The regatta will kick start the 2013-2014 Sailing World Cup at Sandringham, Yacht Club from 2-8 December 2012 with the agreement running until 2015.

Following a bid process, an ISAF appointed evaluation panel advised the Executive Committee on the bids received on factors including sailing conditions, venue infrastructure and facilities, organisation and financial resources.

Melbourne will join Hyeres, France and Palma, Mallorca, Spain with further regattas set to be held in other continents. Further announcements on these events will be made in due time.

ISAF Secretary General, Jerome Pels, said, "Sail Melbourne has an impressive history in delivering significant international sailing events to the state of Victoria and has been highly regarded on the international circuit for some time now. Coupled with Melbourne's state-of-the-art sporting and marine infrastructure, Sail Melbourne was a clear choice as a venue in Oceania for the next four years."

Sail Melbourne Chairman Bruce Griffiths said, "Melburnians have embraced the sailing lifestyle with great enthusiasm and the event has gone from strength to strength over the past three years. Sail Melbourne, in conjunction with Yachting Victoria and its supporting partners are proud to invite sailing competitors of all ages, abilities and genders to Melbourne for the ISAF Sailing World Cup."

The ISAF Sailing World Cup was launched in December 2008 and brings together the world's leading Olympic sailors. Today's news marks another step in the ISAF Sailing World Cup's development on its way to becoming a truly world circuit of events.

ISAF Sailing World Cup Website