Helly Hansen supports Macquarie Access Worlds hosted at MHYC.

In a few days time, 95 boats and 126 sailors representing nine nations will take to Sydney Harbour for the 2012 Macquarie Group Access World Championships, to be hosted by Middle Harbour Yacht Club from 7-13 April.

Among the entries from Australia, Malaysia, Hungary, France, USA, Japan, New Zealand, Netherlands and Great Britain, are Beijing 2008 Paralympic silver medallist Dan Fitzgibbon in the SKUD 18, along with his treble Paralympic medal winning crew, Liesl Tesch.

The Australians are the ones to beat in the SKUD 18, having picked up the gold medal at the ISAF Sailing World Cup in Miami in January, overcoming the reigning world champions, who have had a stranglehold on the class for some time.

As official apparel partners to the MHYC, Helly Hansen are pleased to be supporting the event as the apparel sponsors.

A spectacular Opening Ceremony will be held on the evening of Sunday April 8 at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, and will be attended by the Hon. Graham Annesley MP, the NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation.

Australia is the theme, highlighted by indigenous performers, including dancers, singers and a didgeridoo player, while flag bearers from each nation will parade. Sir James Hardy, an Australian yachting icon, will also take part.

The 2012 Access World Championships are sponsored by Macquarie Group Foundation and the NSW Government.

To follow the Macquarie 2012 Access Worlds, go to the official website: www.2012accessworlds.mhyc.com.au

By Di Pearson MHYC Media

The Macquarie Group Foundation is one of Australia’s leading philanthropic foundations and, together with Macquarie staff, has donated more than $A145 million to thousands of community organisations worldwide. It is the philanthropic arm of Macquarie Group Limited, which is a global provider of banking, financial, advisory, investment and fund management services.