M32 Class begins the World Title Season

It’s world championship season in the USA with a succession of class organizations preparing for the biggest event of the season. Throughout the country, J/70, Farr 40, Star, Sunfish, and Formula 18 sailors are hopeful fall weather will deliver consistent winds for their elite competition.

The party gets started with the M32 Class which has its 2018 World Championship on September 20 to 23 in Chicago, IL. Twelve teams will take the fight to Lake Michigan where the favorite will be Kiwi Phil Robertson and the crew of ChinaOne Ningbo which won the inaugural M32 World Championship last year.

The team got a good start in their bid to defend last weekend by winning the pre-world championship regatta. “The conditions were pretty challenging…super windy all weekend long with flat water. It made for some great sailing,” said Robertson.

The team, which is managed by Craig Monk, was created to support Chinese efforts to provide opportunities for young nationals to climb the ladder of success in various aspect of sailing. Among the crew for the Worlds will be Liu Ming (Leo), who was a member of the Dongfeng Race Team in the 2017-2018 Volvo Ocean Race.

Ming, with experience sailing Hobie 16s during his time on the Chinese National Sailing Team, had also gained time on the Extreme 40 and the M32 during his time working with Dongfeng. “I have never sailed with Phil before but this is a cool opportunity to learn and I look forward to more racing,” reports Leo.

“We are looking forward to a very competitive fleet who see us as the benchmark in the class,” said Monk. “The team is proud to be representing the City of Ningbo in such a prestigious regatta.”

Live coverage of the racing will be at M32 World on Facebook.

Event details – Entry list