Govt gives $150,000 to youth sailing event

File photo / Hawke's Bay Today

A youth sailing regatta to be held in Napier will get a $150,000 boost from taxpayers.

Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee said the Government would give the $150,000 to the Optimist World Championships to be held next year.

The annual event, for sailers aged under 15 years, was expected to attract 250 international competitors and 170 officials from 50 countries to New Zealand.

Mr Brownlee said the event was a chance for the region to promote its tourism, business strengths and capabilities as an events destination.

"As a youth event taking place over the Christmas and New Year period, it is likely to attract a significant number of international visitors, providing economic benefits to the Hawke's Bay region and beyond in the period immediately following the 2011 Rugby World Cup," he said.

- NZPA