Sail Melbourne - First leg of the ISAF Sailing World Cup

by Lauren Garnet on 26 Sep 2011 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 the best of the best descend on Port Phillip Bay.

The Sailing World Cup is an exciting addition to the city’s summer events calendar and will showcase a marine driven carnival and the very best of Olympic class sailing in the lead up to the 2012 Olympic Games.

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.'

Australian Sailing Team champions including Tom Slingsby, Malcolm Page, Mat Belcher and Krystal Weir have all confirmed their attendance at this year’s event and are keen to set sail.

'Sail Melbourne is the perfect opportunity for us to compete against the best of the best as we move closer to the Games,' said Olympic gold medallist Malcolm Page. Malcolm currently holds the title of world number one crew in the 470 class with his skipper Mat Belcher.

'I always look forward to coming home to compete in Australia. Sail Melbourne offers a great experience with fantastic sailing conditions on Port Phillip Bay and top facilities.'

With world class sailing out on the water and a marine driven carnival filled with engaging lifestyle events, Sail Melbourne promises something for everyone.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty said, 'This year’s Sail Melbourne promises to excite Victorians as the high calibre event continues to grow into a signature sporting platform. The Victorian Government is a proud sponsor of the event and I encourage everyone to get down to Port Phillip Bay to view the action and embrace the sailing lifestyle.'

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 kiteboarding 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.

'We are delighted to once again have on board a number of corporate sponsors including Minter Ellison, Deloitte, Bayside City Council, Parks Victoria, Club Marine, San Pellegrino, Audi Centre Brighton and DB Schenker, among others.

'This year we would also like to welcome Mexican luxury fashion label Pineda Covalin which will add a richness of colour and a cosmopolitan style to our lifestyle events. High performance marine clothing label Gill Australia will also join us as our Official Clothing Supplier.'

Sail Melbourne will also hold the 10th International Sailing Summit (ISS), 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.

ISS Patron and 2010 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Tom Slingsby said, 'I am very proud to have been asked to be a part of this year’s Summit. It is vital to future success that the industry and sport come together to drive change through challenging times.

'The current business environment has been tough on everyone and the Summit will address the issues and actions to assist the sailing community to fire up again and get people sailing.'

Parks Victoria will once again encourage everyone to get involved with this year’s Sailing World Cup Carnival and take full advantage of the excellent conditions on Port Phillip Bay.

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 2012 Olympic venue Weymouth, England before finishing in Kiel, Germany.

Sail Melbourne is an advocate of youth development and through invitation provides the opportunity for amateurs to compete in a world class event alongside their sailing heroes. The event also offers all three Paralympic classes.

Sail Melbourne website