4:25 AM Mon 20 Jul 2009 GMT
Since West Australian Bob Williams launched the 2011 Around Australia Race and Rally - a 7500 nautical mile race or rally, there has been support coming from all quarters, with 90 boats from around the world expected to have reserved slots by the end of this week.
On Friday event last, Williams made a presentation at Royal Yacht Club of Victoria was success with three significant announcement made in the progression of the Race and Rally event as we work towards the final event Notice of Race and Rally and ultimate sailing instructions which will come out next year..
Williams updated us today. 'Royal Yacht Club of Victoria (RYCV) in conjunction with the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) will be our principal Melbourne host clubs for the two Melbourne stop-overs finish line/start line formalities with other Port Phillip clubs providing back-up berthing and clubhouse hospitality.
'The Melbourne to Sydney Yacht Race inaugurated in 1958 and last run in 1978 will be reinstated and included in the 2011 Around Australia Ocean Race.
There is a magnificent perpetual trophy associated with this event won the most times by the legendary Victorian yachtsman Mr Lou Abrahams (Lou won the race on three occasions).
So early in the pre-event period it is evident that both the Race and Rally will attract a large and diversified fleet from the shorthanded to the big crewed super yachts.
A decision to not take the Division 1 Race fleet south of Tasmania in July has been announced. Division 1 racing boats will take a leg from Adelaide to Melbourne keeping King Island (40?S) to port.
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Maatsuyker Island Light House - image by Jeff Jennings -
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The Race will incorporate a Division 0. These yachts will sailed from Adelaide to Hobart keeping Maatsuyker Island to port, then the leg from Hobart to Melbourne, completing the full around Australia circumnavigation, arriving to join the balance of the race fleet in time to join the Melbourne to Sydney Race.
The Rally fleet will explore the treasures of the Tasmanian coastline as they will be in the region during February and March 2011 considered being the ideal time to cruise these waters.
Williams commented today 'We are now in the process of building on our association with the RYCV and ORCV with discussions underway with Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, Fremantle Sailing Club, Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, Darwin Sailing Club, and will be following up contact from other clubs around the Australia coastline over the coming weeks. '
'Event Slot reservations are coming in daily, with 80 boats already reserving a place.'
'Please join the list and compete your Slots reservations at
www.sailaroundaustralia.com.au
'
by Rob Kothe
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
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