Perth, with its infamous strong breezes, is an ideal sailing venue, both on the waters of Fremantle and on the picturesque Swan River.
Since Thursday, Perth city has provided the backdrop to world-class international sailing. During the past few days, while Perth 2011's eleven Emerging Nations Programme athletes continue their intensive training under the guidance of Head ENP Coaches Belinda Stowell and Arthur Brett, another exciting sailing experience has been attracting sailors, sailing enthusiastic and spectators - the Sunseeker Australia Match Racing Cup,
Swan River Sailing Executive Officer and Perth 2011 Board Member Skip Lissiman explained that the action-packed invitation-only event included the who's who of sailing battling it out in Foundation 36 one-design yachts. There is an impressive line-up of world ranked competitors, featuring America's Cup teams and skippers, including triple gold and silver medallist, Great Britain's Ben Ainslie
and Perth's own Torvar Mirsky
, who resides in Fremantle.
"This is your chance to see the world's best yacht racing right on the city's doorstep, the opportunity to see a mini America's Cup on Perth waters - don't miss it!" Lissiman exclaimed about the event, which winds up on Sunday.
Despite these boats not being Olympic classes, the Perth 2011 executive and staff members were there assisting, commentating and enjoying the action on the water. For more photographs of the event please visit the Perth 2011 Photo Gallery.
The Sunseeker Australia Cup was first held in January 1982 at Royal Perth Yacht Club to provide the best skippers from various countries the opportunity to build up their match racing skills in preparation for the America's Cup.
Many of the sailors currently competing in the Sunseeker Australia Cup in Western Australia will soon head to Malaysia for the Monsoon Cup. Perth 2011 Board Member Peter Gilmour
(AUS) is the Monsoon Cup Event Director and Yanmar Racing skipper - World Match Racing Tour.
Find out more about the ISAF Sailing World Championships at www.sailing.org/isafworlds.