By DAHALIA SMITH , NG Sports Reporter , dahalia@nasguard.com -

The International 5.5 meter World Championship will return to The Bahamas, after 16 years. This development was announced yesterday at a press conference held at the Nassau Yacht Club, which will host the event set for March 2-14.

The championships will be presented by Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch Private Bank and Trust, and sailed under the auspices of the Bahamas Sailing Association (BSA). The fleet will be comprised of seven boats from around the world with three regattas planned for this event, World Championship, Scandinavian Gold Cup and the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Cup (also used as the national championship).

Three three-man teams are expected to represent The Bahamas. At the helm of these teams will be Gavin McKinney, Craig Symonette and Thierry Huguenin.

Huguenin, who will be representing The Bahamas on the boat named 'Absolutely', said he would try to improve on his performance from last year when the World Championship was held in Italy.

He said: "Last year I finished 21 out of 39 boats. This time around we will have less boats coming and most of them will be new. My boat is an old one, a 1995, so I might have a hard time.

"The Bahamas Sailing Association has many junior programs. This event will be a good demonstration for the juniors to see where they can get in the world of sailing. The junior sailors will also realize that they will be able to sail other boats other than the optimist, laser and sunfish," explained Huguenin.

Also on hand at the press conference were Branville McCartney, Minister of State for Tourism and Minister of State responsible for Sports Byran Woodside, whose ministries are partial sponsors of the championship. Together, the ministries donated $35,000 towards the Championship.

Woodside noted at the press conference: "The 5.5m World Championships is a welcomed regatta at this time. Having put on this event in 1992 we appreciate that it has returned to The Bahamas.

"We are delighted to support this event and build upon The Bahamas' rich sailing tradition. We are reminded of our sailing successes in the past such as Sir Durward Knowles who won the gold medal in sailing at the Tokyo, Olympics in 1964.

"We are also very proud of indigenous sloop sailing regattas which play an important role in our country. We have great seas and weather so The Bahamas is a most appropriate place to host this international event."

Meanwhile McCartney extended appreciation to the Nassau Yacht Club for hosting this prestigious international event.

"In particular I would like to acknowledge Sir Durward Knowles for his vision, drive and leadership. Thanks also go out to the Nassau Yacht Club's Commodore Steve Roberts and the various committees responsible for the diverse aspects of staging this event including Regatta Chairman John Lawrence.

"Since hosting this event in 1992, The Bahamas has gained a remarkable reputation in the 5.5m World Championships and has much to be proud of. So now young people will have a chance to see how they can excel in the sport of sailing.

"With the likes of Bahamians Craig Symonette and Gavin McKinney who have medaled in this competition before and Thierry Huguenin, we anticipate an exciting regatta from this competitive field," McCartney said.

Managing director of Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch, Christian Coqouz underlined his company's motive to give back to the community.

"We have been in The Bahamas for over 30 years and this is our first time sponsoring a sporting event. We saw it fitting to support the art and culture and we are very pleased to be a part of this magnificent event.

"Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch really wanted to support the local community and the sport in an effort to get more Bahamian youngsters involved in sailing. Supporting this event is just another way to make sailing interesting amongst Bahamians," noted Coquoz.

Other sponsors of this event include Pictet Bank and Trust, Bahamas Ferries, Bahamas First, Commonwealth Bank and Bacardi.