First round of 2016 Sailing World Cup in Melbourne

ALWAYS a popular regatta, the ISAF Sailing World Cup series round one which took place in Melbourne from December 9 to 13 attracted a field of just under 1,000 competitors from all over the world, as it acts as a qualifying competition for the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The first night saw a host of visitors from the Victorian sailing community, international delegates, three London 2012 sailing gold medallists and other high profile sports stars present for the World Cup’s official opening event in anticipation of the hard competition the following day.

This year, the event moved from its previous venue in Sandringham to the specially created St Kilda sailing precinct of the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS). Eight Olympic classes and three Paralympic classes totalling 180 sailors will battle for top 10 places for Sunday’s Medal Races.