The City of Auckland has been announced as the host of the Youth Sailing World Championships following the re-opening of the host selection process after the Oman Sailing Committee withdrew from hosting the event.
The Championships, due to take place on December 14-20 this year, is expected to attract around 400 young sailors from up to 70 nations.
New Zealand has a rich sailing history, particularly recently with Auckland having hosted a stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race and the 2016 Red Bull Foiling Generation, while Emirates Team New Zealand are currently competing for an America’s Cup spot with a team featuring the current Rolex World Sailor of the Year winners Peter Burling and Blair Tuke.
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Chief Executive Brett O’Riley said that the event, “fits well with Auckland’s world renowned on-water lifestyle, marine capability and commitment to sailing. Being host city for the Youth World Championships is an important step for Auckland if we are to be considered as a host for other large-scale World Sailing events. We look forward to welcoming these young sailors and their supporters to Auckland.”
