Victoria, get set for a sizzling summer of sailing

•  Coalition provides $40,000 sailing events funding package
• Coalition maintaining, developing and attracting top sporting events and athletes to the state
• Funding boost local sport and economies and keeps Victoria in the national and international spotlight.

Melbourne’s leg of the ‘Grand Slam of Olympic Sailing’, the ISAF Sailing World Cup which is currently underway in Sandringham, headlines a blockbuster line up of sailing events set for Victoria’s coastline and lakes in the coming months.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty joined Olympic Champion and ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Matt Belcher at the Sandringham Yacht Club, on day two of the competition to announce a $40,000 Victorian Coalition Government sailing events funding package from the Significant Sporting Events Program.

Mr Delahunty said the package delivers support to:

• Australian Laser Championships at the McCrae Yacht Club, 27 Dec 2013 – 4 Jan 2014;
• Australian Laser Masters Championships at the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club in Paynesville, 13-17 Feb 2014;
• International Cadets National Championships at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria in Williamstown, 27 Dec 2013 – 4 Jan 2014;
• 2013 OK Dinghy Nationals at Black Rock Yacht Club, 29 Dec-4 Jan 2013; and
• 2014 Optimist Dinghy Australian Championships at Mornington Yacht Club, 4-11 Jan 2014.

“On top of the support we provide to our major sailing events like the ISAF Sailing World Cup on Port Phillip Bay and the Festival of Sails held in Geelong over the Australia Day weekend, these Championships are part of our commitment to maintaining, developing and attracting top sporting events and athletes to the state,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The Coalition Government is proud to support major sailing events like these because they’re all about getting everyone involved, enjoying life out on the water and encouraging more people to get more active more often in the fantastic sport of sailing.

“Top sailing events also provide the perfect platform for aspiring world champions to press for national team selection in their own backyard and earn the ultimate honour to compete in world championships and Olympics for their country.

“That’s why initiatives like the Significant Sporting Events Program are so important. They help deliver and support a wider range of events, boost local sport and economies, and keep Victoria in the national and international spotlight.

“I encourage everyone to come along and take the opportunity to experience sailing in Victoria at its best this summer.”