With the conclusion of the Olympics earlier this month the less televised yet arguably more inspiring Paralympics kicked off in Tokyo. Concluding today, Sunday, September 5, this fortnight of competition saw over 4,400 athletes from over 160 nations compete across 22 sports at 21 different venues. Although there is no Para Sailing at Tokyo 2020 or Paris 2024, there are a mixture of West Australians across the other classes, and I implore you to get behind your fellow West Aussie at paralympic.org.au.

Back to our local Para Sailing. Late last week the WA Hansa Class announced the host club for the 2021 edition of the WA Hansa Class Championships on November 26 to 28. South of Perth Yacht Club kicked off the 100-day countdown and announcement with Para Sailing icon Robert Crofts.

“It is incredibly exciting to have SoPYC join the Hansa Class and Para Sailing circuit in WA, especially given they have an existing fleet of 5 Hansa 303’s, ready to race!” Mr Croft said. For those not across the Hansa Class they’re an inclusive and accessible opportunity for Para classified and able-bodied sailors to compete together with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals awarded to the Fastest sailors in each fleet. Therefore, there’s no excuses. Everyone is invited to race together.

Notice of Race and further details will follow in the coming weeks at sopyc.com.au and the Australian Hansa Class Association Facebook page. Spread the amongst your sailing network and friends.

Warren Erasmus; Australian Sailing – The Sunday Times WA – Outdoor Explorer! Section - Around the Buoys Column