2010 Combined Access Worlds Announced
The next Combined Access Class World Championships will be hosted by the Rutland Sailing Club in the English Midlands, from June 6-11, 2010.
'Aerial view of the Rutland Sailing Club, UK'
International Access Class Association Click Here to view large photo
Rutland Water is one of the largest man-made stretches of water in Europe and set in some of Britain's loveliest countryside. Conditions are similar to estuary sailing, but without the tides - there is over 3000 acres (1215 hectares) of sailing area.?
The Club's thirteen acre site on the South shore of Rutland Water boasts seven concrete slipways with four pontoons and connecting walkways, permitting easy launch and recovery of all boat types. It has extensive onshore boat storage and boats its own sailing school, chandlery, accessible accommodation and social facilities. The Club is recognised by the RYA as one of its key centres for disabled sailing and training National Teams.
Rutland Sailing Club has welcomed the opportunity to host the Combined Access Class World Championships.
'We are thrilled to have been asked to host the 2010 Combined Access World Championships', said the Rutland Sailing Club Commodore, Nick Clarke.
'The Club house facilities are first class, with a lift and ramp access to the first floor for bar, dining and balcony areas. Our waterside equipment is second to none. And we boast 7 safety RIBs and up to 4 committee boats enabling us to run up to four different races on different parts of the water. Our pontoons, gangways and slipways are all wheelchair friendly. We also have our own in house sailing school and chandlery on site', said Mr Clarke.
'We look forward to meeting sailors from all over the world in 2010 and know they will enjoy their time at Rutland Sailing Club', he said. 
Chairman of the Access Class Association in the UK, John Morley, is delighted the Association has been asked to arrange the 2010 Combined Access World Championships.
'I know that all the members of our Association will do their very best to provide the visiting sailors with the best sailing at the biggest and best inland sailing club in the UK. We are all looking forward to hosting the best Access sailors in the world', he said.
'However, I do need to tell you that you will have to sail very well to beat our lot! Please come and prove me wrong', said Morley. 
This is the second combined World Championships for the popular Access classes and there will be single and two-person divisions for the Access 2.3 and 303, along with the single person Liberty and two-person SKUD18. The structure of the 2.3 and 303 fleets will enable relative newcomers to the sport to also compete in this significant event.
There are over 1500 Access Class boats sailing around the world. The Access 2.3 is an ISAF International Class, whilst the 303 and Liberty are ISAF Recognised Classes. Access 2.3 and 303 fleets throughout the UK and Europe continue to grow, with the majority of boats used in Sailability programmes. The UK Access Class Association has run a traveller series for several years, attracting a growing number of keen racers. 
The SKUD 18 is the two-person equipment for the 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Sailing Competition and is regularly sailed on Rutland Water. The largest, fastest and most spectacular of the Access Classes, the SKUD will be a feature of the Championships.
'The Association is very excited about this announcement', said International Class Association President Terry Peek.
'I have sailed at Rutland and the venue and facilities are magnificent', he said.
'We look forward to seeing many nations being represented at the 2010 Worlds. The Association is delighted that the Rutland Sailing Club will host the event and we are sure it will be a great success', said Mr Peek.
Information about the event is available at the IACA Website: www.accessclass.org
by David Staley - IACA 
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Bondi, NSW
