Shelburne is gearing up to host its first international sailing championship with a week of racing starting Sunday.
46 teams from across Canada, the US and parts of Europe have registered to compete in the 2019 Albacore International Championships, which will see racers compete for the world title.
Henry Pedro, lead organizer for the championship, says Albacore boats are commonly used to teach people how to sail, but due to their versatility, many stay with them for life, making the age range of those competing next week interesting.
“The age range of the competitors is extremely broad,” he said, “The youngest competing I believe is in his early 20’s, and the oldest competitor is 79-years-old.”
Boats have started arriving from around the world as racers prepare for the 13 races scheduled.
Pedro says Albacore boats have been a big hit in Shelburne, which made the seaside town a great candidate for the championship.
He also says the town’s unique harbour makes a great spot for sailboat racing.
“Shelburne has a great harbour, and it is miles and miles long,” he said.
“There’s very little commercial traffic, its not completely built up around it, and its fairly well sheltered. We also get a reliable breeze, which is something that is prized by sailboat racers.”
The race week kicks off with an opening ceremony on Saturday, August 24, and the competition runs from Sunday, August 25 to Friday, August 30.
Reported by: Cody McEachern
Twitter: @CodyInHiFi
E-mail: mceachern.cody@radioabl.ca