A number of different venues and courses was used for the different events:[2]
The Harbour Course. Women's match racing events – billed as "largest match racing competition ever held" – will be held in the Inner Harbour.[3]
The Centre Course, closest to the shore. Will host most medal races.
The Leighton Course, located off of Leighton Beach in North Fremantle.
The Parmelia Course, located west of the Centre Course, closest to Rottnest Island.
The Owen Course. The most southerly course, closest to Woodman Point.
The Success Course. Both the men's and women's Laser events will be held at the Fremantle Sailing Club in near Success Harbour, south of the main venues.
Festival
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 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".[7]