2015 Australian 470 Nationals announced
by ISAF Sailing World Cup - Media on 4 Sep 2015
Australian 470 Class - 2015-16 Australian 470 Nationals Jeff Crow
The Australian 470 Class has hit a home run with the announcement of the 2015-16 Australian 470 Nationals securing the St Kilda Precinct as their racing grounds from December 5 – 7. This event is developing into a great lead up regatta for the all too familiar ISAF Sailing World Cup – Melbourne beginning at the same venue the week after.
Having these two regattas back to back is no accident. Event organisers believe this will attract additional international competitors needing to train for the World Cup event while also strengthening the current 470 athletes in Australia.
ISAF Sailing World Cup - Melbourne Chairman and current 470 President, Mark Klemens, stands behind this decision:
“As President I am delighted to see the Nationals return to Melbourne and be part of the Oceania leg of the Sailing World Cup. We hope to attract the best international competitors as it’s an opportunity for these sailors to prepare before the Sailing World Cup racing commences. The new venue is an exciting place to sail and I hope the national and international sailors participate in this prestigious international event.”
Traditionally the 470 Nationals attract ten to fifteen of Australia’s best 470 teams but this amalgamation has the potential to bring up to thirty or more boats. Sydney 2000 Olympic Gold Medallist (470) and current ISAF Sailing World Cup – Melbourne Director, Mark Turnbull, explains that this can only strengthen the Australian 470 Class.
“Having more boats increases the quality of racing for each competitor as much as it strengthens the quality of each athlete. Australia has had an incredible track record in the 470 Class, with a Gold Medal being won at every Olympics except in Athens, so there is an abundance of shared knowledge that all adds to giving the best quality racing. These athletes need to train and compete against each other as much as possible with the lead up to Rio next year. Plus of course the international teams would love to come here and steal our National Championship.”
It’s evident that Australia are no strangers to the 470 Class and by collaborating with the ISAF Sailing World Cup – Melbourne, essential assets and volunteers can be shared. The timing and the location of the event stand very attractive to the ISAF Sailing World Cup – Melbourne Partner Clubs and their Volunteers. Lesley Fasala, Regatta Manager for the ISAF SWC – Melbourne, is receiving great feedback and support from the volunteers regarding these two regattas.
“Currently, we have more volunteers registered than last year. Most volunteers are trying to get experience in a certain skill, so (they) need as much practical time as possible and with the highest quality Race Officials and Jury available, people can see the benefit of assisting over the two regattas.”
Entries, Notice of Race and Accommodation packages are now available on the ISAF Sailing World Cup – Melbourne
website. Entries close December 5 to allow any last minute uncertainties the opportunity to register and be part of the action.
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