Feature

Delayed start for 2018 Star Worlds

Published on October 8th, 2018

Oxford, MD (October 8, 2018) – The opening day for the iconic and coveted Star World Championship trophy will need to wait until tomorrow as the anticipated light winds failed to be sufficient for racing on the Choptank River. All 62 teams remained on shore today rehashing strategies on dealing with the current and watching weather forecast for the week.

The 2018 Star World Championship features a diverse fleet, attracting twelve countries represent 13 out of the total 15 districts of the International Star Class and 41 out of its 79 total fleets. The youngest competitor is Max Hetherington-Young at 16 years old, a total of 65 years younger than the oldest sailor in the fleet, John Chiarella at 81. The average age across the entry list is 48 years old.

Class President Hubert Merkelbach’s mission in office is to help encourage that growth. “For me, I am happy that there are younger people in the class,” said Merkelbach. “The big subject for the future and my personal mission as president is to get new people in. Providing the boats, organizing clinics and having heroes such as Paul Cayard (USA) and Torben Grael (BRA) racing alongside should encourage new sailors to join our events, or at least we hope so.”

The entry list includes one brand new class member – Manu Hens from Belgium – sailing with Edoardo Natucci (ITA). “I have been to one regatta in the Star, last weekend in Lake Garda,” said Hens. “I have been dreaming about sailing Stars since I was 16 when I saw them for the first time at Keiler Woche. I was amazed by these boats. I think the Star is the most beautiful One-Design boat I ever saw.

“I talked to Augie (Diaz) for some information about the boat and told him I wanted to start properly with a good crew and he introduced me to Edoardo Natucci. I crave to be one of the Star sailors and I am so happy to be sailing with all of these legends. It’s a dream come true.”

Racing tomorrow is expected to begin at 11:00 EDT (UTC -4) with with two races scheduled. The 6-race series is planned from October 8 to 13 with reserve days on October 14-15.

Event details – Entry list – Facebook