First entry from Hamilton Island

by Georgie Brown on 20 Nov 2001 The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's premier off-shore series begins on December 29 through January 6, 2002. The highlight is the annual 226nm race from Pittwater to Coffs Harbour
beginning January 2, 2002 at 1.00pm

Among the entries received by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club is the first one from the Hamilton Island Yacht Club.

Commodore of the Hamilton Island Yacht Club and Managing Director of Hamilton Island Limited, Wayne Kirkpatrick has entered his Sydney 38, ASYLUM in the five race series.

'So many boats come up from Sydney to support the Hamilton Island series, we thought it was about time that we supported the races down south,' said Commodore Kirkpatrick, whose boat will be one of about 15 Sydney 38's entering the series. His crew will include a team of Hamilton Island locals, all making their first passage to Coffs Harbour.

The line-up of confirmed entries also includes the Commodore of Middle Harbour Yacht Club, Robert Reynolds in his Lyons 13m racer TARA (formerly Atara), and the Commodore of the
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club John Paul, also in a Sydney 38, called CARDINAL SIN.

Pittwater/Coffs Harbour Race Director, Vice Commodore Steve Merrington says, 'With several weeks still to go before the closing date we have received about 50 entries with many
more expressions of intent. The yachting office is working hard to process all the required paper work. If you intend to enter the Races, we urge you to submit your entries as soon as
possible.'

'Due to berthing facilities, the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour race is limited to 120 entries. This year, as we celebrate the 21st anniversary, we are looking forward to a full fleet, particularly
with the increased efforts to ensure a party atmosphere in Coffs Harbour,' he said.

Last year a near record fleet of 104 boats started the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour race but uncomfortable 25-30knot on-the-nose conditions saw 29 retirements, due mainly to prudent
decisions in the interest of safety.

The conditions made a pronounced impact on the veteran Holland 40 TURKEY SHOOT, which last year carried among her crew a 'personal chef'.

'This year, the crew are minus the chef,' noted owner David Thomas on his entry form. 'He has retired after not cooking a single meal in the 2001 race!'

Strathfield Car Radios and Mobile Electronics are now in the eighth year of continuous sponsorship.