Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau welcomes Hobie 16 World Championship, Nov. 1-16

LEE COUNTY, Fla. – The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) is excited to welcome the 22nd Hobie 16 World Championship to Captiva Island, Nov. 1-16, 2019.

The sailing event kicks off Friday, Nov. 1, with a welcome party at South Seas Island Resort from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50. For party ticket information, visit hobieworlds.com/spectators-and-day-visitors-to-hobie-16-world-championships/. Other community events, including a block party, Nov. 6, on Andy Rosse Lane, can be found at the same link.

Spectator info: In past world events, as many as 7,000 people have attended the championships. Spectators are encouraged to drive to South Seas to watch the races from Sunset Beach. Parking passes cost $5 a carload and spectators will receive a wristband. Food and beverages will be available at the beach (cash only). Also, Captiva Cruises (239-472-5300) will have sailboat cruises to the racecourses.

More than 500 top sailors from around the world – from 6 continents and 25 countries – will compete in three world championship disciplines: Women’s, Youth and Open, and three additional disciplines; Masters Cup, Grand Masters Cup and Great Grand Masters Cup.

This is the first time in 35 years Hobie and the International Hobie® Class Association (IHCA) will host a World Championship in the U.S. The event is taking place at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island.

The Hobie 16 World Championships is the only sailboat class in the world to supply 60 brand-new identical Hobie Cats, 16-foot catamaran sailboats, for all competitors to race. Hobie Cat Company will provide the boats that will be used exclusively on the racecourse located just off Sunset Beach at the north end of Captiva Island.

For all details regarding the 22nd Hobie 16 World Championships visit hobieworlds.com.

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The International Hobie® Class Association (IHCA), exemplifies the “Hobie Way of Life,” a tradition that Hobie Alter started over 50 years ago. The IHCA organizes World Championships for Hobie catamarans, including; open, women’s, masters, grand masters and youth championships. As well as worldwide standard class rules for the Hobie classes. For more information visit: hobieclass.com

The Lee County VCB represents The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel which also includes Captiva Island, downtown Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande and Outer islands, North Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres. Visit fortmyers-sanibel.com.