King of the Docklands in SB3s

Aussie invitational event to be raced in January

A studded cast of sailors will take to the water a spectacular, short course, winner take all event at the Melbourne Docklands on Sunday, January 20, 2008. Olympic medalists, round the world racers, America’s Cup veterans and national champions will battle it out in identical sports boats to become the undisputed Vectrix SB3 King of Docklands - an event which is similar to the hugely successful VW Touareg King of Cowes competition in the UK in August.

Sixteen teams will be pitted against each other in a knockout series and will be competing for one of the richest prizes for a single day’s racing in Australia, a $17,500 high performance Vectrix maxi-scooter.

The event, which is part of a 'Super Sunday' of sailing, will consist of four races featuring four equally matched teams with the winner of each race going through to the final. A challenging 220-metre short course on Victoria Harbour will test the nerve and skills of the competing crews. Racing will begin shortly after midday and the final is programmed for 6:30pm. The best vantage point will be Waterfront City.

Event Coordinator Doug Jarvis said the event would add an exciting dimension to the overall program: “Skandia Docklands Invitational is all about the best sailors and the best boats. It is a showcase event. An opportunity for the general public to get up close to a sport that is often out of reach. You can climb aboard an ocean racing super maxi, have a try at sailing, mingle with celebrities and watch the best short course racing imaginable,” he said.

Vectrix, manufacturers of the world’s first high performance electric two wheel vehicle, are thrilled to be involved with sailing. Vectrix Marketing Director Charles Mann said the Vectrix Maxi Scooter and sailing are an extremely good fit: “Vectrix is all about high performance and zero emissions. The eventual winners will display the highest performance and they will do so without harming the environment.”

With the event literally on the city’s doorstep, spectators will have a bird’s eye view of the series. Organisers have planned a wide-range of on-shore activities and a host of sailing events for visitors and participants to enjoy. Skandia Docklands Invitational will be staged at Waterfront City Saturday, January 19 and Sunday, January, 20 2008.

The umbrella program is presented by Skandia, the Victorian State Government, the City of Melbourne, The Age, Vectrix and the organising authority Royal Geelong Yacht Club.

For more information see: http://www.docklandsinvitational.com