Aarhus opens for the Worlds with the mother of all ceremonies

Invoking the twin legends of their Viking ancestry and more modern Olympic exploits, Aarhus welcomed the world of sailing on Thursday evening for the opening ceremony of the Hempel Sailing World Championships Aarhus 2018.

The flag-bearers of the 85 nations competing paraded in between the welcoming speeches and music from the local favourites, Michael Learns to Rock with the citizens of Aarhus 50-deep in the harbour. The ceremony also opened the maritime festival and 400,000 visitors are expected to visit Aarhus during these World Championships to enjoy the sailing and a hundred different side-events.
 
Jacob Bundsgaard, the Mayor of Aarhus, himself a keen sailor, reached back into the history of this city of sails. “Welcome to Denmark – and welcome to Aarhus, the ancient capital city of the Vikings,” he said.
 
“Over 1200 years ago, the Vikings settled right here on this spot – by the shore and the forest, the perfect place for a harbour town.”
 
“Now “the Danish sailors – with fiery Viking blood in their veins – are once again fighting for honor and gold, this time on their home turf.”
 
“Aarhus is ready – well-prepared and dedicated. We’re proud to be hosting the world championships – and we’ve really pulled out all the stops to give you the experience of a lifetime.”
 
Kim Andersen, the Danish president of World Sailing, continued the theme.
 
“It is an honour for me to welcome so many of you to my home country Denmark, and to the beautiful city of Aarhus,” he said. “To host these World Championships in Aarhus, a legendary sailing city, is a very special feeling.”
 
Paige Railey, the USA flag-bearer, in her star-spangled dress turned heads but the image of the night was Bryony Shaw, carrying her 14-month year-old son, Jaddek, in front of her.  It was a moment that celebrated the many mothers in this 1,400-strong fleet.
 
The biggest teams here are the British and French teams, with 83 sailors each (although registrations are ongoing), but the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for the powerful Danish team. They will be a handful on home waters.