113 nominated for Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

by Event Media on 3 Nov 2008 The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is delighted to announce one of the largest fleets in a decade with 113 yachts nominated for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008, Australia’s premier blue water event, with the close of entries today at 5pm.

Once again the heavier classic yachts from a bygone era of boat building will line up with the sleek and modern at 1pm on Friday 26 December when the iconic yacht race will showcase Sydney Harbour to the world for the 64th time.

'I am delighted with the number of applications to enter this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart. The depth and colour of the fleet will make for an exciting race,' said CYCA Commodore Matt Allen this afternoon.

'We have high quality applications which will be spread across divisional bands, which will lead to excellent racing.

'To have six states of Australia represented is a great feature of the race. The event’s international flavour and reputation is greatly enhanced by the thirteen visiting competitors, including a strong European contingent. We are anticipating a strong tussle for the Tattersall’s Cup, - the trophy presented to the overall race winner race,' Commodore Allen added.

There are thirteen international entrants and there have previously been yachts entered from New Caledonia.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart 2008 fleet will represent the USA, UK, New Zealand, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Russia and New Caledonia as well as every Australian state.

The first lead up regatta to the Boxing Day start will be the Rolex Trophy One Design Series from 12-14 December followed by the spectacular SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Tuesday 16 December and finally, the Rolex Trophy Rating Series, an exciting preview to the handicap form guide for the Rolex Sydney Hobart, from 18-21 December.

A fleet of 90 yachts applied to enter last year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart and of those, 82 made it to the start line on Boxing Day and 79 crossed the finish line off Hobart’s historic Battery Point having completed the gruelling 628 nautical mile course.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008 will be officially launched at the organising club, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, on the morning of Wednesday 26 November 2008 at 10.00am.

www.rolexsydneyhobart.com