Saturday – Practice Race and Opening Ceremony

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.