Meanwhile in Spain

Mitch Booth and son Taylor line up for Hobie Tiger Worlds

Thirty Hobie Dragoons and 58 Hobie Tigers arrived in Cangas, near Vigo, Spain, and are ready to compete in the Worlds 2006. Some of the teams have just finished a two day journey by plane. Others have had their boats shipped for free by the organization, and now everybody has gathered. The beach is full of Hobie sailors and locals who are enjoying the sun. The programme is full of cultural and sportive activities, the party tent stands, the last stage is built. All set for a Hobie style event.

An unexpected favorite is Mitch Booth. He was supposed to sail the Tornado Europeans in Travemunde, but he pulled out, and he will compete in the Hobie Tiger with his son Taylor Booth. The last time they sailed together, was in the Hobie Tiger Worlds in Santa Barbara. Taylor Booth was steering, and they ended up second overall. Taylor Booth: “It is fun to sail with my dad sometimes, but not too often. He’ll probably be on the helm this time, but I don’t mind.”

The NISSAN team Mourniac/Citeau (FRA) also aims for a top position. It’s the first time they are sailing the Hobie Tiger Worlds, but they have performed very well on previous events. In the F18 Worlds, two weeks ago, they obtained a fourth position. Franck Citeau: “We are hoping for a bit more wind, because we are a slightly overweight.” He thinks the competition is strong. He names Thomas/Bernier/(USA), Laruffa/Wilson (AUS), Booth/Booth (AUS) and Moana/Petit (FRA), who were third last year, as his rivals. He is looking forward to a good Hobie week, on and off the water: “Hobie events are good fun!”

According to the weather forecast, the maximum wind speed will be 9 knots for the rest of the week. But that is no reason to worry. As Taylor Booth says: “I don’t trust the forecasts; they can’t predict a sea breeze.” Tomorrow will be a cloudy day, with a maximum temperature of 22 degrees. The racing committee has planned about four races each day for the Hobie Tiger.