As it used to allocate 75% of the qualification quota for the 2012 Summer Olympics this event has added significance.

A number of different venues and courses was used for the different events:[2] In conjunction with the sailing championships, a festival, the 2011 WORLDS FESTIVAL, will be held in Fremantle, featuring "an exciting and diverse programme of cultural activities that will showcase [the] Australian lifestyle, the sport of sailing and the arts".

[4] The City of Fremantle objected to the branding of the championships as a "Perth event", in particular, the erection of a large "Perth" sign on Bathers' Beach outside Challenger Harbour.

The opening ceremony of the championship was held on 2 December 2011 at the Barrack Street Jetty.

[6] The ceremony consisted of parade of athletes through the streets of Perth, speeches by dignitaries, oaths from competitors and officials, and the raising of the International Sailing Federation flag, followed by a parade of sail down the Swan River from Perth to Fremantle, featuring a "convoy of boats representing the history and heritage of each of the yacht clubs along the river".