Napier Sailing Club commodore Paul Redman described the hosting of the 21st Flying Fifteen World Championship as the culmination of four years of work.
"It was four years ago when Graeme [event convener and long-time class competitor Robinson] came to the club and suggested we should host it. We thought about it for a minute-and-a-half and we said let's do it," Redman told a crowd of 140 at the opening ceremony for the Lexus of Hawke's Bay-sponsored champs at the club last night.
"We're excited to be hosting the worlds and the nationals. We're proud of our city and we consider the sailing club to be a big part of the city. It's sailing time ... let the fun begin."
Robinson told the function he was overwhelmed by the effort the 45 crews have made to get to Napier.
Nine crews from Great Britain, 20 from Aussie, three from Hong Kong, one from Canada and at least 11 Kiwi crews will be in action during the seven-race nationals, which begin today and continue until Friday, and the nine-race worlds, which begin on Sunday and continue until next Friday.
