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I left work at 11.15am. Home for a nice relaxing shower (because it will probably be >32 hours until my next one). The drive to Sydney was quite congested as today is the last day of the school holidays. Lucky me!
Dropped the car off to my son Simon at his work. Managed to pick up a very hydrating hand cream (which I will use as a face cream whilst away) from Crabtree & Evelyn. La Source to be exact. I had to buy one as believe it or not, the Beauty Therapist forgot her good stuff!!!
What’s that you say? The plumber with the leaking tap. The Builder with the squeaky door. Etc. Oh well.
Getting out of the shopping centre in the direction of the Railway station took me 15 minutes asking many questions of many people.
Successfully made it to the International Airport. I would recommend coming by train as it is very easy to navigate (once you find the station platform). The highlight of the trip so far has been the 40 something stunning lady (who was sitting between two hefty males) who asked me if I would like a seat. Seriously. When I was 36 weeks pregnant (and I was enormous) no-one ever asked me to have their seat on public transport! However, now I have gone gray, it seems I qualify. LOL. I declined the offer.
It seems I am too early to Check In as desk G is unmanned at this time. It’s a great excuse to have a coffee to keep my eyes open for a little while longer. I have a chance to share this first section of my trip with you.

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.

Welcome to the 2018 Hansa Worlds Blog!

Here we will be posting news, photo’s and articles.