Registration opens for The Hague Offshore Sailing World Championship 2018

The Offshore Worlds will be held from 12 to 20 July 2018 in the first ever combined ORC and IRC championship, an innovative solution to unite the world's two largest offshore racing fleets. Be part of this unique fleet and register now for this historic event.

In July 2018 the challenging waters of The Hague will be the host for the best 150 offshore racing crews in the world. For over a week a combination of offshore and inshore racing will challenge these boats and their teams to determine who are the best in The Hague Offshore Sailing World Championship 2018, which is now open for pre-registration.

"Over the years, Dutch racing teams have enjoyed the hospitality of previous World Championship organizing countries," said Edwin Lodder, Chairman of the Offshore Worlds 2018. "Attending these events around the globe, the Dutch feel they owe it to the offshore sailing community to invite them to the low lands to experience the hospitality and treasure called 'The North Sea'. With its tricky currents, offshore winds and waves, this treasure will be truly a challenge for these teams."

North Sea action off Scheveningen © Sander van der Borch

Offshore racing will be competed in three classes on different types of yachts between 9 and 20 meters in length. Everything is measured for each boats handicap ratings: the crew, the sails, the boat above and below the waterline. Using these measurements and clever hi-tech models will give each racing yacht ratings to help equalize the competition among unlike boats.

Measurements will provide the basis for ORC and IRC ratings used in the event © Sander van der Borch

In 2018 it will be even more exciting: the 2 leading rating systems ORC & IRC have joined forces, efforts and knowledge into one combined Offshore Sailing World Championship.

"The RORC-ORC Working Party has been hard at work for many months now and we're pleased there is such broad agreement in the planning for this new combined event," said RORC Commodore Michael Boyd. "We expect this to get broad support from both ORC and IRC constituencies and look forward to further supporting this important championship event."

Inshore racing is planned to be on courses set within sight of the shore © Sander van der Borch

Bruno Finzi, Chairman of ORC said: "We look forward to further cooperation with The Hague organisers and RORC to continue the World Championship traditions of fair competition and a challenging format to create great racing." Event organizers in The Hague invite all visitors to discover both the city and Scheveningen harbor, the center for the Worlds. The surrounding event grounds will complement the Race Village in addition to the city's existing lively streets and boulevards, offering a wide variety of restaurants, bars and shops.

Scheveningen harbour will be the venue for the 2018 Worlds © Sander van der Borch

The city of The Hague will be all about sailing. Sailors, shore crews, spectators, family and friends are invited to taste and discover all The Hague has to offer in Dutch hospitality.

Registration: https://www.manage2sail.com/en-US/event/OSW2018#!/classes

Notice of Race: HERE

For more information and to pre-register to enter The Hague Offshore Sailing Worlds 2018, visit the event website at: https://offshoresailingworlds2018.com

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