Olympians launch 2016 Sailing World Cup Final

Olympians launch 2016 Sailing World Cup Final © Kate Lathouras

Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist, Tom Burton, and silver medallist, Lisa Darminan, along with Andrew Plympton, Chairman of the Australian Sailing High Performance Advisory Committee, Matt Carroll – CEO Australian Sailing, Mark Klemens – Chairman SWC Final and Mark Turnbull – Event Director were on hand to launch the 2016 Sailing World Cup Final at the Art Series Hotel Group (The Blackman) last week. With less than 3 weeks until Australia's largest Olympic and Invited class regatta hits the waters of Port Phillip Bay, the event organisers are excited with the participation from international and national sailors.

This year the event organisers have secured the ongoing support of the Victorian State Government along with premium brands such as, the presenting partner, Land Rover, Sail Melbourne's sailing apparel partner, Line 7, premium home builder, Carter Grange, boutique hotel group, Art Series Hotel Group, San Pellegrino/Acqua Panna, NB Sail Sports and Mettler Toledo. The Sailing World Cup event team is excited to be working alongside these partners and thank them very much for their support.

Competition is guaranteed to be world class with registrations still being received. To date, there are sailors from 36 countries registered who are expected to arrive on our shores within the next few weeks.

Event Chairman, Mark Klemens: "As Chairman for the second year, I am very excited about the World Cup Final heading to the now famous St Kilda sailing precinct in December. We have record numbers of Olympic class sailors, some hot off the back of the Rio Olympics including a number of medallists. The competition will be fierce as these sailors battle it out for a gold medal in their class along with prize money.

The backdrop is second to none with our beautiful Melbourne skyline and the event itself is shaping up to have a real carnival feel about it as we head to Christmas. I am so proud of our Regatta management team who will no doubt have all the on water racing running fairly and smoothly. Bring on this wonderful event!"

For more information on the event visit www.sailingworldcupmelbourne.com