Saturday marks 16th and final day of Hobie 16 Classic World Championship

Saturday marks the 16th and final day of the Hobie 16 Classic World Championship happening on Captiva.

It should prove to be a fun and eventful day for sailing.

It’s an event many people have looked forward to because it’s the first time in 35 years this event has occurred in the United States.

It’s a big day. We’re gonna crown our world champion,” said Event Coordinator and Vice President for Hobie North America Lori Mohney.

Almost 500 top sailors from around the world, including six continents and 25 countries.

Athletes compete on Hobie’s signature 16-foot catamaran sailboats.

A day like Saturday with plenty of wind is an exciting one for sailors.

“We hope that it’s going to blow really hard so we can get out on the trapezes and get the boat really flying,” said sailors Bruce Flournoy and Dan Flannigan. “The quality of the talent here is unbelievable.”

The World Championship Finals begin Saturday at Sunset Beach on Captiva. Sailors will leave the beach at 8:30 a.m. and the first race will kick off at 9 a.m.

Races will take place throughout the day, likely the last race beginning around 3 p.m. Mohney says.

For more information on the 22nd Hobie 16 Classic World Championship, click here.