Notice of Race now available from CYCA

• NEWS
• 08 Sep, 2003 03:00:00 PM

Notice of Race now available from CYCA

The Notice of Race for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is being distributed throughout Australia and overseas as the CYCA receives the first 10 nominations.

The official Notice of Race and Application for Entry for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2003 is now available in printed format from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney.

Copies of the documents,  which contain striking pictures from the 2002 Race, the first sponsored by Rolex,  have also been distributed to other yacht clubs throughout Australian and overseas.

With more than three and a half months to the start of the 630 nautical mile race, the CYCA already has received 10 Applications for Entry,  the Notice of Race having earlier been posted on the official web site – www.rolexsydneyhobart.com

The early nominations are Krakatoa, Pippin, Nips-N-Tux, Andrew Short Marine Djuice and Yendys from New South Wales, Trumpcard from Queensland,  Chutzpah from Victoria,  and three South Australian boats, Reprieve,  Liberator and Pale Ale Rager.

CYCA Sailing Manager Justine Kirkjian expects a fast flow of applications now that the printed Notice of Race is available.  “I am confident of an excellent fleet for this year’s 59th race to Hobart,” she said today.

Ms Kirkjian said the Notice of Race contained a number of technical changes, including:

· The Upper Speed Limits has been increased slightly to a TCC of 1.610 for IRC rated boats and  an Offshore TMF (after age allowance) of 1.4286 for IMS rated boats.
· A maximum overall length (LOA) for competing yachts has been set at 30 metes.  The minimum waterline length (LWL) remains at 7.3 metres.
· IRC boats cannot carry an unlimited number of spinnakers – they will be limited to the number listed on their rating certificate.
· The maximum total crew weight in kilograms, for boats entered in IRC shall not exceed the crew number printed on the boat’s rating certificate multiplied by 90.
· In addition to handicap categories for IMS, IRC, PHS and One Design boats,  the CYCA has added “such other categories as may be determined by the Organising Authority having regard to interest expressed by entrants.  (Such as a cruiser/racer or cruising division).
· Yachts with water ballast that obtain an IMS rating certificate will be eligible to compete in the IMS handicap category this year. 

The Overall Winner of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2003 will be the boat that wins the Overall IMS Handicap Category.

With multiple entries accepted and water ballasted boats now allowed to enter IMS, almost the entire fleet will be eligible for the historic Tattersalls Cup, awarded since the inaugural race in 1945 to the Overall Winner.  The only exception will be the small number of boats racing in the arbitrary Performance Handicap (PHS) division.

Small yachts contesting this year’s race will receive additional recognition with the presentation of the Battery Point Trophy,  a magnificent silver replica of the America’s Cup,  to the fastest boat under a LOA to specified once entries close,  possibly 34 feet.

There have been no material changes to race safety requirements, now regarded as the most stringent of any similar ocean race in the world.

Safety regulations again place emphasis on crew experience and training,  including the compulsory requirement that at least 50% of the crew on a boat shall have completed an AYF Safety and Sea Survival Course or an approved equivalent.

Boats again must have substantially completed a qualifying race of not less than 150 nautical miles not more than six months before the start of the race.  Qualifying races include: Sydney Gold Coast Race, NSW, Gosford – Lord Howe Island Race, NSW, Cabbage Tree Island Race, NSW; Maria Island Race, Tasmania; Melbourne – Stanley Race, Victoria; Haystack Race, South Australia.

Alternatively, boats may seek permission to substantially sailing a non-stop passage of not less than 200 nautical miles not more than six months before the start.

A completed Application for Entry,  plus specified documentation,  must be lodged with the CYCA by 7 November 2003.  If accepted,  a completed Entry Form,  must be lodged with the Club by 5 December 2003.