Image from Unsplash
All eyes will be on Sandringham Yacht Club for the first leg of the prestigious ISAF Sailing World Cup in Melbourne, Australia from November 6-12 as we draw closer to the 2012 Olympics.
The Sailing World Cup is an exciting addition to the city’s summer events calendar and will showcase a marine driven carnival and competition to rival the Olympics.
Bruce Griffiths, Chairman of Sail Melbourne said, “The event was a phenomenal success in 2010 with 456 athletes from 42 countries competing and more spectators than ever before. Growing anticipation for the upcoming Olympics will ensure 2011 is the best competition so far.”
With world class sailing out on the water and a marine driven carnival filled with engaging lifestyle events, the international sporting platform promises something for everyone.
This year will also see Sail Melbourne continue to embrace new emerging sports such as the visually spectacular kiteboarding. The sport will be part of this year’s invited classes in light of its recent inclusion in the Olympic program for 2016 and beyond.
The event will take place at Hampton Beach, extending the program further along the bay where Australia’s best will participate in course races as well as display their incredible skills with freestyle competitions.
This year’s marine carnival will once again host engaging lifestyle events including the Official Dinner, The Sail Experience Luncheon, Lifestyle Party and Family Day.
Kate Allen, Sail Melbourne Event Development Manager said, “We are thrilled with how our vision for the Sailing World Cup is coming together and value the continued support from our generous sponsors who share our future goals and understand the event’s potential.
“This year we would like to welcome Mexican-inspired fashion label Pineda Covalin which will add a richness of colour and a cosmopolitan style to our lifestyle events.
Sail Melbourne will also hold the 10th International Sailing Summit, a prestigious event which will see the sport and industry join forces to drive positive change and to take the sport of sailing to new realms.
The ISAF Sailing World Cup features seven regattas globally, of which Sail Melbourne is the first. Following Melbourne teams will compete in Miami, USA; Palma, Spain; Hyeres, France; Medemblik, The Netherlands; and Kiel, Germany before finishing at Weymouth, England for the Olympics.
“This year’s event promises to thrill competitors and spectators alike. We hope many more join us in 2011 to celebrate the sport of sailing and watch our Olympians as they compete on our pristine Port Phillip waters,” Bruce Griffiths enthused.
For more information please visit www.sailmelbourne.com.au
