Top catamaran sailors head for Fremantle

Race director David Mills said he was looking forward to seeing WA teams taking on the best of the world.

South of Perth Yacht Club will be among those eager to compete, with current world number four Keith Swinton and rising star Matt Jerwood looking to win a qualifying place.

The Warren Jones Youth Regatta and the South of Perth Yacht Club Regatta in February will be run as qualifiers, offering six spots in the event to join the 14 international competitors.

The World Match Racing Tour Championship is the longest running international professional sailing series. Bathers Beach will be the first venue to hosta 2016 season race, with the local event running from March 2 to 7.