Princess Royal Sailing Club member Anthony Galante promoted the 2011 event while acting as Australian team manager at the recent 2009 Mirror World Championships in Wales.

“Interest is high and we have set national targets for Ireland, South Africa and the UK,” he said.

“With support from the City of Albany and the Chamber of Commerce, we were able to develop a very polished promotional campaign, including naming boats linked to the 2011 Albany Worlds.”

Galante said DVDs were given to all competitors featuring the Just Add Water episode on Albany, holiday planners on Albany and WA.

“At this stage, teams have already appointed team managers for 2011 which shows how keen they are and we have established shipping container targets to get the ball rolling,” Galante said.

“There is interest from Malta, Canada and France.

“With the large Australian fleet of 60 boats and orders for new boats being placed, we are planning for a very large fleet in Albany.”

Galante’s position as manager was made possible through a Regional Officiating Scholarship from the Department of Sports and Recreation.

“Overall, the team was really happy with their efforts in the big fleet,” he said.

“For most, this was their first worlds and this experience will hold them in good stead for 2011 worlds in 18 months.

“The competition in Wales was excellent and is a testament to the enduring success for the class which has consistently produced close racing.”

Galante said there were nine individual race winners in nine heats, with 3 races called off because of storms.

Albany’s representatives in the Australian team returned last week after the championships in Wales.

Two Albany boats participated in the fleet of 97 boats with strong representation from the Ireland, South Africa and the host nation.

PRSC’s Paul Taylor with son Austin were the best of the Aussies coming 14th overall and winning the veterans trophy for over 50 year olds.

The other Albany boat, skippered by Lawson Taylor and crewed by Mitchell Sainty, finished 51st overall and achieved a high creditable 17th in one heat.

Other good performances were from Perth pair Liam Wilson and Jessica in Amazing Albany who finished 17th overall in their first worlds with a best place of fifth.