Sail Melbourne set to grow again in 2010

by Sail Melbourne on 15 Sep 2010 After an outstanding event last year, the first leg of the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Cup will once again set sail in Melbourne, Australia.

With increased action on and off the water, an even bigger Sail Melbourne will be held in the state-of-the art surroundings of Sandringham Yacht Club from December 12 – 18, 2010.

Sail Melbourne will once again be the first stop of the prestigious ISAF Sailing World Cup with teams then heading off to Miami, Palma, Hyeres, Medemblik and Kiel before finishing at Weymouth, England - the London 2012 Olympic venue, in September.

Peter Conde, Yachting Australia’s High Performance Director said: 'This year we are expecting even bigger numbers of top international sailors. With so many renowned events happening across the country over the summer months, there’s no better time for the worlds’ best to come to Australia.

'Sail Melbourne will be an increasingly important regatta for the Australian Sailing Team and the Australian Sailing Development Squad in 2010 and 2011 as we ramp up our preparations for London 2012. This guarantees some exciting on-the-water action.'

Alistair Fox Event Manager at ISAF said: 'Sail Melbourne offers competitors a great experience with exceptional sailing conditions on Port Philip Bay and world class facilities at Sandringham Yacht Club. Event organisers and volunteers are committed to delivering the highest levels of race management and also to providing a unique spectator experience.'

With the promise of world-class sailing out on the water, the international sporting event promises an increased array of engaging lifestyle events and attractions on-shore, offering an exciting and diverse range of entertainment.

Sail Melbourne Chairman, Bruce Griffiths said: 'Last year’s event was an outstanding success. It just goes to show Victorians embrace sailing as one of Australia’s major sports and the Sailing World Cup, Melbourne as a key major event.

We are looking forward to making an even bigger splash in 2010 and beyond, as we firm up the Cup’s status as a must-do event during Melbourne’s summer. There will be plenty of exciting announcements as we move towards the event.'

Sports Minister James Merlino said: 'We were delighted with the success of Sail Melbourne in 2009 and the excellent platform this provides for the event to grow into one of Victoria’s signature events. We are looking forward to giving the event the warm welcome back it deserves this year as it cements its place in the State’s action packed summer of top-class sport.'

With an amazing summer of sailing lined up in Australia for 2010, there will be no better place to be for Olympic Class competitors come November. Competition will get underway in Perth for the World Championship Test event from 16 – 21 November before sailors continue their campaigns on the East Coast by taking part in the Sail Down Under Series.