Can you explain the overall event format?
This event differs from any previous Hobie 16 World Championships. The class combination and bring-your-own-boat (BYOB) format are completely new. Past Hobie 16 Worlds procedures, assumptions, rules and format do not apply. We are trying something new.
The event is structured so you can sail in multiple events if you wish; alternatively, you can pick just one class. The Hobie 14/Dragoon event will be first, followed by the Hobie 16 world championships. There will also be a warm-up event for Hobie 16’s only (separate from the Hobie 16 world championship) held during the Hobie 14 event; this is completely optional and has a separate entry.
The Hobie 14 & Dragoon events are four days, and at the end of this event the championship is awarded.
The Hobie 16 event is six days and has two segments (qualifying and finals). It is anticipated that the number of entrants in the H16 event will require two starts and a cut. The qualifying series will be sailed in a round-robin format, and after several days, there will be a cut; competitors will be split into gold and silver fleets. Both gold and silver fleets will continue to race in separate starts for the final days. Everyone will sail all six days.
Will there be supplied boats?
This is a bring-your-own-boat event; there will be no supplied boats as in the past.
Can anyone enter?
Yes, provided they have a class-legal Hobie Dragoon or Hobie 14, or Hobie 16 and all crew members on board a competing boat shall be members in good standing of the International Hobie Class Association in accordance with the constitution of the International Hobie Class Association.
What does measuring mean?
All boats and crews will be weighed and inspected to ensure they comply with class rules.
If a boat is found not to comply, the competitors will need to correct the issue.
When will measuring be conducted?
Specific days are listed in the NOR for measuring. Measuring will be conducted at the event site. More details regarding measuring and logistics will be published before the event.
How do I get my boat there?
All competitors will need to make their own boat transportation arrangements. The event will assist overseas competitors with shipping information through a shipping agent located in Barcelona.
Will there be any charter boats?
The event is working to try and obtain a limited number of charter boats. Please check back later as the IHCA will release the information as soon as it becomes available.
Can I sail in more than one event?
Yes, the event is structured to allow this. The Hobie 14 and Dragoon events will precede the Hobie 16 event, allowing the option of sailing in one or multiple events.
Can I share my Hobie 16 with another competitor?
No, as all the Hobie 16s will be racing at the same time. It will not be possible to share a boat with another competitor.
Is prequalification required to enter?
There is no prequalification for this event.
The NOR mentions qualifying and final series; what does this mean?
The Hobie 16 event is six days long. The first portion of the Hobie 16 event will be qualifying racing. At the end of the qualifying series, the fleet will be cut into gold and silver fleets; however, all sailors will continue to sail for all six days. There is no prequalification spots allocated for the gold fleet. The winner of the Hobie 16 Gold fleet will be declared the 2027 Hobie Cat 16 World Champion.
Will there be a masters, women & youth series?
There is no separate event for masters, women or youth. Trophies for women & youth may be awarded if the numbers warrant this. The results will be extracted from the Hobie 16 Open results.
The Notice of Race states, “each participating boat shall be insured with valid (and for the racing area suitable) third-party liability insurance with a minimum cover of €2,000,000.00 per incident or the equivalent.’ Will I be able to purchase the insurance on-site?
Yes, you can join the Catalonia Sailing Federation, which will include insurance for the event. The cost will be announced soon
Special Accommodation Offer at La Ballena Alegre Resort
A 10% discount will be applied at final payment for participants in the H14/Dragoon Int. (and/or Per-event) and the Hobie 16 Worlds. (longer accommodation)
30% deposit is required to book. Participants must specify “Hobie Worlds Participant” in the reservation comments.