Registration has opened for this year’s International Canoe Federation Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Madeira, Portugal.
The beautiful island located in the North Atlantic Ocean is preparing to host the ICF flagship event in October.
All the dates and schedules have been confirmed for the eighth edition of the World Championships and first in Madeira.
A deadline of September 24 has been set for entries after online registration opened this month.
Madeira is set to hold the competition from October 4 to 6, with a short race planned for October 3.
Senior world titles will be contested in the men’s and women’s single surfski while the mix open double surfski crown will also be up for grabs.
The XSS-2 featured as a medal race for the first time at last year’s ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Perth, Australia.
Judit Verges Xifra and Walter Bouzan of Spain emerged victorious from a field of more than 60 crews to take the title.
Australian duo Cory Hill and Jemma Smith captured the respective men’s and women’s crowns in 2023.
Smith will be looking to make it three in a row, while Hill will be aiming to win the event for a fourth time.
Junior, under-23 and master titles will also be on offer in Maderia as paddlers bid to become world champions.
Competition will take place in the south of Madeira in a downwind 20 to 29 kilometre course.
The Host Organising Committee is made up of members of the Portuguese Canoeing Federation (FPC) and the Regional Association of Madeira.
“The island of Madeira, with its spectacular coastline and varied ocean conditions, provide the perfect setting for this exciting event,” said FPC President Vitor Felix.
“The vast experience of the Portuguese Canoeing Federation and the Madeira Regional Canoeing Association – who have played a key role in promoting and organizing several championships both at European and world level – will ensure that athletes feel at home, exploring the unique challenges and the natural wonders that our island has to offer.”
Colin Simpkins, Chair of the ICF Canoe Ocean Racing Committee, added: “Madeira runs a race around that island ever year which is really exciting.
“It’s a fantastic destination for racing and I’m sure it will be a terrific competition.
“Depending on which way the winds blows, they have got different routes to ensure there is a good downwind for the competitors.
“This will be the third World Championships hosted by the Portuguese Canoe Federation so they are by far the most experienced host out of all the National Federations.
“I am really looking forward to this year’s World Championships.”
Click here to find out how to sign up for the event
2024 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships event webpage
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