At the epicentre of the world championships the businesses of Huskisson have reported a welcome spike in trade.

Darren Jackson from 5 Little Pigs Cafe in Huskisson felt the benefit of the event.

“It has been busy,” he said.

“Mornings and sometimes late afternoons [competitors] call in for coffee and cake after an event finishes.

“Lunch trades have been good as well.

“This was a bit of a bonus really in what might normally be a quieter part of the year. Next thing you know the triathlon will be here and then we’ll be looking at Easter.

“As far as I know it has been good for the town,” he said.

Jervis Bay Tourism member Able Walsh said there were plenty of bookings for accommodation.

“There were people booking rental properties and they wanted to be as close to the event and the beach as possible,” he said.

“It’s fantastic for the region. It is a whole new group of people who might not have otherwise been to Jervis Bay. 

“With over 500 competitors you can’t tell me there’s not a long-term benefit to come.”

Shoalhaven City Council events manager Emire Farrar said being an international event Jervis Bay and the Shoalhaven would be receiving exposure around the world through Hobie, the competitors and their families.

“It’s on their website and most likely would receive mention their social media,” she said.

“This event has drawn their largest number of registrations ever with more than 500 competitors.

“Most of those people and their families were staying at least 15 days.

“On Hobie’s program, we have promoted local tourism ventures offering plenty of ideas about things to see and do while they are here.

“I have had good feedback from the visitors centre.

“They’ve been getting lots of inquiries leading up to the Hobie [world championships].

“This year we have about 16 major sports events coming to the Shoalhaven with up to 400 people coming through staying for a weekend or a week,” she said.