The 2016 Hansa Class World & International Championships were held in Medemblik, The Netherlands from June 3rd to 9th, 2016.
The first World Championships under the re-branded ‘Hansa’ Class attracted 124 competitors from 16 countries. They sailed in all of the Hansa Classes – from the Hansa 2.3, 303 singles and Doubles, Liberty and SKUD18.
The hosts welcomed competitors from around the world, reminding many that their countries were founded or explored by the Dutch. Sailors, their supporters and friends were charmed by the friendliness of the people in the charming town of Medemblik. Competitors had favourable conditions across the week and there were close results in the Hansa 303 Doubles and SKUD18 fleets.
Special awards were presented at the Championship, some for the first time:
The Encouragement Award was presented to the team from Greece, who made a great effort to come to the regatta without much support, despite the financial troubles in their country at the time of the event.
The Worlds Teams Trophy was awarded for the first time. The two best scores of the sailors from each nation in each division are combined, with the lowest points scored being declared the winner. With the success of their teams in the Hansa 303’s and consistent results in other divisions, the winner was Team Australia.
The Chris Mitchell award for Excellence in Inclusive Sailing looks for a group or programme with a philosophy which promotes Inclusion. Sailability Switzerland not only run extensive disability service programmes, but also introduce sailing for mainstream schools using their 16 boats. Chris Mitchell felt that Sailability Switzerland were a great example of the spirit he was fostering.
