Tallinn, Estonia – Event organizers of the 2021 ORC World Championship – Kalev Yacht Club, Pärnu Yacht Club, Tallinn Yacht Club, Estonian Yachting Union and the Tallinn Olympic Sailing Center – have proudly announced the Estonian energy company Alexela as the title sponsor of the event, being held this year over 6 – 14 August 2021 in the venue of the 1980 Olympic regatta in Tallinn, Estonia.

"This is already the second ORC title championship to be organized by Estonia after the Volvo Estonia ORC European Championship held in Pärnu in 2015,” said Kalev Vapper, Commodore of the Kalev Yacht Club and president of the Estonian Yachting Union. ”On behalf of the organizers I would like to thank Alexela that has decided to support the ORC Worlds 2021. Their assistance will make the organization run smoother in all facets.”

The Vice President of the Alexela Group, Marti Hääl, stated that Alexela has supported sailing for its entire 30-year history since maritime culture was in the childhood upbringing of its owners. "Sailing is an excellent sport and supporting it on different levels – from children starting in the Optimist class to offshore sailing – is taken to heart at Alexela.”

The signing of the cooperation agreement with digital Estonia, the presenting sponsor of the ORC Worlds, took place digitally and as a sign of the cooperation agreement, the flag and logo of the Alexela ORC World Championship 2021 were presented.

With a little more than two months to go, already 132 entries from 14 nations are signed up for the 8-day event. However, currently a little more than half this number have paid their entry fees, and organizers are urging the others to complete their registration now because after May 31st entry fees will increase by €250.

COVID protocols: The COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing and many travel restrictions and testing or self-isolation requirements have been in place for some time.

The situation in Estonia is improving daily and since May 24th many COVID-19-related regulations have been relaxed and from June 14th will be relaxed much more. The organizers have applied for special approval from the Estonian government to hold an event as currently planned, even if the limit of outdoor event participants is still less than 1,000 in August.

If some restrictions are still in place by the time the event starts in August, the non-racing features may need to be modified, but the racing portions will be held as planned. If for any reason some teams will be unable to take part in the championship, entry fees will be fully refundable if the entry is cancelled before July 1st. The same date is a deadline for the organizers to call off the championship in case the COVID-19 situation escalates and will not allow the event to proceed.

Organizers are pleased to announce that the Notice of Race has been published and entries are open for the Worlds’ warm-up regatta – the OneSails Cup 2021 - to be held on August 4-5. Interested teams are encouraged to sign up soon.

OneSails is a supporting sponsor the Worlds, being the Official Service Provider offering overnight service. According to OneSails representative in the Baltics, Mati Sepp, OneSails is increasing its reputation and results among Estonian sailors every year, and Estonian yachts have achieved very significant victories with OneSails sails.

“In 2019 at the last Worlds, Sugar 3 won the title of World Champion in ORC Class C and the title of European Champion was won by Matilda 4 also in ORC Class C. Just last week, Sugar 3 was successful at the 2021 ORC Europeans, winning Silver medals in Class C. Therefore, it was a logical continuation for OneSails to support the competition in Estonia.”

There is also good news for any sailors competing at the Copa del Ray 2021 in Palma de Mallorca in the beginning of August who are also competing at the Worlds in Tallinn. A charter flight has been organized to departure Palma in the evening of Saturday, August 7 to arrive in Tallinn early morning the next day. See more information at Worlds’ website here.

And for any Med-based team still considering an entry to the event and who wants to race their own boat, Peters and May can help. They are offering a tailormade service originating out of the Med with local load venues for any yachts that wish to compete in the championship. Their services include Water to Water transport; Mast up/Keel on shipments, Special Racing Yacht Logistics, Customs clearance; and all with Experienced Loadmasters. Contact Peters and May at racing@petersandmay.com.

“We congratulate the Worlds organizers on having found a worthy and supportive sponsor in Alexela,” said Bruno Finzi, Chairman of ORC. “This generous support and their careful planning we expect to contribute to a great edition of this year’s Worlds.”

The Alexela ORC World Championship 2021 is additionally supported by the City of Tallinn, Sportland, Saku, Alter – B&G, Amserv, Forus, Rotermann City, Pantaenius, Telia, Postimees, Deinhard and OneSails. The organizers of the Alexela ORC World Championship 2021 are the Kalev Yacht Club, Pärnu Yacht Club, Tallinn Yacht Club, Estonian Yachting Union and the Tallinn Olympic Sailing Center.

Event website: www.orcworlds2021.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/orcestonia

Instagram: www.instagram.com/orcworlds2021tallinn

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