More than 160 sailors have already entered the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games to be held in October.
The vast majority are Australians, with overseas entries also received from Tanzania, the USA, Japan, and the most high profile inclusion, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, who plans to compete as crew with Sydney's Chris Meehan in the Tasar dinghy class.
Open to anyone aged 35 or older, the World Masters Games sailing competition will take place from October 12-16, under the auspices of Yachting NSW. Woollahra Sailing Club will host the Laser, Laser Radial, Hobie 16 and Tasar classes, while Dobroyd Aquatic Club will host the Access 2.3 (single) and Access 303 (single and double) classes.
Racing within the classes will be in the age categories of 35+, 45+, 55+ and 65+.
As of May 28, the entries stood at 40 Tasars, 30 Lasers, 29 Laser Radials, nine Hobie 16s and nine Access 303s, but there are still two months until the World Masters Games entries officially close on July 31. After that, entry may still be possible subject to availability.
Australian entries include Laser sailor Peter Conde, who recently took up the role of High Performance Director with Yachting Australia, and Hobie 16 masters champions Kerli and Ali Corlett of Sydney and Bruce Tardrew of Brisbane.
“Crown Prince Frederik's attendance is a vote of confidence for Sydney as an international destination and a vote of confidence for the World Masters Games,” said NSW Premier Nathan Rees when announcing the Danish prince's participation. “This is a high-profile addition to the biggest event that Sydney will host this year, an event that will provide a $50 million boost to the NSW economy.”
For more information, visit www.2009worldmasters.com.
