LANGKAWI, Dec 27 — The 2015 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships will show off an increase in participation as the 29er class is separated for the first time after being an open affair in previous editions.
Championships director Megat Fairuz Khairuddin, honorary secretary of the Malaysian Yachting Association (MYA), said 443 sailors from 80 countries will be competing in the nine categories contested.
These include the Laser Radial, International 420, 29er and SL16.
“Malaysia are the second Asian country to host the championships after South Korea hosted the championships in Busan, 10 years ago,” he told Bernama here today.
Portugal hosted the 45th edition in Tavira, and Malaysia had sent its biggest squad compared with previous years.
“We are hoping for smooth sailing in terms of preparations and competition. We are also praying for good weather and conducive wind conditions,” he said.
Megat Fairuz said 117 local and foreign officials would be on duty. Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin is expected to officially open the championships at Taman Lagenda Langkawi at 5pm tomorrow.
“This is the biggest sailing event organised in the country,” he said.
The event will go on until January 3. — Bernama
