Kitefoil event adds tourism drawcard

Rockingham is ready to welcome one of the world’s most prestigious high-performance arena-style sailing events next week, with the spectacular hydrofoiling kitefoils to take place in our waters.

Following on the success of the Rockingham Beach Cup last weekend, another high-profile event looks set to be a boon for the city.

Racers are powered by the wind and can reach speeds of more than 65km/h, with international competitors descending on the region.

The racers’ high performance marks them as the fastest sailing fleet in Australia around an Olympic-style course, with the Rockingham event the fourth and final venue of the Hydrofoil Pro Tour. City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said it was another exciting event in the lead-up to Christmas.

“The City has supported the event with a $20,000 grant as part of its Community Grants Program, which will have significant benefits for tourism in the City,” he said.

“The event will showcase The Cruising Yacht Club as well as promoting Rockingham’s many tourist attractions to the State, interstate and international competitors and supporters of the event.”

Rockingham Visitor Centre manager Scott Hewitt said attracting an event of such significance was a major tourism boost for the region.

“Looking at the other venues across the world where the tour was hosted, attracting it to Rockingham is a major accomplishment for the city,” he said.

“It helps to build Rockingham’s tourism scene and is another positive step in encouraging people to visit our region.

“We look forward to welcoming the athletes, families and spectators to Rockingham.”

Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce chief executive Tony Solin said an influx of people from overseas and interstate to the city would have positive commercial consequences.

“Between the competitors, officials, sponsors and spectators there will be plenty of people coming to Rockingham to enjoy this iconic event,” he said.

“This can only be a good thing for local businesses and services, who will take advantage of the extra footfall.”

The event will include six days of action from November 24 to 29 along the Rockingham foreshore.