World’s best test their skills on Geelong waters

THE world’s best sailors are converging on Geelong to prepare for the biggest range of elite events held in the city.

Four high-profile Olympic sailing classes will compete on Corio Bay this summer, in the lead up to the Tokyo Olympics in July.

More than 400 sailors from 35 countries, many with Olympics aspirations, will feature across a period that is tipped to inject more than $6.8 million into the local economy.

The Royal Geelong Yacht Club will host Oceania and world championships for the 49er (men), 49erFX (women) and Nacra 17 divisions from January 30 to February 15.

The Laser Masters’ Australian, Oceania and world championships follow in March.

The bumper Summer of Sailing will be spearheaded by the Festival of Sails over the Australia Day weekend, creating a jam-packed calendar of international interest.

The world championships event site will be established this week, as the first of about 170 Nacra 17, 49er and 49er FX vessels arrive in Geelong from across the globe.

Crews will be training in Geelong before the world championships, with their boats able to be viewed inside the yacht club and an adjacent area of Eastern Beach.

The site will provide public viewing areas and low-level fencing so visitors can enjoy an up-close experience of the Olympic sailors preparing and launching their hi-tech vessels.

This will offer a rare experience for spectators, as generally the launching areas are not easily seen.

The Laser Masters World Championships have so far attracted 289 entries from 27 countries.

“Securing four world championship events this summer is a great coup for Geelong and further raises the region’s standing on the elite sports calendar,” Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said.

“Geelong is the home of the sport for the next two months, ensuring all the eyes of the sailing world are on our region.

“Scores of world-class sailors are using Geelong as a base to practise and compete in world championships prior to the Tokyo Olympics.”