IFDS World Championships Under Starter’s Orders in USA

The 2012 International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) World Championships will get underway Saturday (7 January) in Florida, USA, with an Opening Ceremony and Welcome Party featuring nations and representatives from local boating clubs.

The annual event is the biggest major competition in the sport ahead of the London 2012 Paralympic Games and will see more than 100 sailors, on some 75 boats, from 20 countries take part. Competition is expected to be fierce with the line-up including many former world champions and countries who have qualified for London 2012.

Races will take place between Tuesday (10 January) and Sunday (15 January) and will see crews compete in three classes – 2.4mR, SKUD 18 and Sonar.

Two races are scheduled each day and daily awards will be made.

A total of 80 athletes will compete in the three gold medal events in the sailing competition in the waters off Weymouth Bay at the London 2012 Paralympic Games between 1-6 September 2012.