Rescheduled ILCA 50th anniversary spectacle on Sydney Harbour to take place this Sunday
by Diana Chen 16 Jun 2021 09:59 NZST
20 June 2021
Laser sailing at Sydney Harbour © Jon West Photography
The 50th anniversary spectacle of the popular ILCA Laser dinghy sailing class, involving 200+ boats, has been rescheduled (as a result of weather and lockdowns) to 20 June 2021, starting at 10:00am near the Sydney Opera House.
Andrew Cox, Commodore of Double Bay Sailing Club, which is hosting the event, said, "We are privileged to showcase our incredible harbour to the world in the kick-off to a series of global celebrations of this important milestone for one of the most popular sailing boat classes ever. The footage is going to be spectacular."
In a fitting tribute to the ILCA Laser's status as the Olympic one-person dinghy sailing class, Mark Bethwaite AM, who competed in the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games, and is a multiple times Laser class Masters World Champion, will officiate the event from the start boat near Farm Cove. He will be joined by guest-of-honour, Rob Mundle OAM, who introduced the Laser class to Australia after meeting with class founder, Bruce Kirby in New York in 1971.
Since then, Australia has had many champions in the class, including men's gold medallists at the last two Olympic Games. Participants in the event will include six Masters World Champions in the Laser Class - Brett Beyer, Vanessa Dudley, Jeff Loosemore, Rob Lowndes, Lyndall Patterson, and Martin White.
Tom Slingsby, Australian 2012 Olympic Laser-class gold medallist, who is in Europe competing for Australia in the SailGP Championship said, "I am disappointed to be missing this event - the Laser is a very special boat to me. It is enjoyed by so many people, whether sailing for fun or competing on the world stage."
"This celebration will showcase the popularity, the competitiveness, and the fun of the ILCA Laser class. Whether you're returning to the sport, transferring from another class, or just starting out - we encourage you to give the Laser a go!", said Commodore, Andrew Cox.
More information at dbsc.com.au/laser-50th.