By SPORTS WRITER,The Nassau Guardian

The 5.5 Metre Class World Championship, presented by Lombard Odier Darier Hench, will be sailed under the auspices of the Bahamas Sailing Association and hosted at the Nassau Yacht Club which last hosted a 5.5 Metre World Championship in 1992. The 2008 World Championship runs from March 2-14.

Competitors from around the world will compete in three separate regattas, which are sailed one after the other, to compete for the Scandanavian Gold Cup, the Duke of Edinburgh Cup, and the 2008 Championship Cup. The top Bahamian finisher in the Duke of Edinburgh Cup will also be crowned The Bahamas' National Champion.

The Bahamas has a remarkable history in 5.5 Metre Class sailing, with Bahamian teams competing in the 1952 Helsinki, 1960 Rome and 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. In addition, Bahamians have taken medals in no less than nine World Championships, winning two gold medals, three silver medals and four bronze medals. In the 2006 World Championship, The Bahamas fielded two boats, finishing a highly competitive sixth and 11th out of 41 boats.

Of particular note is The Bahamas' performance in the Scandinavian Gold Cup, which is a Nation Event in which one boat represents its country. The Bahamas won the Scandinavian Gold Cup on a remarkable six occasions, the most recent two being back-to-back wins at Medemblik, Netherlands in 2000, and Flensburg, Germany in 2001.

The late Bobby Symonette represented The Bahamas internationally in the 5.5 Metre Class for decades and won many medals. There will be a special tribute to Mr. Symonette at this year's event.

Races will be sailed off the east end of New Providence. Boats will be available from the Yacht Club for the press and spectators to watch the racing.

Sponsors of the event include the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture; the Ministry of Tourism, Pictet Bank and Trust, Bahamas Ferries, Bahamas First, Commonwealth Bank and Bacardi distributed by Bristol Wines & Spirits.