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14/05/2008: South Africa
Adventure Inc is proud to announce the successful partnership between Adventure Inc and Team Free Spirit:
2008 HOBIE TIGER & HOBIE DRAGOON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS – Langebaan, South Africa
Team Free Spirit, an amateur South African sailing team, recently entered their first ever international event, the 6th Hobie Tiger & Dragoon World Championships, which was held in Langebaan, South Africa. This was this first time that the world championships for these catamaran classes were held on SA shores. Needless to say, the success of this world championship event was re-iterated around the world, with many international competitors, reporters & spectators confirming that this was the best ever world championships to date, not only from a venue perspective, but from the meticulous organisation that went into ensuring the overall success of the event.
Team Free Spirit consist of 3 passionate sailors, namely George Meyer (helmsman), Sarel van der Merwe (tactician & crew) and Andrea das Neves (PRO and logistics). All members of the team are avid yachtsmen, with many years competitive sailing experience between them. The team boasts many titles & accolades, which including National & Provincial colours for the sport of sailing.
We are proud to sponsor the Team with Julbo eyewear and Hides.
Team Free Spirit only acquired their Hobie Tiger at the end of 2007, which left them very little time for pre-world practice. This event was the first time that they had teamed up together, not to mention compete in their first ever world championships! A total of 12 races were sailed in varying conditions. The fleet consisted of 65 entrants and was represented by 14 different countries, which included several pro sailors, past and present world champions as well as Olympic medalists. After a hard week of sailing (not to mention several “teething” problems in learning how to “tame the tiger”, Team Free Spirit finished in a very satisfying and formidable 29th position overall, in a fleet of 65 international and local competitors. They were placed 12th South African team. Their aim was to finish in the top 50% of the fleet, which they achieved. Needless to say, the team is ecstatic after the regatta. An emotional George Meyer concluded after the racing that it was “a life-long dream come true”, to participate in his first ever world championship event.
Please keep a look out for Team Free Spirit at the following events:
Triple Crown Challenge - Langebaan Yacht Club - July 2008
Triple Crown Challenge - Langebaan Yacht Club - September 2008
Triple Crown Challenge - Langebaan Yacht Club - December 2008
8 Hour Endurance event - Langebaan Yacht Club - January 2009
SA Hobie Tiger National Championships - Cape St Francis - April 2009
We at Adventure Inc wish you all the best!”
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