Ainslie to compete at Perth International Regatta

Warm-up for World Sailing Championship to take place next month

Perth International Regatta, the test event for the World Sailing Championships, received a boost today with seven world number ones confirming they will sail.

The PIR has attracted 230 boats from over 40 nations and commences in just three weeks’ time from 16 to 21 November 2010. Athlete entries include triple Gold and Silver Olympic Medallist Ben Ainslie from Great Britain, six of the current World Champions and four 2010 ISAF World Sailor of the Year Award Finalists.

World Number One and current World Champion teams, Matthew Belcher and Malcolm Page in the 470 class, Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen in the 49er class and Tom Slingsby in the Laser class are among the 54 entries competing from Australia.

“The Perth International Regatta will be a phenomenal event," said Perth 2011 Event Director, John Longley." We have not only exceeded our expectation in terms of the number of entries, but the calibre of athletes that will compete has been a pleasant surprise. We are proud to welcome and host the international stars of our sport who will travel great distances to experience the conditions off Fremantle and learn about the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships. The fact that there are 40 nations and 40 entrants in the top ten in the world competing indicates this event is an important and valuable part of each athlete’s preparation towards the 2012 London Olympic Games."

There will be five different course areas within a two kilometre distance from South Beach to Leighton Beach in Fremantle. Bathers Bay, which is situated in the heart of Fremantle, will be “abuzz” with racing each day and will be the host area for each event’s Medal Race, a final sprint race for the top ten boats in each class to decide the medallists.

Medals will be presented prior to the One Year to Go Party on Sunday 21 November 2010 in the Fishing Boat Harbour, Fremantle. It will be a spectacular evening with fireworks launching the exciting one year count down to the World Championships.