Premier Alan Carpenter today announced that the 2011 International Mirror Class World Championships would be held in Albany’s Princess Royal Harbour.
Mr Carpenter said the sailing championships were expected to bring 100 competitors and almost 1,000 tourists to Albany, contributing an estimated $3million to the local economy.
“Albany has one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world and is ideal to host a world championships regatta,” he said.
“It will achieve world-wide attention, as well as subsequent tourism and economic benefits to the region.”
The bid was a joint effort between the Princess Royal Sailing Club in Albany, the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the City of Albany.
It was assisted by the State Government through a letter of support from Great Southern Minister Kim Chance to the WA Mirror Class Association earlier this year.
Princess Royal Sailing Club Commodore Jack Spaanderman said the club was excited that some of the best young sailors in the world would be coming to Albany to compete in the event.
Albany MLA Peter Watson said the championships would be a tremendous boost for Albany.
“This is a fantastic outcome for Albany to host its first world championships in any sport,” Mr Watson said.
“The sailing championships will be yet another chance to showcase our magnificent harbour and city to the world.”
The event is scheduled to take place from December 26, 2010 to January 8, 2011. Last year’s World Championships were held in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Mirrors are one of the top two-man sailing dinghies in the world, and are best known for their distinct red sails.
They are known as the family class, attracting a large following of parent and child combinations.
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