The last three months of the year are pretty important in the world of sport. A large number of companies make decisions about where to allocate marketing budget for the following year during this time and increasingly, the calendar – including markets visited plays a big part in the decision making process. The idea of international annual tours or series for sailing is relatively new. This means that creating calendar consistency is difficult. In 2009, the the RC44 Championship visited Puerto Calero, Sardinia, Italy at Lake Garda, Lake Traunsee in Austria and Dubai. In 2010 it was Dubai, Austria, Copenhagen and Puerto Calero. YachtRacing.biz
In 2011, the series switched around a couple of venues and added the USA in a much promoted international expansion. The calendar included: San Diego, Austria, Sardinia, Marstrand in Sweden, Spain and Puerto Calero. San Diego was dropped for the 2012 series, and will not return in 2013 either. Just 5 events were in the 2012 series in the staple Puerto Calero, Cascais – Portugal, Gmunden – Austria, Marstrand – Sweden and Rovinj – Croatia.
But perhaps the calendar is settling down a little. Contrary to the official press release, 3 of the venues in 2012 will be back again next year. Two new venues will replace Austria and Croatia. Having successfully staged the Extreme Sailing Series for a number of years and chosen to host the Laser Worlds in 2013 – Muscat Oman is fast becoming a favourite of rights holders. Oman offers promoters the opportunity to schedule an event in months like February, when racing in Europe is not ideal.
A yet to be announced Sicilian city will also be included in the 2013 tour, organized by Massimo and Francesco Barranco’s Vela del Sud. The 2013 tour will draw to a close in Lanzarote. Returning to the Island for the sixth consecutive year the class will take in a new venue from Puerto Calero Marinas. The Calero family has created the new marina complex Marina Lanzarote, in the island’s bustling capital Arrecife.
With 15 of teams confirmed to compete, the 2013 RC44 Championship, Class founder Russell Coutts is watching with interest. He says: ”I’m looking forward to getting back on the Tour events next year. The Tour will have some new and exciting venues, visiting Oman and Sicily for the first time. With some new teams expected to join the Tour in 2013, we are looking forward to another great year for the class.”
2013 RC44 Championship Tour Calendar
30th January to 3rd February – The Wave, Muscat, Oman
1st to 5th May – Sicily, Italy
25th to 29th June – Marstrand, Sweden
2nd to 6th October – Cascais, Portugal
20th to 24th November RC44 World Championship – Puerto Calero Marinas, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
