Sailors from 10 countries already registered for the Worlds in Gdynia
Over 20 crews representing 10 countries have already appeared on the starting list of the 505 World Championships in Gdynia. The event takes place on 18th till 27th, July. The organizers expect over 100 crews to participate, some truly renowned names among them.
Few days ago a dedicated app has been launched on the regatta webpage. It enables a quick and easy e-registration for the 505 Worlds. In only couple of days sailors from almost all continents have claimed their participation in the most important 505 event of this season. The record, rightfully, belongs to the hosts, the Polish teams however we already know that the starting line in Gdynia will welcome also the 505 sailors from Germany, the USA, Australia, France, Finland, Sweden, UK, Switzerland and South Africa.
The starting list begins with the youngest Polish 505 competitor. Emanuela Bartkowiak has moved to the demanding 505 class almost straight from an Optimist. Excellent technique together with a rather grand experience, taking the age into account, allows her to race with much older and more experienced participants in Poland.
Yet, another sailor did not hesitate to register, Anna Hauschild. Berlin-placed sailor have so far showed up twice for the Polish Championships: in 2016, in Krynica Morska and last year in Gdynia, where Anna came second in the general classification of the Polish Championships in Gdynia having been beaten only by Agnieszka Skrzypulec. Anna’s crew was another experienced 505 sailor, Axel Priegann.
Among the teams from Great Britain that have registered first, we have Nathan Batchelor that stands out - a truly experienced sailor, a member of the Ovington team - the shipyard that produces the 505 hulls. In 2016, during the 505 Worlds in Weymouth, Nathan had been first for several consecutive days, giving the lead only at the end of the races which he finished on the 5th position. The trademark of our Englishman are the marvelous sailing skills with weak and medium winds therefore he should be seen as the favorite of the Gdynia races.
The organizers assume over a hundred teams from all over the world to join in. The title is to be defended by Mike Holt and Carl Smit from the USA. Also Mike Martin, the 505 world champion in 2016 who came second a year later, is expected to come to Gdynia.
The full entry list can be found here.
The 505 yachts are seen on the waters of the whole world. The constantly evolving construction has been recognised by many a sailor. The boat is extremely quick. It possesses a comprehensive system of rigging which gives the opportunity to „fine-tune” the yacht according to any weather conditions, even with the most extreme wind speeds. In Poland, the class has granted itself visibility around 10 years ago, and ever since that time it has become the most popular two-people yachting class in our country.
Caption: photo - Anna Hauschild, Berlin, has especially become fond of the Polish sailing waters. In July 2017, during the 505 Polish Championships, she came second, giving lead only to Agnieszka Skrzypulec.