Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony for the 2006 Kangneung Formula World Championship 2006 kicked off this pinnacle event in Kangneung, Korea, with 26 nations participating. This is the first time the Windsurfing Championship has been hosted in Korea, and typical Korean hospitality was prevalent

Formula Association President Ceri WILLIAMS expressed thanks to all and especially welcomed those nations participating at the Formula Worlds for the first time. Thanks were expressed to the title sponsor, Kangwondo and support sponsors Kangneung City . Korea Sea Exploers and Korea Windsurfing Association who have organized the Championship

The highlight of the Opening Ceremony was the traditional Mixing of the Waters, which symbolises the gathering of all sailors from around the world. The water had been brought from lakes and seas from all corners of the world and transported in small bottles by the teams to Kangneung. Korea. Upon arrival in Korea, the water had been transferred into small traditional Korean jugs ready for the Mixing of the Waters ceremony.

Accompanied by traditional Korean music and dance performers, an athlete from each team poured their nation’s water into the Korean urn and in so doing mixed the spirit of sailing of 26 nations; a mark of the celebration and unity the athletes will experience in the Championship and in their future sailing careers.

The significance of ceremony was explained to the sailors: The mixing of the waters symbolises the use of water, to show the world as one. Competitors you are bringing with you part of your home land – the water you sail in – the most important for a sailor. All this water will come together as one, with the hope that there will peace and friendship between all people of the world. We hope you will compete in the same spirit.

JUNG S.D, Korea Windsurfing Association President formally declared the 2006 Kangneung Formula Windsurfing Championship open.