Author: jackie

DOWNLOAD RESULTS
2.3 Single Person
303 Single Person
303 Two Person
Liberty

DOWNLOAD DAY 1 VIDEO
VIDEO

VIEW VIDEO OF LAST NIGHT’S OPENING CEREMONY.

While we wait for results of today’s racing, here are a few photos of today’s activities.

Saturday Noon Hiroshima time and all systems are tested in order to get multiple boats and sailors onto the water. The sun came out and the clouds were patchy at best.

A steady breeze enabled all practicing sailors to get a feel for conditions at Kanon Marina.

The Hansa C Cranes and Keel Lifters were put into action and worked very well. Lots or smiles everywhere with such perfect weather conditions.

The pictures speak for themselves. So much colour and movement.

Then at 5pm the Opening Ceremony began.  And what an event it was with traditional Japanese entertainment, official speeches with government guests and sponsors, officials from the International Hansa Class Association as well as dedicated Japanese sailors.

PRACTICE RACE

Taka (JPN) Liberty Servo Division

Hanneke and Vera (NED) chatting with Nina from Thailand

OPENING CEREMONY

Photo by Liza Elburg for Hansa Sailing

Official guests on stage for speeches
Photo by Liza Elburg for Hansa Sailing

My first sailing day was in November 2017.

I loved the first experience but I love the sport and I love the person who works in the marina at Valpariaso in my country, Chile. So with this sport I need to demonstrate that this sport has no limits.

I feel secure in my Hansa Boat but most of all I feel complete.

At a Hansa Class event I meet all people whether able-bodied or disabled from all around the world. Making friends and learning about their lives too.

Inclusion is FOR ALL. All people are different and all people are humans.

I will remember the people and hopefully I will be taking home the winners trophy. I will also take home an understanding of Japanese tradition. One day I would like to live in Japan. The people are very kind.

I would like to invite the girls and boys of my model agency academy to sail with me. My academy is called “Academy of Inclusive Models Paula Miranda”

With registrations and equipment measuring well under way, today Kanon Marina became a hive of activity with the measurers measuring; regatta office personnel completing lists, score sheets etc; and sailors renewing old acquaintances and making new friends.  The Hansa boats are rigged and ready for action.

HANSAS SAILING IN EACH DIVISION

2.3 Singles – 17
303 Singles – 41
303 Doubles – 53
Liberty Single – 23
Liberty Single Servo – 11

SAILOR ENTRIES BY COUNTRY (191 sailors from 24 countries)

1.  Australia (45)
2. Brazil (2)
3. Canada (1)
4. Chile (4)
5. China PR (1)
6. France (17)
7. Great Britain (8)
8. Hong Kong (13)
9. Indonesia (2)
10. Ireland (1)
11. Italy (2)
12. Japan (56)
13. Korea (4)
14. Macau (1)
15. Netherlands (6)
16. New Zealand (4)
17. Philippines (2)
18. Poland (4)
19. Portugal (4)
20. Singapore (3)
21. Switzerland (8)
22. Thailand (1)
23. Tonga (1)
24. USA (1)

  

Today the weather at Kanon Marina was overcast with occasional light rain.  The containers were opened and teams unloaded their equipment to prepare their boats in readiness for measuring and racing later in the week.

Meanwhile the Organising Committee was busy putting the final touches to the venue;  ensuring all sailors and their support people were comfortable in their accommodation; and organising transport for sailors from hotels to the Marina .

The Paralympic Development Programme finishes on 11th so sailors were taking advantage of the expert coaching provided by World Sailing.

Sailors from around the world begin arriving at Hiroshima to prepare for the Hansa Worlds being held at Kanon Marina where 185 sailors of all ages and all abilities, representing 22 countries will compete in a festival of determination, achievement and camaraderie.

Three days of Measurement and Registration begins on Thursday (11th), with Practice Racing for all divisions on Sunday.   Five days of competition begins on 14th.

8-11 October the Paralympic Development Programme is being run by World Sailing at Kanon Marina.

Lots of activities in preparation for 2018 Hansa World Championships.

My name is Linda and I work for Hansa Sailing Systems in Nowra, Australia.  It is a fabulous workplace and the small, highly skilled team are very passionate about what they do.

If you were to sail one of our boats, in a regatta, you would be sailing in an arena of inclusion.  It means that this sport, involving Hansa Sail Boats, is truly an equal playing field.  Able-bodied people compete equally against people with disabilities.  The participants’ ability to read the wind and to sail the boat to their advantage, are the main skills needed to enjoy the competition.  This is truly an opportunity for everyone to have fun.

A more competitive bunch of participants is hard to find.  Surprisingly, at first, you begin to realise that there might be sheep stations at stake for anyone trying to obtain a placing in each race and ultimately the regatta overall.  Then after getting to know the competitors and hearing their stories, you realise that the quest for supremacy has taken many years of training and persistence.   This makes participation in a Hansa sailing event, even more special.

The involvement of volunteers is vital.  Volunteers are required to administer club memberships, raise funds, train sailors, set up and conduct sailing races. Volunteers also man the support boats then clean and store all equipment after every sailing day and regatta.  I have observed that some of the most satisfied volunteers are the ones who allow the sailors to experience the joy of sailing solo, by following in support boats and advising from a distance.

The friendships made at these sailing events are important.  Friendships are strengthened as the volunteers demonstrate their commitment to each other, the participants and to the world that is Hansa Sailing.  This involvement gives volunteers and sailors a great sense of belonging.  This is their community.  A community that is now – worldwide.

What about the spectators?  The Hansa boat and sail colours are infectious.  There are ten different hull and sail colours in the range.  Seeing a regatta full of colour is alluring to any spectator. Attending any Hansa Sailing event is sure to have you sharing pics on your social media.   You’ll be itching to attend a “come-and-try-sailing” day!!

Not being a sailor at all has made my work life interesting.   The learning curve (about the products, spares and the industry) has been quite sharp.  With the help of all members of the Hansa family, I am enjoying my switch to a completely different industry.

Thanks for joining me!  This is my first attempt (ever) at blogging.  More will come as we approach the 2018 Hansa Class World & International Championships Hiroshima, Japan beginning in Mid October.