The 2013 Shark World Championship, held in Germany, was won by a Canadian team. Using a borrowed boat provided by the host Club, the RHYC team led by Keven Piper along with team mates Tom Nelson and Jordin Clark won the nine-race series, defeating 45 other boats from Canada, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland and Austria. Two other Canadian yachts finished in the top ten, with Greg Cockburn from RCYC and John Brunt from the National finishing third and fourth respectively. (Austria took 2nd.)
Aug 23-29, 2014 Shark World Championship at The National YC (winners TBA)
This Championship is the high point of the Shark Class Regatta schedule and has been competed for since 1966. It is scheduled two years running in North America and one in Europe. In addition to entries from Canadian clubs from Windsor to Montreal and around the Golden Horseshoe, this regatta will attract entries from Austria, Germany and the USA. It is anticipated that as many as 70 boats will compete in this prestigious event, and it is planned to make this the biggest and best Worlds ever.
Following registration and measurement of boats all day on Saturday as well as Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon will see the traditional Shark Worlds Practice race followed by the official opening ceremonies and a reception for competitors and officials. Additional boats will compete on the practice race as we attempt to assemble the largest Shark start ever. A maximum of 10 races, including 9 course races and a long distance race, are schedule for Monday to Friday, with a maximum of 3 races being schedule for each day. Racing will take place just south of Toronto Islands.
On-shore a busy social schedule is planned with daily post-race “Attitude Adjustment” sessions, daily awards ceremonies and other fun activities to keep competitors busy. An Awards Banquet is schedule for Friday evening following the completion of racing and haul out of boats. As a dress rehearsal for this event, NYC hosted the very successful three-day Shark North American Championship in 2013. This event attracted 39 boats. For more information on the 2014 Shark Worlds please visit www.sharkworlds2014.com
Dave Thomas, Chair, 2014 Shark World Championships
Sailing With Devious, 2014 