Two Samoan sailors Eroni Leilua and Vaimo’oi’a Ripley are representing the country in the Allianz Sailing World Championships 2023 at The Hague in the Netherlands this week.

The event from 13–20 August 2023 is an Olympic-qualifying event with sailors from across the globe competing for a coveted spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both sailors will compete in the Laser class boat category, according to a press release issued on Saturday by the Apia Yacht Club. 

Apia Yacht Club Commodore, Seiuli Ian Black said he is elated to see the participation of the two Samoan sailors, who started their foray into sailing at the yacht club and are now leading the way for Samoa's future International sailing prospects. 

"We wish Samoa's sailors Eroni and Vaimo’oi’a the very best for the 2023 World Sailing Championships," said Seiuli. "We wish to acknowledge our sailors' commitment and the generous sponsors so far for supporting their journeys as they compete at the highest level and represent Samoa."

The Samoa Sailing Association President, Raema Von Reiche echoed similar sentiments about the need for funding support for the two Samoan athletes. 

"These young sailors really need as much support as possible, particularly funding in order for them to continue to represent our country," she said.

According to the media pack distributed by the organisers of the event, the championships from 10–20 August 2023 is the 6th Sailing World Championships, an event which is held once every four years. The Allianz Sailing World Championships 2023 is organised by TIG Sports in close cooperation with the Dutch Sailing Federation (the Watersportverbond) and the City of The Hague.

In contrast to the Olympic Games, for which only one team per Olympic class per country qualifies, several teams from all countries may participate in this World Championship. As a result, there is a much stronger and larger field of competitors at the World Championships than at the Games. The 2023 edition of the Sailing World Championships will see Para sailing included for the very first time.