CYCA responds to Alfa Romeo’s comments

• NEWS
• 30 Jun, 2003 01:33:00 PM

CYCA responds to Alfa Romeo’s comments

Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Commodore John Messenger today responded strongly to comments by Neville Crichton, owner of Alfa Romeo, as to this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Commodore John Messenger today responded strongly to comments by Neville Crichton, owner of Alfa Romeo, as to this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

“Contrary to Mr Crichton’s statements, the CYCA has not this year changed the rules and set a speed limit for the event.  An upper limit has been part of the Sydney Hobart race for many years.  Indeed, other key events in the world yachting calendar also have upper limits,” he said.

The Commodore went on to say that “Alfa Romeo will not be ineligible for this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart unless Neville Crichton chooses for it to be so.  Alfa Romeo raced in the event last year when the upper limit was lower than that applicable for 2003.  We know that it is quite possible for Alfa Romeo to race again.” 

“The upper limit that is in place for this year’s event was selected, with the concurrence of other line honours contenders, so that Alfa Romeo could return in 2003 in the same configuration in which it was happy to race before.  If Mr Crichton decides that he does not wish to take advantage of the change to the upper limit and defend his 2002 line honours win then that is a matter for him.” 

“The race will take place in any event, and the fastest yacht to Hobart will become the 2003 line honours winner.  Early indications are that there will be some great competition at the front end of the fleet, and we are looking forward to an exciting race,” Commodore Messenger said.

“At the request of the many Australian owners who compete in our great race every year, we have indicated that the upper limit for this year’s race will not be changed for 3 years, thereby establishing a level playing field for a period so that all of them are given an equal opportunity to win line honours.  This was announced on 17 March 2003.”

The Notice of Race for the 2003 Rolex Sydney Hobart is available on this race website and applications for entry can be lodged now.