News Release: Formula 18 Worlds

Saturday, July 27, 2002



Mitch Booth and Herbert Dercksen from the Netherlands successfully defended their Formula 18 World Championship Title in Travemünder. Booth and Dercksen sailing a Hobie Tiger have won the three Formula 18 World Championships that have been held and all on a Hobie Tiger. When Booth and Dercksen crossed the finishing line they had water blasted on them from water cannons on the fire fighting/start boat. The great result for the Hobie Tiger did not just stop there, but 4 out of the top 10 boats were Hobie Tiger’s. With a 106 boat fleet open to any boat that can comply to the Formula; it was another great achievement for Hobie and Booth. Booth was severely injured in last month’s Round Texel Race requiring air lifting, then spending a few days in hospital after a horrific capsize.



In 5th place on a Hobie Tiger was reigning Hobie 16 World Champion Gavin Colby (Australia) and Cori Camenish. Colby having competed in the ISAF Sailing Games this month where he finished in 2nd place. It was a great celebration for the Dutch sailors with Mischa Heemskerk and Pieter van Ruitenburg sailing their Tiger into 6th place. In 9th place were Enrique Figueroa and Hernandez Jorge from Puerto Rico. Figueroa also having a successful time in Europe after claiming a Bronze Medal in the recent ISAF Sailing Games.



Full results can be found at the IHCA Web site www.hobieclass.com.



David Brookes

International Hobie Class Association