Counting Down to Sail Melbourne

After an outstanding event last year, the first leg of the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Cup will once again set sail in Melbourne, Australia.  With increased action on and off the water, an even bigger Sail Melbourne will be held in the state-of-the art surroundings of Sandringham Yacht Club from 12-18 December 2010.

Sail Melbourne will once again be the first stop of the prestigious ISAF Sailing World Cup with teams then heading off to Miami, Palma, Hyeres, Medemblik and Kiel before finishing at Weymouth, England - the London 2012 Olympic venue, in September.
 
The first leg of the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Cup, Sail Melbourne is shaping up to be a ‘clash of the titans’ as Australia’s best sailors prepare to compete alongside a host of formidable international challengers.

Beijing Olympic gold medallist and multiple World and European Championship title winner Malcolm Page will be back in Melbourne looking to defend his title, having won in his class alongside partner Mathew Belcher at last year’s ISAF Sailing World Cup. Malcolm commented, “I always look forward to coming home to compete in Australia, and Port Phillip Bay is a world class sailing destination. There are some fantastic names competing this year and I want to ensure Mathew and I retain our title.”

With the promise of world-class sailing out on the water, the international sporting event promises an increased array of engaging lifestyle events and attractions on-shore, offering an exciting and diverse range of entertainment.
Australian sailing hero John Bertrand commented, “We are delighted to welcome some of the worlds’ greatest Olympic sailors to Melbourne. Having an event as prestigious as this in the city helps build local support and recognition for the sport. Sail Melbourne is also Australia’s most important Olympic and Youth Class sailing event and provides an ongoing platform for aspiring young sailors to compete in a world class event alongside their sailing heroes. Port Phillip Bay is considered one of the finest racing venues in the world and will provide a stunning backdrop for a world event.”

We are looking forward to making an even bigger splash in 2010 and beyond, as we firm up the Cup’s status as a must-do event during Melbourne’s summer. There will be plenty of exciting announcements as we move towards the event.”

With an amazing summer of sailing lined up in Australia for 2010, there will be no better place to be for Olympic Class competitors come November. Competition will get underway in Perth for the World Championship Test event from 16 – 21 November before sailors continue their campaigns on the East Coast by taking part in the Sail Down Under Series.

Sail Melbourne will once again be the first stop of the prestigious ISAF Sailing World Cup with teams then heading off to Miami, Palma, Hyeres, Medemblik and Kiel before finishing at Weymouth, England - the London 2012 Olympic venue, in September.

The defending Sail Melbourne titles holders from 2009 are:
470 Men – Mat Belcher and Malcolm Page (AUS)
470 Women - Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie (NZL)

More Information:
Sail Melbourne website

Source: Sail Melbourne

Image: Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie (NZL) at the 2010 470 World Championships © Thom Touw