ORGANIZING AUTHORITY: Ocean Spring Sailing Squadron (OSSS) and HCANA Division 15
VENUE: Spectacular Mississippi Sound at the Ocean Springs Yacht Club (OSYC), 100 Front Beach Dr, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
RULES: The regatta shall be governed by the rules as defined in the current Racing Rules of Sailing.
CLASSES: Regatta is open to all Hobie 16s.
ELIGIBILITY (NOR Addendum 1): All competitors must provide a completed and signed Release and Waiver of Liability form. Each competitor under the age of 18 years old on September 12, 2026, shall bring a completed form signed by a parent/guardian. All boats for the Masters, Women, and Youth Series must be HCANA Class legal boats. Charter and Open competitor boat requirements will be available soon via NOR addendum.
As per IHCA General Rule 17.7: For the purpose of Youth and/or Junior Events, the following apply unless otherwise prescribed in the Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions:
a) Competitors for Youth series shall be under the age of 21 years of age on 31 December of the year the event starts.
As per IHCA General Rule 17.8: For the purpose of Master and/or Grand Master and/or Great Grand Masters and/or Double Grand Master 100 and/or Double Great Grand Master 120 events the following applies:
a) The helmsperson for Master series shall be 45 years or older on 31 December of the year the event starts. The age of crewmembers in Master series is open.
b) The helmsperson for Grand Master series shall be 55 years or older on 31 December of the year the event starts. The age of crewmembers in Grand Master series is open.
c) The helmsperson for Great Grand Master series shall be 65 years or older on 31 December of the year the event starts. The age of crewmembers in Great Grand Master series is open.
CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY: All competitors must provide a completed and signed Release and Waiver of Liability form. Each competitor under the age of 18 years old on September 12, 2026 shall bring a completed form signed by a parent/guardian.
INSURANCE: Each team must obtain a certificate from their insurance company/agent that reflects year, type and ID number of the boat insured with their liability limits which is to be a minimum of $100,000 USD.
ADVERTISING: All boats shall display advertising of the event sponsor(s) as required by the OA. Individual sponsorship conflicting with the event sponsor’s business category shall not be allowed. Competitors may be required to carry cameras from the OA.
ENTRIES: Register through Regatta Network. Masters, Women, and Youth Series and Open Series. The Entry Fee for the Masters, Women, and Youth Series is $420 ($370 with discount code EarlyRegistration before June 1, 2026; $495 for late registration after August 16, 2026). The Entry Fee for the Open Series is $630 ($555 with discount code EarlyRegistration before June 1, 2026; $705 for late registration after August 16, 2026). Event shirts/swag for registrations received after September 1, 2026, may not be available.
MEASUREMENT: Boats will be weighed and/or measured at the event. See schedule of events for dates and times. Competitors are responsible for complying with their respective Class Rules. During the competition, any boat may be subject to inspection.
PENALTY SYSTEM: Rule 44.1 is changed so that only a One-Turn Penalty is required, one tack and one gybe.
RADIO COMMUNICATIONS: VHF radios are recommended with use/restrictions in the Sailing Instructions.
SAILING INSTRUCTIONS: Shall be available online by September 5, 2026 and on-site during event.
TROPHIES: Will be awarded as soon as possible after last race on Sunday.
ACCOMMODATIONS: The Event Host Hotel is the Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort, 13701 Paso Road, Ocean Springs, MS 39564. Contact Mary Katherine Filipich (228) 278-7176. Use Group Rate Code: Hobie 16 International Championship/b359139, for a special rate of $119/night.
Additional Options:
Travelodge Ocean Springs (228) 215-1144
Check out www.airbnb.com for many surprisingly reasonable house/condo rentals in Ocean Springs
OSSS/OSYC TRAVEL GRANTS: Eligible International teams may apply for a grant of up to $3,500 (USD) to support the shipment of a minimum of three (3) Hobie 16s via a cargo container for event participation. This funding is intended to offset a portion of the logistical and transportation costs and ensure broader global representation. For additional information contact the Ocean Springs Sailing Squadron at oss1915@outlook.com.
SCHEDULE OF RACES:
Monday, September 14 – Thursday, September 17: Masters, Women, and Youth Series Intent is four (4) days of buoy racing. OA reserves the right to combine classes or change the format based on number of registrants. There is a chance one or more distance races may be incorporated into the schedule.
Sunday, September 20 – Tuesday, September 22: Open Qualifier – Intent is three (3) days buoy racing.
Wednesday, September 23 – Friday, September 25: Open Final – Intent is to cut into Gold and Silver fleets with three (3) days of buoy racing.