470s to set sail tomorrow

World Championships start in Zadar, Croatia

Under bright sun and with a sparkling northern Adriatic, measuring is almost compleate here in Zadar, Croatia at the 34th International 470 Class World Championship.

Measurers have 'controlled' the 100 Men's teams and the 50 Women's teams representing 43 Nations that will take part in this, the final Olympic Double handed Men's and Women's qualification regatta.

In the Men's fleet , realistically there are 18 or more nations vying for the last six Olympic positions and over 12 nations fighting for the 5 remaining Women's Athen's spots. Understandably their is an air of anticipation with just hours to go before the first heats get underway

The City of Zadar and SC Uskok have gone out of their way to welcome the 300 athletes and 50 coaches plus numerous visiting officials. Tonight the Zadar region and city of Zadar will host a gala opening that it is expected will attact a crowd of over 50,000 into the city centre.

In less than 100 days all eyes will be on Athens but for now the sailing worlds eyes are on Zadar and the hotly contested 470 World Championship.

To see the line-up for the 470 Worlds - click here