Perth 2011 Set to Break Records with International Sailing Talent

by Richard Palfreyman

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) has so far received 661 entries from 72 nations for the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships in Perth this year.

At the closing date for priority places on 28 February, a total of 941 sailors were registered to make the trip to Perth in December.

Alastair Fox, ISAF Events Manager said, “The ISAF Sailing World Championships is a key event in world sailing and second only to the Olympic Sailing Competition.

“To have so many sailors entered already is excellent news for Perth 2011 and we expect many more to enter as we prepare for the championships.”

Perth 2011 Event Director, John Longley added, “It is a pleasing number of first round entries and we are right on track to reach our expected number of 1,400 athletes and 850 boats from at least 80 nations.”

Cadiz (ESP) hosted the inaugural championships in 2003 with 71 nations represented. In 2007 Cascais (POR) welcomed 76 nations. And Perth are well on track to break the nations record having already received applications from 72 nations.

The Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships, taking place from 3 to 18 December 2011, will bring together past and future Champions as titles are decided in the ten Olympic sailing events.

The regatta is one of the great events in the world sailing calendar. It is a key qualifying event for sailors aspiring to represent their country at the 2012 London Olympic Games, as 75% of the national Olympic places will be decided in Perth.

Seven of the 72 nations entered so far are newcomers to the ISAF Sailing World Championships. ISAF and Perth 2011 are pleased to welcome the Cook Islands, who are sending entries in the Laser and Laser Radial.

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro and Trinidad and Tobago are each sending one entry into the Laser class. St Lucia will have a representative in the Laser Radial and Palestine has entrants in the Men’s RS:X and Men’s 470.

Out of the ten events, the Laser has the most entries with 113, followed by the Laser Radial with 92 and Men’s RS:X on 75.

MNAs can still earn more places based on the 2011 ISAF World Rankings and also through the ISAF Qualification Commission.

Applications based on 2011 ISAF World Rankings and the ISAF Qualification Commission should be made directly to ISAF before 30 June 2011. For more details contact ISAF here. (Direct to Pauline@isaf.co.uk)

To view all of the entries to the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships click here

Perth 2011