Around 250 sailors from 41 nations are due to take part in the season-ending competition getting underway tomorrow and concludes on Sunday (June 11).

Flag bearers from each country were given a warm welcome by the crowd at the Ceremony at the Festival Palace and High Performance Sailing Centre.

Spain's Diego Botin, ninth with partner Iago López in the 49er at last year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, drew the biggest cheer when he took to the stage at the event.

Santander staged the 2014 World Championships and Perry praised the city's hosting credentials on the eve of the first day of action.

"In 2014, the city hosted a memorable World Championships where more than 400,000 spectators watched the heroes of our sport fight for world titles," he said.

"The legacy and the atmosphere of the 2014 World Championships live long in the memory of World Sailing. 

Perry added: "We are pleased to be back here for the Final of the series that has seen excellent competition in the qualification rounds in USA and France this year.

"The Organising Committee have done an outstanding job in preparing Santander to host more than 250 sailors from 41 nations for six days of racing.

"The sailors that you will see here this week are the stars of our sport. 

"I look forward to following the competition and I hope you have an unforgettable experience in Santander."

A number of world and Olympic champions are making their final preparations as they prepare to participate in the season finale.

Marit Bouwmeester of The Netherlands, Olympic laser radial gold medallist at Rio 2016, is among the list of confirmed entrants.

Brazilian duo Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze, who delighted the home crowd at Rio 2016 with their victory in the 49erFX, are also set to compete.