The 2011 Australian of the Year launched the event at the ongoing International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Cup in Melbourne.

The showpiece competition, which will be a final country qualifier for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, is expected to attract nearly 100 entries from 30 countries.

It will be hosted by the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria in Williamstown, Melbourne, from November 26 to December 4, 2015.

"A regatta of this size and international profile really reinforces Victoria's reputation as the sporting capital of the nation, and it is great to see another world-class sailing event being held on Port Phillip," said McKeon, speed sailing pioneer and a Founding Patron of the Australian Sailing Team.

"Events such as the 2015 IFDS World Championship have great potential to deliver significant economic and cultural benefits to the community, as well as corporate partners.

"Therefore, it is important for industry and the local community to get involved with the event, supporting the host club, the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria."

The host club, Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, is situated in the inner West of Melbourne, only a stone's throw from the Melbourne Central Business District.

The club is no stranger to major events, having hosted many successful world, national and state Championships in the past.



Event chairman and Paralympic gold medallist, Michael McLean, believes planning at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria is really taking shape for the November 2015 regatta.

"The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria is proud to deliver this significant event with the substantial support of the State Government, Hobsons Bay City Council and Accor Hotels," he said.

"As the event is the final country qualifier for the Rio Paralympics in 2016, we are expecting over 30 countries will be represented, across more than 90 Disabled Sailing class entries.

"This will see the club playing host to up to 150 athletes and 350 support crew, families and supporters, most of these staying with our official hotel partner Accor.

The Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Colleen Gates has confirmed their position in promoting the growth of maritime activities within the city.

"Support of the IFDS World Championships, a significant international event, is consistent with the Council's strategic objectives in Economic Sustainability, specifically delivering on its tourism potential," Gates said.

"It is expected that the event will have a significant positive impact on many local services including tourism, hospitality, retail and marine businesses and operators.

"The IFDS World Championships also represents a wonderful opportunity for the Council to promote its commitment to diversity and opportunities for all, by welcoming the 'best of the best' of disabled sailing to Port Phillip."

Four time Paralympic medallist Leisl Tesch and partner in the Skud18, Dan Fitzgibbon have already confirmed that they will be in Melbourne next November to defend the title that they won earlier this year in Halifax, Canada.

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