The opening ceremony for the Hansa Class Asia Pacifics got the event off with a bang.

Sailors gathered at Southport Yacht Club’s Hollywell site for the opening of the 2024 Hansa Class Asia Pacific Championships to be welcomed by Commodore Glenn Burrell, local politicians and an indigenous dance group.

Hansa class designer Chris Mitchell made a speech which underlined not only his passion for the boats he created, but also for the Universal Design principal on which they were based.

The flags of the 7 competing nations were paraded by rhibs, around the floating pontoon holding boats in anticipation of tomorrow’s racing.

The event was completed with the firing of a canon to launch the Championships, followed by canapes and drinks.

Racing starts tomorrow with the Liberty and 303 doubles fleets away from 1055am, with the SKUD18’s and 303 singles from 1255pm

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