- Published:
- Thursday 8 February 2018
Geelong will sail into the future when the inaugural SuperFoiler Grand Prix, a new high-tech sailing event, comes to Victoria this weekend.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren joined SuperFoiler Grand Prix CEO Bill Macartney on the Geelong waterfront today to officially launch the competition.
SuperFoiler will see world class sailors reach speeds of up to 80km per hour on six high-speed sailing boats.
The exhilarating new spectacle is expected to draw a raft of new fans to the sport, with a big screen at the Geelong Yacht Club to show all the action live.
A stellar line up of local and international teams featuring Olympic and World Champions and former winners of the America’s Cup will light up Corio Bay to lift the Ben Lexcen Trophy.
Geelong will host the second leg of the new competition as it completes a national circuit with nine races staged on Port Phillip Bay between 9-11 February.
SuperFoiler follows a blockbuster of summer sailing events in Victoria, including the Festival of Sails and the return of the Volvo Ocean Race for the first time in twelve years.
Major sporting events like these mean serious business for our regions – driving visitation, boosting local businesses and supporting jobs.
That is why the Andrews Labor Government is proud to have secured yet another major competition for Geelong thanks to funding from the Regional Events Fund.
Visitors are encouraged to make the most of their stay by enjoying a flick under the stars at the iconic Peninsula Film Festival this weekend in nearby Queenscliff.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“This is sailing like you’ve never seen before – and we’re proud to be bringing this inaugural event to Geelong.”
“Cafes, bars and hotels along the waterfront will reap the rewards of the world’s best sailors and thousands of fans coming to our region.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“The SuperFoiler Grand Prix is a fantastic event that will bring people together, support jobs and provide another excuse for visitors to enjoy our region.”