49er, 49erFX, and Nacra 17 North American Championships

Three of the 2016 Olympic events – 49er, 49erFX, and Nacra 17 – will have their 2015 North American Championship on February 5-8 in Clearwater, Florida. Over 70 from 19 different countries and 5 continents have already registered. This will be a warm-up for the three classes which will hold their 2016 World Championship in Clearwater on February 7-14.

Looking to continue their role in the 49er will be recent ISAF Sailing World Cup Final Champions Tomasz Januszevski and Jacob Nowak from Poland. This duo has been climbing the rankings for years and just came off their first major victory.

Also in the running will be Germany’s Erik Heil and Thomas Ploessel, winners of the World Cup of Sailing in Palma in 2014. This will be their first time racing since returning from Ploessel’s recent injury.

Local fans can cheer for Brad Funk and Trevor Burd. This pair only linked up in 2013, but already won a Bronze medal at last year’s World Cup of Sailing Miami; since then they were the top team from USA at the 2014 World Championship. There is a tough fight coming together for the lone Olympic berth so team Funky-Burd will be looking for a good showing. Locals will also be cheering on Robbie Daniels of Red Gear Racing, sailing a Nacra 17.

In the women’s 49erFX there is a strong Danish contingent looking to assert their excellence. Leading the group are two time European Champions Ida Nielsen and Marie Olsen. Griselda Khng and Sara Tan from Singapore are also likely to feature in the proceedings. These two broke onto the skiff sailing scene as light air specialists but have recently improved their heavy air skills and now aim to be contenders in all conditions.

Strong American and Canadian squads are likely to feature into the top 10 with most teams having spent December training in Clearwater as a lead up to this event.

The City of Clearwater with its partners Tampa Bay Charities, Clearwater Community Sailing Center, St. Petersburg/Clearwater Sports Commission and the Clearwater Yacht Club will host the racing at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach.

Event website: http://www.regattanetwork.com/event/9385