Halifax to host disability sailing World Championships
September 1 - The Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron (RNSYS) in Halifax is to host the 2014 International Federation of Disabled Sailing (IFDS) World Championship, it has been announced.
The event, which is expected to feature 150 competitors from 50 countries, will be a qualifying event for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Three fleets will be on display in the championships, although only the 2.4 Metre (single-handed keelboat) and Sonar (three-person crew) are certain for 2014.
The Skud 18 (two-person crew) is under evaluation after the 2012 Paralympics in London.
It will be the first World Championship for RNSYS, but not the first major event they have organised.
The squadron held the J-24 Canadian championships this year and will host the J-24 North American event next year.
"We see this as a fantastic opportunity for the sport of sailing," said Gerry Giffin, President of the Canadian Yachting Association.
"Last year, the Laser worlds and Laser masters championships were hosted by the Saint Margaret’s Sailing Club, showing the sport of sailing is for all ages.
"These 2014 Worlds will show the sport of sailing is for all abilities."
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