Antarctica Cup International Yacht Race 2005

by Bob Williams on 19 Jul 2003 'Much progress has been made since our press conference 3 weeks ago.'

A cohort of New Zealand marine industry companies have agreed to combine their skills, talent and capability to deliver our 10 Antarctica Cup Class 25m Maxi-Boats boat within the limited time frame available. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.

The ability of the New Zealand marine industry to cooperate toward our joint objective of creating a fleet of magnificent ocean racing maxi-boats is a powerful feature of the national capability available to support the Antarctica Cup. It is appropriate that the Antarctica Cup in return delivers to Auckland and New Zealand substantial economic impact and creates many jobs.

We have received registrations of ‘intent to enter’ from syndicates from the two great rival sporting nations - New Zealand and Australia. The New Zealand squad includes some of New Zealand’s finest young ocean racing sailors. Many have been senior members of winning teams in recent around-the-world races.

In company with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron we are planning visits to individuals and syndicates in the Northern Hemisphere seeking to fill the remaining vacant Race Slots. It is our desire to have as wide a spread of nations as possible.

We are delighted that a major international corporation has recently expressed interest in supporting our Internet enabled youth education program. The program will be based around the natural history of the Antarctic region and is a very important feature of our race program.

Entrants to the inaugural Antarctica Cup race will be invited to form an 'association' of Antarctica Cup Class Maxi-Boat owners. The objective is to provide these owners with a managed structure for an extended racing calendar in between Antarctica Cup races.

New Zealand is conveniently located to facilitate a wide range of ocean race options for our fleet of maxi-boats. Suggestions are the Auckland to Fiji Race and onwards to race in other Pacific events, Auckland to Sydney, Sydney to Hobart, and race back to Auckland for a maxi-boat championship regatta – the sky is the limit. Our boats will not be idle!

We are holding discussions with marine finance organisations interested in providing a finance facility for the boat ownership component of our entry fee. Individuals/syndicates interested in such a facility please contact us at rwilliams@antarcticacup.com

Remember the cost to enter the Antarctica Cup includes the cost of us providing you your Antarctica Cup Class 25m Maxi-Boat.

We look forward to seeing you in Auckland – The City of Sails.'



Bob Williams

Chairman

rwilliams@antarcticacup.com

www.antarcticacup.com