A world class sailing event is set to inject $40 million into Western Australia, while attracting more than 5,000 visitors to the state, says the State Government.
The International Sailing Federation's Sailing World Championships will be held in Fremantle in December 2011, with the State Government securing $8.6 million in federal funding in yesterday's federal budget and understood to be matching that to provide an overall budget of more than $17 million.
State Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said the championships will be Australia's most significant sailing event since the 1987 America's Cup.
"The multi-million dollar allocation reflects the strong relationship that exists between our governments and will help ensure Western Australia delivers a world-class event," Ms McHale said in a statement.
"It will attract hundreds of national and international media and deliver significant media exposure of Perth and Fremantle to a worldwide audience, enticing people to WA," Ms McHale said.
Bid Committee co-chairman Peter Gilmour said the championships were the pinnacle event in international sailing, with Fremantle being the ideal venue for the world's largest sailing event.
"We are very excited to work in partnership with both the State and Federal Governments to ensure opportunities are maximised and a significant positive legacy is left for sailing throughout the country," Mr Gilmour said.
Others on the Bid Commitee were sailing identities John Longley and Skip Lissiman as well as former senator Ian Campbell.
