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As Victoria prepares to welcome the ISAF Sailing World Cup, Sail Melbourne, event organisers have teamed up with Tourism Victoria to launch ‘Me and My Boat’ – an exciting search to find, recognise and reward the favorite boating memories of Australia’s dedicated and passionate sailors.
The people behind Sail Melbourne will gather and showcase personal photographs from members of the public that celebrate the wonderful world of sailing.
Kate Allen, Sail Melbourne Event Development Manager, said: “Whether it’s that perfect shot of the sun setting as you relax on deck, an exhilarating moment as you win a title or even an on-board wedding, Sail Melbourne wants to share your pictures with the world. The winner will walk away with a money-can’t-buy ‘ISAF Sailing World Cup – Sail Melbourne’ VIP experience including lunch with Olympian and Australian sailing hero, Glen Ashby.
“Through our online activities, we want to engage with the public and provide a platform to ensure Australia’s photographic sailing memories, experiences and achievements are given due recognition. We plan to bring their previously unseen shots together on Sail Melbourne’s website and reward their efforts.”
To enter, members of the public are invited to submit their favourite sail-themed photograph at www.sailmelbourne.com.au. Any personal snap involving a boat can be used, so entrants are encouraged to get creative. Each entry must also be accompanied by a short caption beginning ‘Me and my boat …’ and a description of no more than 100 words, telling the story behind the photograph. A special judging panel has been put in place including Olympic Gold Medallist Malcolm Page. Judges will pick the ultimate winner based on creativity, imagination and overall composition.
On behalf of the panel, Malcolm Page said: “Australia has a very special relationship with sailing. The ISAF Sailing World Cup, Sail Melbourne is a celebration of the sport on an international scale. We want to provide an opportunity for the passionate sailors in our community to be celebrated, too. I’m looking forward to seeing the wonderful entries that are certain to come through.”
The lucky winner of the judges prize will be treated to an exclusive ISAF Sailing World Cup, Sail Melbourne experience for two with flights and accommodation included. They will receive tickets to the Finals Day itself, lunch with Glen Ashby, a boat ride allowing them to get up close and personal to all the sailing action, followed by exclusive entry into the Cup’s glamorous Lifestyle Party.
Melbourne prides itself on its art and culture, chic cafes, bars and restaurants, hidden laneways, shopping, fashion and its proximity to stunning waterfronts such as Port Phillip Bay. Over the course of the weekend the winner will also enjoy an exclusive city experience including dinner at Melbourne’s famous Press Club, be dazzled by Mary Poppins at Her Majesty’s Theatre and be invited on a Hidden Secrets Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Tour.
In addition, there be a prize for the people’s favorite, with the picture that receives the most ‘likes’ on Facebook receiving a $500 Helly Hansen Gift Voucher. Entrants are therefore encouraged to ask friends and family to vote for them.
Melbourne is widely recognised as the events capital of Australia and has a buzzing calendar of international events drawing visitors from across the globe. The only city in the world with a tennis Grand Slam and Formula 1TM Grand Prix, it is internationally recognised as the world’s best sports event city. An exciting addition to the city’s summer events calendar, Sail Melbourne will see a myriad of the world’s top sailing talent descend on the state-of-the-art surroundings of Sandringham Yacht Club from December 12 – 18, 2010. The public will have the opportunity to embrace the excitement and glamour of the sailing lifestyle by taking part in an array of fresh and engaging on-shore events and activities.
Sail Melbourne is one of seven regattas globally that make up ‘the Cup’ and is a key event in the campaigns of participants as they prepare for the London Olympics in 2012. The event attracts the world’s sailing elite thanks to its reputation for great sailing conditions and first class race management.
The competition closes on 3 December 2010. Full terms and conditions and for more information on the Cup itself, visit www.sailmelbourne.com.au
