Hayling Set To Host World Class Sailing

- Wed 1st Jul 2009

Hayling Island Sailing Club has been selected to stage the International World Laser Championships in August 2010.

The prestigious event will see 500 competitors from 50 countries competing over 3 weeks with thousands expected to visit.

Councillor Andy Lenaghan stated 'In the past the championships have been held in places like Japan and Canada so we feel really privileged that next year they will be here.

'It's a massive vote of confidence in Hayling Island Sailing Club and we will be ready for it. We're expecting bed and breakfasts and hotels to be full for the entire three weeks so it will be really good for business.

'And it will be a big economic boost for the area – the competitors will come along with plenty of support and there will be lots of spectators.

'We hope that once people have come here for the event they will want to come back again and again.'

The Laser Standard class recently saw Britain win gold at Beijing 2008

Commodore John Message, from Hayling Island Sailing Club, said: 'Hayling Island Sailing Club enjoys a high reputation for hosting major national and international events, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming the World Championships for the hugely competitive Laser class in 2010.

'The choice of sailing waters and the superb shore-side facilities we have at Hayling Island will ensure a memorable experience for all involved, and we hope will encourage Olympic hopefuls from all over the world to choose Hayling Island Sailing Club to train from in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic Games.'

By forum user, Gemma

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