Victoria Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty

Melbourne Gets Set To Host First Leg Of The 2011-12 ISAF Sailing World Cup

Victor P Taffa

International sailing’s Olympic class champions will be battling it out on Melbourne’s majestic Port Phillip Bay next month in the first leg of the world’s most prestigious sailing series, the ISAF Sailing World Cup – Sail Melbourne.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty today joined ISAF Sailing World Cup Champion and Olympic gold medalist, Australia’s Malcolm Page, at Docklands to launch the countdown to the event which runs from 6-12 November and is based at the Sandringham Yacht Club.

“The Victorian Government is delighted to welcome back for its third year this ISAF Sailing World Cup event.” Mr. Delahunty said.

“Hosting the first leg of this ‘Grand Slam of Olympic sailing’ provides sail fans the perfect opportunity to witness world class sailing at its best on one of the top open waterways for competitive sailing in the world, Port Phillip Bay.”

“For competitors the event provides the perfect sailing conditions to kick start the ISAF Sailing World Cup series which moves on to six other world-class sailing destinations– Miami (USA), Palma (Spain), Hyeres (France), Medemblik (Holland), Kiel (Germany) and Weymouth (Great Britain).”

“There’s no doubt sharing the limelight with some of the world’s best sailing destinations further promotes Victoria’s growing reputation as a world-class sailing destination.”

“Thanks to Yachting Victoria and event hosts, the Sandringham Yacht Club, the ISAF Sailing World Cup leg is just one of a range of elite and grassroots sail events staged during Sail Melbourne.”

“With more than 425 competitors from over 42 countries taking part in last year’s event alone, sailors and fans can once again look forward to a wonderful marine carnival atmosphere that has something for everyone – from the corporate to the family day out next month.”

“The Victorian Government is proud to support major sailing events like these because they’re all about getting everyone involved, enjoying life out on the water and encouraging more people to get more active more often in the fantastic sport of sailing.” Mr. Delahunty said.

Mr. Delahunty added the race series can be viewed from a number of great vantage points with a range of ‘come and try’ water activities set around the Bayside area.

For more information visit www.sailmelbourne.com.au