Australia’s sporting capital secures 2016 Sailing World Cup Final

by Scott Llewelyn on 4 May 2016 2016 ISAF Sailing World Cup - Melbourne - Less than a fortnight into being crowned the sporting capital of the world, Melbourne’s already gearing up for the next biennial award with the addition of securing the 2016 Sailing World Cup Final from the 4 - 11 December this year.

Melbourne stands uncontested with world- class sporting facilities such as the iconic MCG, Etihad Stadium and AAMI Park and this year will also be able to claim Port Phillip Bay as their largest sporting precinct to date. With a grandstand like no other, the Sailing World Cup Final in St Kilda Sailing Precinct, made out of the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS), St Kilda Baths, St Kilda Beach and Catani Gardens, will put the sport front and centre of the public.

Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren said the Sailing World Cup Final was a great addition to Victoria's calendar of sporting events.

'We're thrilled to be adding another world-renowned event to our first-class calendar of great sporting events. Port Phillip is the perfect setting for the Sailing World Cup Final, and what better place to set up camp and watch the world's best than the St Kilda Foreshore.'

'Events like these bring visitors from all over Australia and the world, and that means jobs and growth for Victoria.'

The Sailing World Cup - Melbourne now stands equal to past iconic Melbourne events including the 2006 Commonwealth Games, 2007 FINA World Swimming Championships and the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. It makes sense that Victoria wants to host the final showdown of the most successful sport from the London 2012 Olympics – sailing.

The 2016 Sailing World Cup Final will bring together the world's best sailors in the aftermath of the Rio 2016 Sailing Competitions as they seek to end the year on a high heading into the Tokyo 2020 Olympic quadrennial.

The Rio 2016 heroes are to be crowned in just three months’ time and the new breed of heroes will follow in the legends footsteps on the waters they became king at the 2016 Sailing World Cup Final

Event Director and Sydney 2000 Olympic Gold Medallist in the 470 sailing class, Mark Turnbull, is excited to see the final head to Melbourne:

“The Sailing World Cup Final is renowned as the penultimate Olympic sailing event second to that of the Olympics themselves. We showcased what Melbourne had to offer last year when the Melbourne leg of the Sailing World Cup was moved to the St Kilda Sailing Precinct and we’ve only received accolades from this decision.

From an athletes point of view Melbourne waters offer a variety of conditions that test the overall capability of sailors and from an event directors point of view we are able to provide the public an interactive and intimate sporting arena.”

Olympic heroes and internationally acclaimed athletes will be preparing and launching their boats from St Kilda beach with some racing to happen just meters from the St Kilda Pier.

If you want to be a part of the Sailing World Cup – Final make sure you book the 4- 11 December off in your diary and head on down to the St Kilda Sailing Precinct.

If you would like more detailed information on the event please visit the event website.