The World Sailing Show – July 2018

From non-stop around the world racers, to Olympic campaigns; from seasoned professionals, to grass roots sailors, The World Sailing Show provides a monthly view of the racing world. Here’s the July 2018 show synopsis.

IN BRIEF:
A new record, a new top dog and an overall scoreboard that was shaken up once again, the Volvo Ocean Race was hogging the headlines. But there was even more in store as the race lined up for the closest finish in its 45 year history.

At the other end of the speed scale, a group of intrepid solo sailors aboard their small production cruisers prepare to head off around the world in the 50th anniversary of Golden Globe Race.
We head to Croatia to take a look at the new wave of the world’s most advanced monohulls as the 52 Super Series gets under way.

Plus, a double billing for the GC32 fleet of foiling cats and part two of our preview for the world’s biggest Worlds in Aarhus.

FEATURES:

Volvo Ocean Race – The closest and the fastest
Broken records, broken gear, damaged pride and endless stress, the race across the Atlantic had it all, but there was more to come. Leg 10 from Cardiff to Gothenburg closed the points gap to nothing for the three leaders and as the end of the Volvo Ocean Race drew nearer the 45,000 mile race around the world looked set to be the closest in 45 years. The World Sailing Show was there.

The GC32s double bill – Lake Garda & Barcelona
It was the first ever GC32 World Championships and the first time that the fleets of GC32 Racing Tour and the Extreme Sailing Series had competed at the same venue.
Two weeks later the 32ft foiling cats headed to Barcelona for Act 3 of the Extreme Sailing Series.

Golden Globe preparations
The goal is simple, yet the task is still one of the greatest challenges, to sail single-handed, non-stop around the world. But this is a round the world race with a difference.

When they set out on the Golden Globe, crews will be recreating the pioneering race of 50 years ago that was won by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Each will be sailing similar sized yachts and using similar equipment to Sir Robin in the original race in 1968.

The 52 SuperSeries gets underway
They are well known for being the most advanced monohull keel boats in the world crewed by the most decorated and accomplished teams in sailing, but this year the bar was raised even higher as nine brand new boats were launched. The World Sailing Show was there for the opening event of 2018 in Sibenik, Croatia.

The world’s biggest Worlds – Part 2
The clock is counting down to the Hempel Sailing World Championships in Aarhus, Denmark this coming August. With over 1,000 boats and 1,500 competitors the two week event promises to be the biggest worlds ever for Olympic classes. This month we talk to some of the key sailors in the double handed classes.