Lancelin Ocean Classic 2016 Dates Announced!

Lancelin Ocean Classic
Lancelin Ocean Classic

Australian Premier Windsurfing & Kitesurfing Event Calls for Athletes to Compete ? The event, famous for its 25km marathon from Ledge Point to Lancelin first held in 1986 ? Windy Lancelin's stunning coastline and water provides ideal conditions ? New sport: paddlers join the #LancelinClassic REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Registrations are now open to windsurfers, kitesurfers and paddlers to enter the 31st Lancelin Ocean Classic, taking place between January 14 and 17, 2016. The headline 25km race from Ledge Point to Lancelin Marathon will for the first time have the windsurfers and kitesurfers racing together, utilising an improved starting line process. Following the same course and starting together at Ledge Point, the downwind marathon will take place on January 16 from noon and there will be entertainment at the Lancelin beach finish line throughout the afternoon for spectators. For the first year, the race will also be open to ocean kayaks and stand up paddlers, who will race downwind along the coastline from Ledge Point to Lancelin. "Our community is growing every year, and we've been looking for a long distance ocean race to challenge our enthusiastic members - as well as provide an elite standard to them to aim for. I'm expected that at least fifty competitive athletes from our association will participate, either stand up paddle or by ocean kayak" said Gary Maughan, one of Perth's paddling community members. The strong windsurfing history of the Lancelin Ocean Classic attracts athletes from across the country looking to take home the top prize for taking on this tough event. The winning time from last year was 28.17 minutes by Steve Allen with Swiss athlete Karin Jaggi the first woman to cross the finish line at 32.57 minutes. Earlier this year, the State Government through Tourism WA's Regional Events Program, which is funded by Royalties for Regions, announced a three year funding agreement to support the growth of the Lancelin Ocean Classic. Which has seen an increase in the number of athletes travelling to Western Australia to participate in the event. As well as the challenging 25km race, additional competitions taking place include windsurfing waves, kitesurfing freestyle and kitesurfing waves. LANCELIN LOBSTER BRUNCH An exciting addition to the Lancelin Ocean Classic sports program is the Lancelin Lobster Brunch, featuring freshly caught local crayfish and regional produce used in a menu crafted by WA Food Ambassador and renown chef, Don Hancey. A limited number of tickets will be available for this exclusive Sunday morning brunch on the beautiful Lancelin Beach following Saturday's marathon races and celebrations. MORE FUN ON THE BEACH Extending the program further, free yoga classes will take place on Lancelin's white sandy beaches through the week leading up to the marathon races and a new location for the race village will serve up entertainment, drinks and food at the marathon finish line. For further information, or to register, visit www.lancelinoceanclassic.com.au/

ABOUT THE #LANCELINCLASSIC In 1986 a handful of enthusiastic windsurfers met together for a 25km downwind race from Ledge Point to Lancelin. From this home grown start, the Lancelin Ocean Classic is now one of the worlds best known water sports championships and is back again in 2016, from 14 - 17 January; in one of Western Australia's most beautiful coastal pockets. Picturesque and windy Lancelin is the ideal location for the event attracting contestants from all around the globe and cementing the town's status as one of the best windsurfing and kite surfing destinations. The four-day event will bring together professionals and amateurs who will fight it out for supremacy and a competitive prize pool. The Lancelin Ocean Classic is coordinated by leading West Australian events and marketing agency, Project3. Based in Fremantle and specialising in regional community events across the State, Project3 have been contracted to deliver the Lancelin Ocean Classic for the next four years. With thanks to the State Government through Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions, this event is possible.