Cup has been abandoned with no racing possible.
The forecast for the coming week looks good, if still windy on some days to come, so the hope is that the World Championship can begin on schedule. However, Monday still looks windy, so racing is still in the balance.
The World Championship will feature twenty 5.5 Metres from nine countries.
The main contenders for the title will include 2023 champions Aspire POL 17, of Przemyslaw Gacek, Mateusz Kusznierewicz and Kilian Weise, fourth last year. Girls on Film GBR 41, of Louise Morton, Charlie Cumbley and Sam Haines.
Last year’s Scandinavian Gold Cup winners Marie-Françoise XXII SUI 233, of Jürg Menzi, Jürgen Eiermann and Christof Wilke, while several others boats could post a serious challenge including 2024 Scandinavian Gold Cup winners Ali-Baba SUI 224, of Flavio Marazzi, Julie Marazzi and Eline Marazzi, and Multi-Nations winners Otto NOR 68, of Bent Christian Wilhelmsen, Herve Cunningham and Lasse Berthelsen.
Racing is scheduled to start at 12.00 Monday 5 Oct.
The fleet are keeping their fingers crossed that Aeolus got the message.