Mirror Worlds Event website launched

5:09 AM Sat 14 Mar 2009 GMT

'Mirror Test out the Worlds Tace Track' Ian Johnston Click Here to view large photo

The International Mirror is making a strong come back Down Under as the fleet builds towards the 2011 World Championships in Albany Western Australia. The Mirror has been the breeding ground for a number of champion Australian sailors. Australian Mirror World Champions are Paul Eldrid (1987, Ireland) who went on to be runner up in the 420 Worlds in 1990 and Tom King (1991, Holland) who in 2000 claimed an Olympic Gold Medal in the 470 class. Australian runners up include David Graney (1987) Mark Padgett (1999), Torvar Mirsky (2001) and Nick Davis (2007).

Reigning 49er World Champion and Olympian Ben Austin also entered the sport through the Mirror as did Olympic 470 Gold Medallist Tessa Parkinson.

The strong holds of the class are in Western Australia, Tasmania and New South Wales, although there are literally hundreds of Mirrors across Australia waiting for a make-over to get the next generation of champions sailing.

Albany in Western Australia has been selected as the venue for the 2011 World Championships which is a huge boost for the tourist town of 35,000 on the South Coast of Western Australia. Worlds Project Director, Anthony Galante said, 'We have one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world. The whole town is excited with the announcement of this event.'

2009 Western Australian Mirror State Titles - Ian Johnston Click Here to view large photo

Together with the Antarctica Cup and the Great Australian Ocean Race, Albany, the first settlement in WA, is putting itself on the map for sailors. He added, 'We expect to see an expansion of the class across Australia as people identify the opportunity to sail in a World Championship in Australia. We believe that the boat is a great stepping stone from the Optimist, Sabots and other junior classes to the Olympic classes. With a full sail plan, it equips sailors with the skills they need for their sailing careers, just look at likes of Tom King, Tessa Parkinson and Torvar Mirsky.'

In resounding support for the class, World Match Racing Tour young gun, Mirsky said, 'Mirrors, for me were the building blocks of my sailing career. I learnt to sail in Mirrors! I think it is important to sail a good youth dinghy class while you are growing up. Mirrors are a great boat to learn all the 'ropes'. The racing is always close and the world championships in Albany are going to produce some champion sailors.'

Promotion of the 2011 Mirror Worlds has commenced through the launch of the event website www.mirrorworlds2011.comand the regatta is expected to attract in excess of 100 boats. Britain and Australia will be squaring off again in what will be a sailing battle of the Ashes. These two countries are the superpowers of the Mirror class and they will be pushed by Ireland and South Africa.

Fleets across Australia are picking up again as people can access good boats at reasonable prices to either get sailing again or learn to sail. With the current financial crisis, the Mirror provides great value for money and excellent competition and the Worlds in Australia just around the corner.

If you are interested in this event, sign up to the Worlds Newsletter through the expression of interest on the website - www.mirrorworlds2011.com

Mirrors - Ian Johnston Click Here to view large photo

Mirrors - Ian Johnston

by Anthony Galante

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