All measurements were finalised today which was followed by the practice race. Tomorrow is scheduled to start the first race of the Championships at midday. After three days of Qualifying Races and two days of Finals, the top 10 teams will race each other in the Medal Race on day 6.
For a number of teams this event is an opportunity to be selected to represent their nation at the Olympic Games in a couple of months time. For others they still need to qualify the nation in the first place. There are Olympic qualifying spots being decided at the Worlds for Africa, South and North America, and one place for Europe.
Needless to say there is some stiff competition from all over the world. Great Britain, Poland, France, Germany and China have arrived with strong squads of up to 7 boats fighting for who will wear the national colours at the Olympic Regatta this summer.
Oddly enough, there is only 1 entry from Spain at this year’s World Championships. This is after Spanish Olympic selection was decided in favour of Jordi Xammar and Nora Brugman. That is why they are the sole representatives competing in the event, albeit on home waters for many Spanish sailors.
Coming to defend their 2023 World title are Keiju Okada and Miho Yoshioka from Japan, who are strong in all conditions. Added to these World Champs are the 2022 Winners, Luise Wanser & Philipp Autenrieth from Germany. After a lacklustre 2023 season they have their work cut out in what is looking set to be a very close-run qualification process in a competitive German 470 squad.
It is looking to be a great event in Llucmajor, Mallorca!
