B14 sailing at Lake Garda (c) Tim Olin / www.olinphoto.co.uk

The International B14 Class Association regrets to announce that the 2022 World Championships to be hosted by Circolo Vela Torbole in Garda, Italy from July 4-14, have been postponed.

The World Council has been closely monitoring the worldwide developments in the Covid pandemic and the huge impact this has had on international travel and logistics. They understand the huge commitment of time and money it takes to participate in a major Championship, as well as the enormous resources that host clubs dedicate to putting on such events. Sadly the current situation with shipping and logistics of transporting boats to the venue doesn't allow this to happen.

Australian Class President, Lissa McMillan said it was not financially feasible to continue to plan the regatta within the current climate of uncertainty.

"There's no guarantee the Australian competitors would be able to ship their boats to Garda with any certainty they'd arrive in time for the event and at a cost that was affordable, but we're looking forward to coming to Lake Garda at the same time in 2023, by which time we hope the global shipping situation is vastly improved."

Rob Taylor, International Class President, said, "The B14 Class is extremely grateful to everyone who has been involved in organising the B14 Worlds and to Circolo Vela Torbole for their understanding and being able to accommodate us again next year. The European fleet were really looking forward to racing on the iconic Lake Garda once again and it was an incredibly tough decision that had to be made."

Rob Taylor hopes the northern hemisphere competitors can commence their domestic events for the 2022 season, starting with the B14 Inland Championships at Rutland Sailing Club on 19/20 March.

Further details of upcoming B14 events can be found on the Class website, b14.org.