33 boats from 8 countries attended the 2019 Hobie 16 Asian Champions in Weihai,China. All boats were supplied and chartered. 15 of the boats were new boats. Weihai had previously hosted a Hobie 16 World Championships. With a new sailing club and new organisation the event was totally reformed. With anew 4 star host hotel at the venue. With the regingn Hobie 16 Asian Champion in Europe coaching the event was wide open.
Day 1
Four races were completed in light winds. The Thai team of Teerapong
Watiboonruang and Nutpatsorn Wachirapongsin dominated with 3 first place and one second place. Ahead of anther Thai team of Kitsada Vongtim and Nopporn Booncherd who started the day well with a first and second but could not maintain the consistency. In third place was Tomg Shing and Liu Xueying from Hong Kong.
Day 2
Unfortunately the wind remained light today thought the race committee managed to get 3 more races in. Though the top 3 sailors seem to be pulling away from the rest of the fleet. With the top 3 spots remaining the same as yesterday.
Last day
Another 4 races were held to conclude the 2019 Hobie Asian Championships I Weihai China. With winds gusting up to 18 knots it was going to be tough racing.
Again it was the two Thai teams that dominated the racing. Teerapong
Watiboonruang and Nutpatsorn Wachirapongsin raced with skill to finish the last day with 3 firsts and a second. After 11 races they were either first or second 10 times. Kitsada Vongtim and Nopporn Booncherd also had a great last day with 3 seconds and 1 first. Always keeping on the pressure on their Thai teammates. Round out the podium paces was Tong Shing and Liu Xueying from Hong Kong.
Weihai turned on some wonderful weather. Some light winds and some strong winds to give the fleets the best possible races. The people and sponsors gave the sailors wonderful support and encouragement. Everyone is looking forward to coming back to the new Weihai for it wonderful Hobie hospitality.
