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 _{Photo courtesy regate.com.hr}

The bid prepared by an ARYA-appointed working group nominates Gladstone, Queensland, as the venue for the event proposed to be held in October 2024.

The International One Metre (IOM) is the most popular RC racing yacht in the world and is raced in over 30 countries. The Gladstone Marina is an ideal setting for the 2024 World Championships, as Local and State events are held regularly by the enthusiastic local club at the northern end of the marina, always with glowing competitor reviews.

"We are extremely proud that the States and National radio sailing bodies have unanimously endorsed Gladstone as Australia's bid for the IOM World Titles in 2024", announced Aaron Farrar, Commodore of the Gladstone Radio Controlled Yacht Club, "Visiting sailors have always loved our sailing venue and if successful we can showcase our city, marina and our unrivalled hospitality to the world."

The prevailing South Easterly winds arrive uninhibited most of the year-round; however, with skippers and interested onlookers' unique 'god-like' elevated viewing of racing from the North-South & East-West wharf fingers courses can be set in any wind direction.

Matt Burnett, Mayor of Gladstone, has wholeheartedly supported Australia's bid to host the event in the harbour city. Support is further underpinned by the board and management of the Gladstone Ports Corporation, who have enthusiastically provided access to the marina for the event.

ARYA President, Andrew Reid thanked the ARYA World Championship Working Group in preparing the Australian bid. In addition he stated "Our team has done a fantastic job in preparing an excellent submission to host an IOM World Championship in Australia and Gladstone is the ideal location for this event with excellent facilities both on and off the water. We look forward to welcoming sailors and their families to Australia in 2024."

The last IOM World Championship was held at Mooloolaba, Queensland, in 2005, and an Australian bid to host the event again has been a long time coming. Australians have travelled to overseas venues for numerous World Championship events and now, if successful, will host this top-level event on our waters.

Gladstone is a dynamic regional hub full of surprises. At the heart of Gladstone's city centre are an impressive natural deep-water harbour and the picturesque marina precinct that hosts the end of the internationally acclaimed Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, A wide variety of restaurants and bars surrounded by affordable accommodation options ensures that everything any competitor needs is within walking distance.

Bids for the event were submitted by 31 March 2023, with the announcement of the successful host city expected at any time.