Rolex Sydney to Hobart race entry fees to be cut by near half

by Peter Campbell on 9 Apr 2002 In a positive move to attract more entries for the 2002 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has announced that it is cutting the entry fee for the race by almost half.

Whilst only a relatively small amount in the overall cost of mounting a campaign for the 630 nautical mile blue water classic, the Club believes it is a step that will be welcomed by all potential competitors, in particular, by owners of smaller yachts.

Many owners had urged such a move at meeting of boat owners and senior crewmembers held at the CYCA before the announcement of the Rolex sponsorship.

Yachts entering the 2002 Race will pay a basic entry fee of $500 (plus
GST) plus $50 (plus GST) for each crewmember.

For last year's 57th Race, the basic entry fee was $1,100 (GST included) plus $75 (GST included) for each crewmember.

The crew fee has been retained, although reduced, because the workload of the CYCA Sailing Office in processing yacht entries is directly related to the number of crew on each yacht.

The reduction in entry fees for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is the first step in a plan being formulated by the CYCA to encourage a significant lift in starters for the event, both Australian boats and overseas.

'We are confident that we can attract owners and crews back into the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and have rising fleet numbers from now onwards as we look towards the 60th Race in 2004,' Commodore Hans Sommer said.

'Rolex's sponsorship has given the CYCA the vitally needed injection of funds to implement innovative ideas for the 2002 event and future races to Hobart.

'We already know of a number of new grand prix racing boats being built in Australia and overseas for the 2002 Race, including Neville Crichton's new maxi, Shockwave.

'However, we would like to see more of the Australian boats that have been the backbone of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race over the years competing again this year,' Commodore Sommer added.

The Notice of Race for the 2002 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is expected to be available in late April/early May both in printed form and through the internet.