Kiteboarders and windsurfers in World Cup

Sail Melbourne has confirmed that in light of the decision by the ISAF on November 10 to remove kiteboarding from the Olympic Class line up for the 2016 Olympic Games, kiteboarding will continue to be embraced as part of its Invited Class Program during the ISAF Sailing World Cup -- Sail Melbourne, to be hosted at Sandringham Yacht Club, December 2-8, 2012.

Sail Melbourne has had a huge response from the kiteboarding community with more than 60 entries confirmed. As a key addition to the invited class program, Sail Melbourne’s first-in-class race-management team will continue to provide a competitive platform for kiteboarders from around the world.

Racing formats for kiteboarding will remain the same, entailing course racing and a final-day medal race as originally planned, in line with the IKA Class Rules 2012.

Following the decision to reinstate windsurfing into the Olympic Games line-up for 2016, RS:X Windsurfing will also once again be included in this year’s Sail Melbourne as part of the Olympic Class.

The RS:X Windsurfing program racing format will run as per the previous Olympic format, including 10 races and a medal race.

In the interest of drawing as many competitors as possible to the program at such late notice, Sail Melbourne will extend its early bird entry fee to all RS:X sailors hoping to compete in this year’s event.

Port Phillip Bay provides ideal wind conditions along a world class stretch of water, and Sail Melbourne looks forward to welcoming kiteboarders and RS:X sailors to its shores to compete for the title.

Sail Melbourne entries close November 26, 2012. For more information and to submit your entry form, visit www.sailmelbourne.com.au

For more information on the IKA Class Rules 2012, visit http://www.internationalkiteboarding.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7571&=102

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