The 2025 Hansa Class World and International Championships will take place at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club from March 19 to March 30, 2025.
Invited Hansa Classes are the Hansa 2.3, 303 singles and doubles, Liberty and SKUD18.
With competitors and officials from 19 Countries coming to Australia, Pittwater will be a buzz of action for this fantastic sailing event.
Not only will we see competitive sailing on Pittwater, but shoreside will be a hub of activity with daily social events planned.
The RPAYC is hosting these skilled sailors in the best club, and on the best estuary in the world, with an army of volunteer RPAYC members already in action mode training for the event.
RPAYC Commodore Robert McClelland said this week;
‘’One of the biggest events ever held at our Club is fast approaching – the Hansa World Championships 2025, including both the Para Worlds and the Hansa Worlds. We will be welcoming over 180 sailors competing in more than 150 Hansa yachts across various designs. Racing will take place over six days, starting on 24 March, with the IDP pre-event running from 18 to 22 March. The Club will be hosting competitors, support teams, and spectators from around the world, and this is our chance to showcase the RPAYC and Pittwater at its very best.’’
“Hansa sailing is about inclusivity, opportunity, and ‘Freedom on the Water’ - a principle that resonates deeply with Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s values. This event will bring together nearly 200 sailors from 16 yacht clubs across the world, competing on a level playing field. We are honoured to provide a world-class venue and a warm welcome to these sailors,” Commodore McClelland said.
“The Club takes great pride in hosting events of this calibre and we’re committed to making it a successful Championships. Our experienced race management team, dedicated volunteers and the natural beauty of Pittwater will ensure an unforgettable regatta - both on and off the water. We’re looking forward to a week of thrilling competition and fun ashore.”
Taking part in the event are two Saltwater Veterans, Sharon and Paula.
With the support of Crystal Bay and Pittwater Sailability, Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project recently conducted a three-day Hansa coaching camp for our Salty Crew Sharon and Paula to develop their crew work ahead of the Hansa World Championships.
The program was coordinated by our incredible volunteer, Sean Wong. Sean is a dedicated member of the sailing community, volunteering not just with Saltwater Veterans but also with Crystal Bay, Pittwater Sailability, and RPAYC. He was the perfect person to bring together the community and resources to make this camp happen.
Sharon flew down from Brisbane, which was a great opportunity for her to refine the logistics of travelling with her 210kg electric wheelchair—a significant challenge when navigating commercial air travel and ground transport!
We’re so proud of these two Salties for stepping up to the challenge! Sharon (sails on the Sunshine Coast) and Paula (in Sydney) first started sailing with Saltwater Veterans a few years ago. Fast forward to December 2024, and while volunteering together on the Sunny Coast, they came up with a plan to enter the Hansa World Championships—and now it’s happening!
Despite the hurdles of forming a new crew, interstate travel as a wheelchair user, and even enduring rain on Day 1 of race coaching on Pittwater, they’re tackling it all with humour and determination.
However, bringing together sailors from around the world and this country can be a challenge in itself, especially financially.
As an example of what it has taken for these two ladies to get on the water for Worlds so far:
- Hansa 303 Rental $550
- Hansa registration $42.45
- Entry fee $795
Sharon as an interstate / wheelchair user travelling from Brisbane
- Training Camp Accessible Accommodation $398 (21-23 February)
- Training Camp Flights $297
- Training camp RHIB fuel approx. $250
- Worlds Accommodation Accessible Accommodation $3258 (18-31 March)
- RHIB Fuel for Worlds - will be similar to the training camp approx. $250-300 noting it is a week of on water
If you know of any sponsors keen to support this inspiring crew, please let us know—they would greatly appreciate it!
Any support from the community would be appreciated.
If anyone can help support the girls, please use our direct donation link. You can include a note of encouragement and a reference to the intended use—for example, "for the Salty Crew Hansa 303 World Championships." for example.
Visit: www.revolutionise.com.au/svsp/donate
Let’s get behind these legends!
Stay Salty!
And Thank You!
Scott & Jen Reynolds
Co-Founders,
Saltwater Veterans & Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project
