This year we have a newkomer in the F18 class: Austria. We spoke with their president Philipp Belcredi (45 – Vienna):
“We are happy that we have started our F18 National Class Organisation. It took about two years before we could start our own class. Together with the Austrian Hobie Cat Class Organisation we created a F18 scene with approximately 50/60 boats. About 20 boats are active in most regattas in Austria. Nowadays we have, besides Hobie Cat, also a Nacra dealer in Austria, so we don’t have issues with spareparts for our boats at all. And we notice that F18 sailing is getting more populair every year. Maybe you wouldn’t expect immediately, but the conditions for sailing in Austria are just perfect! We have some really nice lakes here with a perfect breeze. For example the Neusiedler See, where often international regattas are being held. So if you’re around, let us know and we’ll show you around.
We are also busy arranging transport to the F18 Worlds in Ireland. We often do this in collaboration with ‘our neighbours’, the German F18 class organisation. But of course we hope to see you all there! If you’re looking for our class website, that’s in progress. As soon as it’s online we’ll inform you guys of course.”