NELSON MANDELA BAY TO HOST WORLD CLASS SAILING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Nelson Mandela Bay has been afforded the privilege to be the host destination of the 60th 5O5 SAP World Championships.  World class sailors from around the globe will converge at the Algoa Bay Yacht Club (ABYC) from the 23rd of March until 3rd April 2015 to test their skills against the best of the best.

Based on previous World Championships organisers are expecting teams from all over the world. Previous world champions have confirmed their attendance from countries such as Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America. The regatta is in two parts – a South African Championships incorporating a pre-worlds and the World Championships.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism CEO, Ms Mandlakazi Skefile shares, “To host such a high caliber event in Nelson Mandela Bay is exciting and allows us to share the positive potential of our destination to welcome a variety of events such as this event and visitors to our shores.”

The International 505 is a one-design high-performance two-person monohull planning centreboard dinghy, with spinnaker, using a trapeze for the crew. While it is a high-performance boat and demanding in a blow, the 505 is an extraordinarily well-handling craft and is easier to control than many smaller trapeze boats.

ABYC Commodore, Alan Straton said: "The hosting of the SAP 5O5 World Championships in the warm waters of Algoa Bay contributes to Port Elizabeth staking their claim as the ‘Watersport Capital of South Africa’. We look forward to welcoming sailors to our friendly club and city knowing that Port Elizabeth will deliver some of its famous shifting winds, ensuring the World Championships will be fun, hard and fair in all respects!"

The sailing events will take place in front of Port Elizabeth’s beachfront which will allow public to view the action from the shores. Public will also be welcome to view the action from the Algoa Bay Yacht Club between 11h00 and 15h00 should they make a booking at the Charterroom restaurant upfront. Sailing enthusiasts worldwide will be able to follow the racing live from their computers, tablets or other mobile devices as SAP and partners will be live tracking the boats as well as broadcasting the action live and online.

Sailors and visitors will be welcomed at an Opening Ceremony on the Donkin Reserve which will be followed by a civic ceremony with Executive Mayor, Ben Fihla at City Hall. Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism encourages all to share a warm welcome with sailors, organisers and invited SAP dignitaries.