Sailing in Australia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sailing is a popular sport and recreational activity in Australia with its varied coastline and often warm climate.
Australian Sailing is the peak body in charge of sailing as recognised by the International Sailing Federation[1] In 2017-18 there were over 80,000 registered sailors and over 16,000 events held across the country.[2]
Sailing Clubs are common in Australia. Large cities have significant numbers of clubs catering to boats from off the beach dinghies to serious ocean racing. Sydney for example, has over 40 sailing clubs. Most moderate sized towns with sailable water nearby have a sailing club. Many clubs hold weekly races, annual championships and annual races.
Sailing Associations
Australia has a large number associations ranging from one design class associations, which sail boats bound by strict rules to open associations for development and broad communities of boats. Associations are generally at a national level with state based subsidiaries, although some associations are state based where they represent classes or communities that are only found in one state. In 2019, Sailing Australia affiliated ### class and other associations, although not all class associations are affiliated.
Associations often hold annual state and national championships.
Major events
The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is the premier blue water Australian race, starting on Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day every year. The race attracts a wide variety of boats from supermaxi yachts to small private boats. The race was first held in 1945.[3]
The Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race starts on 27 January in Port Phillip Bay. Racers trace a course down the rugged west coast of Tasmania and along the south coast to Hobart.[4][5]
Hamilton Island Race Week held in the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland in August is Australia's largest offshore regatta attracting over 250 boats.[6][7]
Historical racing events
Australia hosted the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne[8] and the 2000 Olympics in Sydney[9] including the respective sailing events.
In 1983, Australia sailing in Australia II defeated the United States of America in the America's Cup, ending their 132-year stranglehold on the cup. This is considered one of the greatest moments in Australian sports history. The following America's Cup was held in 1987 in Perth with Australia losing the cup.[10]