The final major championship of the 2020 Quadrennial will be held in Thessaloniki, Greece from May 4-9, 2021 for the 49er, 49erFX, and Nacra 17 fleets. Just two months ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, it is expected to be the final chance for Olympians to get into racing form and for the next generation of aspiring Olympians to catch the favorites before they head onto the World Stage.
The regatta will be hosted by the Nautical Club of Thessaloniki is the oldest Nautical club in all of Greece, a country rich a rich history at sea. The club has sent members to the Olympics as long ago as 1948 and more recently has been a center of 470 and Tornado sailing in Greece. In hosting the 49er, 49erFX, and Nacra 17 European Championship, NCTH will continue this Olympic spirit in the modern double handed classes.
It is expected that most Olympic contenders will attend, while the Organizing Authority understands the need to be careful in bringing people together and of the many travel restrictions in place globally. On shore activities will be limited and done electronically for the most part, while on water racing activities will simulate the regular racing environment as much as possible.
2021 initiates the Path to Paris, and many new and younger teams are expected to join the racing aiming toward the 2024 Olympics. Four years out from the Olympics is typically when many sailing campaigns get started, and 2021 should be no different.
