Yachting Australia

2002 5-Oceans race (formally known as Around Alone)

Fremantle is to play host to another international yacht race, Tourism Minister Bob Kucera announced today.

"Fremantle will be the only Australian port for the 5-OCEANS race in 2006-7," Mr Kucera said.

"It is an event which is known as sailing’s ultimate challenge, so it will bring some of the toughest and most exciting sailors in the world to our backyard.

"This comes hot on the heels of securing host port status for the Clipper 2005 Round the World Yacht Race and together the races reinforce Fremantle’s return to international yachting prominence.

"Together with the Clipper 2005 race, this successful 5-OCEANS bid means that the Western Australian economy stands to gain a $3.3million boost.

"International bidding is incredibly competitive for such high profile sailing events so we are really excited to have been successful with our bids for both races.

"As with the Clipper Race, Fremantle will be the only Australian stop for these 25 or so solo sailors, which represents quite a coup for the State, and for the Fremantle Sailing Club.

"The visit will provide a valuable jobs boost in the tourism and hospitality industries."

The fleet of up to 25 yachts will arrive at Fremantle Sailing Club about December 2006 and January 2007 for a two to three-week stopover.

"Sailing around the world solo is the toughest challenge any professional sailor can set him/herself," Mr Kucera said.

"Fewer people have achieved this feat than have climbed Mount Everest - it is a truly inspirational event to be involved in."

Competitors will sail in Open 60 and 50 class yachts, known as the Formula One racing machines of the seas.

They will start in September 2006 and undertake five legs, crossing the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, Indian, Southern and Pacific Oceans, during their 27,000-mile trek.

"The field will be international, with entrants expected from France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Italy, the United States, New Zealand, Japan and Canada as well as Australia," the Minister said.

"This international flavour will ensure a high profile around the world, and bring many visitors to WA during the three-week stopover in January 2007."

Eventscorp, a division of the WA Tourism Commission, ran the bid for both sailing events.

Media contact: Bev East on 9213 7000 or 0408 93 2213

You can subscribe to have media releases emailed automatically from the Government’s website: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au

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