As the International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) continues its 2012 World Championships in Charlotte Harbor, local awareness of this unique event is growing throughout Southwest Florida.
There are three great ways to observe the competition and each offers local residents a fascinating look at this complex sport.
Firstly, boaters can observe the racing from a proper distance right on the water, either on a personal vessel or the King Fisher Fleet's daily observation trip. For each of the three classes of boats, a separate course has been established within the upper part of the harbor. These designated areas all fall within waters off the Punta Gorda shoreline and near the convergence of the Peace and Myakka Rivers, so one need not stray too far to witness the action.
Observers can also see the multitude of boats dotting Charlotte Harbor by viewing the action from several local waterfront parks. Though the individual vessels are distant to the naked eye, one can often best appreciate the enormity and skill of the event from afar. During the week of racing, many spectators have take to local parks with binoculars and cameras to better zoom up close.
No park offers a more worthy view of the seas than Bayshore Live Oak Park in Charlotte Harbor. With beaches and walking paths located along 7 acres of waterfront, the park is just west of the Highway 41 bridge. Furthermore, one of the three circuits sits right off this facility and can be be seen easily from its two fishing piers. Other recommended viewing spots include Port Charlotte Beach Park and, across the river in Punta Gorda, Fisherman's Village, as well as Gilchrist and Ponce de Leon Parks.
Finally, perhaps the best way to experience the IFDS World Championships is by hanging out at the docks of Laishley Park Municipal Marina. To its credit, this tournament is highly accessible and spectators have gathered there daily to see the boats coming and going from their slips. Sailers tend to leave around 9:00am and return after 3:00pm. It is fascinating to observe so many competitors with the ability to prepare and focus in such a busy environment.
The winds in the harbor have been strong throughout the week and it has allowed for intense action during the event's early stages. Racing continues through the weekend, before the competition concludes on Sunday, January 15.
Be sure to view pictures from the IFDS 2012 World Championships in the photo gallery above and follow this column for further developments.
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