2010 Rolex Commodore’s Cup - Join Team USA

by Talbot Wilson on 28 Sep 2009 Bill Heston and Steve Travis from Seattle, Washington have expressed interest helping to form a team to represent the USA in the 2010 Rolex Commodore’s Cup next August. US Sailing is able to help with organization and team support.

Is anyone else interested in joining in the effort? America needs to be represented in this classic regatta again. The USA has won the event twice, 1992 and 1994.

The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), together with Rolex, announced details for the 2010 Rolex Commodores' Cup. It will be in Cowes, Isle of Wight between Sunday and Saturday August 15-21, 2010.
The regatta is a tough mix of inshore and offshore races compacted into a challenging 7-day racing schedule on the testing waters in and around the Solent. As in 2008, the handicap system will be IRC (Endorsed) and there will be three rating bands.

The international teams will consist of three boats, one boat from each of the following IRC Bands:

Class 1: TCC 1.120 - 1.230, DLR 200
Class 2: TCC 1.075 - 1.119, DLR 200
Class 3: TCC 1.025 - 1.074, DLR 215

The Commodore’s Cup allows a limited number of pros, two Group 3’s in Class 1 and one in each of the other two classes. Only amateurs may drive in the inshore races. Group 3 sailors, with some restrictions, may drive offshore.

The race format is broadly similar to 2008 except that the regatta will finish one day earlier so that teams will have the Sunday to travel home. The race format is broadly similar to 2008 except that the regatta will finish one day earlier so that teams will have the Sunday to travel home. The RORC recommends that you use the 2008 NOR as a guide line only. See http://www.regattanews.com/events/179/6_1_NoR_RCC08.pdf

The last Commodores Cup attracted fifteen highly competitive teams from six nations including: Spain and Hong Kong along with multiple challenges from France, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK. Nationality rules apply as in 2008, with a 50% requirement.