The 2016 World Championship for the Nacra 17,49er, and 49erFX - the three fastest Olympic sailing events - will be held together on February 9-14 in Clearwater, and FL. Over 120 teams from more than 37 countries will be competing in front of the Pier on Clearwater Beach. Here's a preview report on the 49er event...
Will Kiwis Peter Burling and Blair Tuke ever lose...like ever? Will they run the table to the Games,will they win in Rio, will they retain on winning and take the America’s Cup too for Team New Zealand? After their silver medal at the 2012 Games, or Burling and Tuke seem just that unstoppable now,with 22 49er wins in a row, undefeated for 1305 days and counting.
Burling and Tuke have also never been so busy after being named World Sailors of the year in 2015. Their success has approach with innumerable opportunities in the sailing world, and increasing sponsor commitments,personal appearances, moonlighting in other extreme classes like the moth and A-course. Dominant of course is their America’s Cup commitments...it wasn’t long ago that an America’s Cup campaign was something to be done after Olympic retirement.
Now that the racing is as snappily paced and intense as 49er racing, or AC teams are bringing in active sailors at the top of their game to make certain their racing skills are at their peak,not just AC specific skills. It adds to the time burden facing Pete and Blair who have been steadfast on their goal of Olympic Gold.
A fleet of 70 teams from 25 countries are looking to upset Burling and Tuke and stop their unprecedented streak. While the World title will provide valued momentum for the top team main into the Rio Games, just getting to the Games is on the intellect of many of the sailors, and chief among them the Americans as the Worlds is the final event of the US selection series.
Thomas Barrows and Joe Morris are looking to stay on top after their solid performance at Sailing World Cup Miami. "We have spent a lot of time in Clearwater and feel comfortable here," reports Morris. "We’re paying attention to the forecast, but not putting too much emphasis on it. We will be excited for any condition that this great venue has to offer."Barrows and Morris will need to retain eye on Brad Funk and Trevor Burd, and as Funk is now sailing on his domestic waters. “We achieve have more time here [in Clearwater] than the other teams," Funk acknowledged, "but we’ve had a lot of weird weather here in the last few weeks, or so it will be tricky for everyone.”The US system is based on a team's finishing result,so Funk/Burd must finish five positions better than Burrows/Morris at the Worlds to get the nod, with newcomers Judge Ryan and Hans Henken sitting three places further back. - Read on
Source: sailingscuttlebutt.com