Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship (SSORC) first entries received

by Alana Whitting on 19 Oct 2011 First entries have been received for the 34th Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship (SSORC) to be held on the 26th and 27th November, 2011.

The Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship is an integral part of the Australian Sailing scene, attracting pre Hobart competitors, with Exile, Hooligan and Loki among the first of the entries already received.

The winner of last year's Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship IRC Grand Prix Division, Exile, is again set to provide the benchmark for the competition.

Stephen Ainsworth's Loki, winner of last years SSORC IRC Ocean Passage Division, is also an early entry and intends contest the title for the fastest boat around the track - the John Hurley Gun Boat Trophy.

Hooligan was previously the Emirates Team NZ TP52 from the 2010 Med Cup, with Marcus Blackmore taking delivery of the yacht after the last round at Cagliari, Italy. With a strong track record and string of successful appearances, including the recent win of the Australian IRC Championship 2011, Hooligan is undoubtedly one to watch across the weekend.

The first interstate entry has also been received, Terra Firma from Sandrigham Yacht Club in Victoria. Nicholas Bartels continues his successful campaign in the Cookson 50, with some talented sailors onboard and a strong crew, Terra Firma will be out to do well.

Organising authority Middle Harbour Yacht Club is also excited to announce changes to race formats for the 2011 event.

'As we continue to develop this event in response to the evolving trends of yacht racing, we are pleased to offer competitors a variety of race courses in which to participate,' said Commodore of MHYC, Julie Hodder.

'This new concept has been developed in response to participant input on the type of racing they would like to compete in. In particular for IRC it has been recognised that the IRC rule works better if there is a variety of courses including longer passage races and shorter races that include a reaching leg,' she said.

Racing will be conducted on 3 Course Areas, primarily offshore from Sydney Harbour - IRC, ORCi & PHS Series, Farr 40 One Design and the Seven Islands Race for inshore yachts.

MHYC invites all competitors to the Club after each days racing for the traditional post race beach party and live entertainment.

To download the Notice of Race and to enter online visit the event website www.ssorc.mhyc.com.au

For further assistance or additional information please contact the MHYC Sailing Office on 02 9969 1244 or email sailing.manager(at)mhyc.com.au

Entries close Friday 18th November, 2011 at 2400hrs.