Sailing World Cup anchors in Melbourne until 2011

7:54 AM Thu 14 May 2009 GMT

'James Merlino, John Bertrand and Sarah Blanck' Yachting Victoria Inc Click Here to view large photo

Melbourne has continued to cement its title as the world's sporting and major events capital by securing the first leg of the prestigious Sailing World Cup for the next three years.

Making the announcement at the Sandringham Yacht Club today, Sports Minister James Merlino said Melbourne will play host to the International Sailing Federation accredited event until 2011.

'The Brumby Government is committed to hosting major sporting events that place Melbourne in the national and international spotlight and boost tourism and investment,' James Merlino said.

'We are delighted Melbourne will be the first round of this seven city Olympic-class event circuit.

'Victoria has an outstanding natural sporting asset in Port Philip Bay, which will play host to hundreds of the world's top sailing talent this December.

'Melbourne was the first choice for Yachting Australia and the International Sailing Federation - the only city in the Southern hemisphere invited to join this new Olympic sailing circuit.'

Merlino said Sail Melbourne will be the first event in the ISAF Sailing World Cup calendar before teams head to Miami USA, Palma Spain, Hyeres France, Kiel Germany, Medemblik Netherlands and Weymouth UK, where the champions will be crowned.

Patron of Sail Melbourne, John Bertrand, said the Sailing World Cup is the pinnacle for Olympic sailors and aspirants and the event would be a major boost for sailing in Australia.

'What a coup for Melbourne to have Sail Melbourne now part of the grand slam of sailing, the ISAF Sailing World Cup,' John Bertand said.

'We will see the absolute best of international sailors competing in Melbourne each December.

Sail Melbourne Chair and Olympic gold medallist, Mark Turnbull, welcomed the Brumby Government's support of Sail Melbourne in Melbourne's major events calendar.

'Securing the ISAF Sailing World Cup event validates Sail Melbourne's international status, terrific race management and first class infrastructure,' Turnbull said.

'The event will not only attract top sailors to fight for victory but provide local sailors with a great opportunity to meet and sail against their heroes on home territory.'

James Merlino said the Sailing World Cup added to Melbourne's high-profile major sporting events including the annual UCI Track Cycling World Cup, the 2010 UCI Road Cycling World Championships, the 2009 FIH Champions Trophy men's hockey and the Australian Masters with world's number one and four players, Tiger Woods and Geoff Ogilvy, secured for 2009.

The ISAF Sailing World Cup - Sail Melbourne will be held at Sandringham Yacht Club from 14 to 19 December in 2009.

by Georgie Cox

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