Ray Davies and Glenn Ashby join stellar line up for 2014 A-Class Catamaran World Championship

With just over two weeks to go, the countdown is on to the upcoming 2014 A-Class Catamaran World Championships. With some of the biggest names on the global sailing scene signing on to join the already stellar line up, it is shaping up to be an event to remember.

Event organisers are now delighted to confirm that Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) team-mates Ray Davies and Glenn Ashby have both confirmed their participation in the event. The ETNZ contingent needs no introduction after the world watched them battle with Oracle Team USA on the waters of San Francisco Bay in the 34^th America’s Cup in 2013. It is fitting that they now return to the ETNZ home training waters off Takapuna, which are as challenging as they are exciting to race on. “Takapuna is the perfect sailing ground for the A-Class; it provides a fantastic variety of sailing where the weather just lends itself to competing,” says Glenn Ashby, ETNZ wing trimmer and seven-time A-Class world champion.

Sailed off Takapuna Beach from 5 – 16 February 2014, the Championships will be a showcase of talent that promises to be an exciting spectacle for on-water and land-based spectators alike. The A Class Catamaran is the largest single handed catamaran class in the world and more than 80 competitors, from more than 10 nations, are set to line up to vie for the 2014 world championship title. With sailors of all levels taking part in two races a day, there is sure to be plenty of action and will be a must-see for all racing fans.

Notes to Editor

• 2014 A Class Catamaran World Championships and Nationals as sanctioned by the IACA in February 2014.
• The event will be held at the picturesque Takapuna Boating Club right on the foreshore of Takapuna Beach on Auckland’s North Shore from the 5^th to the 16^th February.
• More than 65 entries are already confirmed for the February event. Ten nationalities including Australia, Britain, USA, Canada, Spain, Netherlands, Poland, Germany, SUI,
• 14 world-class sailing events at Takapuna, showcasing some of the essence of the New Zealand lifestyle and outdoors ethos. The location is nestled in the heart of the Takapuna Business district, based around the Pohutukawa lined reserve at the edge of the golden sands of Takapuna Beach.