95 boats with 190 hulls from all around the world headed to the west coast of France. In La Rochelle this past week was the 2019 Europeans Series 2 Hobie 16 Championships. WA local sailors Cameron Owen and Susan Ghent finished on top in Gold Fleet after the 11 races. 

Faced with trying conditions the Race Committee used the variable breezes well to fit in both the qualifying and final races. Skipper Cameron Owen said “We are very happy to have won the 2019 Hobie 16 open European championships in a fleet of 95 boats from across Europe and including numerous other international teams.’

In a fantastic event for the class, the racing was extremely tight and the final result came down to the final heat. Finishing with two Firsts, a second and a third the thirteenth in the penultimate race made the final race a nail bitter. At least four teams were in with a chance to win heading into the last race, which we ultimately won by winning the last race to take out the series.

The strength of the class in Europe is reinforced by the number of young and youth teams that are racing at a very high level. It is very promising for the future of the class.

Now the duo are traveling to Sylt, Germany for the Super Sail Final Race followed by World Cat over the next fortnight. This is where the top teams from all selected countries are invited to compete.

Both of these events are great preparation for the team towards the Hobie 16 World Championships to be held at Captiva Island, Florida USA from the 1 -16 November. Best of luck to the duo.