Some of the best sailors in the world will be competing in South Mississippi
Sailors from around the globe will arrive in Ocean Springs this September for the Hobie 16 International Championship, a two-week catamaran regatta on the Mississippi Sound. Hosted by the Ocean Springs Yacht Club and the Ocean Springs Sailing Squadron, the event is expected to draw about 500 competitors.
Often dubbed the “Laser of the catamaran world,” the Hobie 16 is a lightweight boat built to handle strong winds.
“Success depends on teamwork, boat handling and reading the wind better than the competition,” regatta chairman Krista Vind said. “Imagine a Formula 1 race on the water powered entirely by the wind.”
The championship will be sailed in two series. Age-group and women’s racing are scheduled for Sept. 14–17, with divisions for masters, grand masters, great-grand masters, women and youth. The Open Qualifier will take place from Sept. 20–22, with the Open Final set for Sept. 23–25.
Beyond the competition, the event will feature welcome parties, daily breakfasts, award dinners and a raid-style race to Horn Island.
“The event is more than just great sailing and competition. There will also be fun events, great Mississippi hospitality and food and music which will showcase our beautiful coast on an international stage,” Vind said.
Internationally acclaimed athletes such as Yamil Saba, Enrique Figueroa, Pedro Colon and Rich McVeigh are registered to compete. Registration is open, and eligible international teams can apply for transportation grants.
Spectators interested in watching the competition can observe from Ocean Springs Beach along Front Beach Drive.
Principal race officer Mark Santorelli said each day will include about six hours of racing, with breaks in between.
“It takes stamina,” Santorelli said. “You get tired, you get exhausted and it’s a mental challenge.”
Ocean Springs Mayor Bobby Cox emphasized the championship’s anticipated economic impact on the city.
“This championship will bring sailors, families, support teams and visitors from around the world to Ocean Springs for nearly two weeks,” Cox said. “Just as important is the community impact. Sailing is part of the character of Ocean Springs, and hosting an international championship on the Mississippi Sound gives our residents a chance to share in that pride.”
“South of I-10 is a little different than the rest of the country, so I think it’s going to open some eyes to what we really have here,” Santorelli said.
