AFTER one-and-a-half years in the planning, Hobie Cat Australasia held the world’s largest Hobie 16 World Championships in Jervis Bay.
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This global event, supported by The Hobie Cat company worldwide, Shoalhaven City Council and Destination NSW, drew 901 athletes from 24 countries to compete in the 16-day regatta.
Hobie Cat Australasia built the 60 Hobie 16 catamarans sailed in the event.
Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash said hosting the event was a tremendous coup for the local area.
“I can think of no more scenic backdrop for such a prestigious event than the beautiful surrounds of Jervis Bay, and it was great to see competitors, officials and spectators make time to explore the Shoalhaven during their stay,” she said.
NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris congratulated Hobie Cat Australasia on hosting the successful event.
“The Hobie 16 World Championships was a major regional event on the 2014 NSW calendar, and the NSW government is incredibly proud to have supported it through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.”
Five world champions were crowned across five classes during the regatta, with Gavin Colby and Josie Mark from Western Australia taking out the top prize in the Hobie 16 Open class.
Fellow Australians Cam Owen and Susan Ghent placed second and former world champions Jerome Le Gal and Marco Iazzetta from New Caledonia finished third.
With the race won and the beach back to its original pristine state, organisers are looking forward to the announcement of the 21st Hobie 16 World Championships, to be held in 2016.
