WA wins bid for massive world sailing event

by Lisa Rowston on 5 Nov 2007 Western Australia will stage the biggest sailing event since Fremantle’s 1987 America’s Cup defence, beating five other countries to host the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships.

Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said she was delighted to announce the success of the State Government’s multi-million dollar bid for Australia to host the event in Fremantle.

'This will be one of the biggest events staged in WA history,' Ms McHale said.

'The two-week competition will be the key qualifying event for the 2012 London Olympic Games and will see up to ten world championships staged simultaneously in Fremantle.

'We outshined five other countries - Korea, Russia, Germany, Finland and the Netherlands - to attract the event, which could bring more than 5,000 visitors from 75 countries to WA.

'The event is also expected to inject more than $40 million into our economy.'

The Minister said the event would attract athletes, coaches and officials to the State for extended stays for both pre-event training and the fortnight of world championships.

'It will also stimulate global media exposure and bring Perth and Fremantle alive,' she said.

'Visitors will travel to Perth and Fremantle for the event, and many will extend their stay to experience more of the unique destinations WA has to offer.'

Western Australia 2011 Bid Committee joint chairman and bid director, Peter Gilmour, said Fremantle was one of the most outstanding sailing venues in the world.

'Our bid team put forward a compelling case to host the event in Perth and Fremantle, and I know the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) have made the right decision in choosing our State,' Mr Gilmour said.

'As a professional sailor, I have competed in some of the most stunning locations around the globe and WA truly is a world-class venue.'

Belinda Stowell, Sydney Olympic Gold medallist, was part of WA’s bid team which presented to the ISAF committee.

'This is just fantastic news for all Australians,' Ms Stowell said.

'In particular, this event will enthral and motivate a whole bunch of young Western Australian kids and sailors to get into this great sport and achieve their goals.'

Ms McHale thanked Tourism WA, the Warren Jones Foundation and Yachting Australia for their hard work in ensuring a successful stellar bid.

'This was a real team effort and one all Western Australians will reap benefits from for years to come,' she said.

More information about the 2011 International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Sailing World Championships is available at http://www.westernaustralia2011.com