| SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA-(1-12-2004) The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is inviting National, State and Club teams to contest the prestigious Rolex Challenge, the nine race series for boats competing in the IRC category of the Rolex Trophy and the 60th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
The Rolex Challenge, for teams of two IRC rated boats, will be scored on the scheduled eight races for the Rolex Trophy from December 16-19 and the Rolex Sydney Hobart, with the Hobart Race counting double points.
“As in the past, having a teams event combining results in the lead-up regatta and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has led to some spirited contests between yachts representing their country, their state and their club,” CYCA Sailing Manager Justine Kirkjian said today.
Yachting Australia will shortly announce one, possibly two, national teams, with prominent yachts already nominated.
State teams are expected to represent New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. Clubs may also nominate teams.
The Rolex Challenge replaces the Southern Cross Cup series and CYCA is encouraging international entrants to also form teams, possibly representing the UK and New Zealand.
Australian and State team selection will be based on past and recent performances, with the several prominent yachts already being nominated by their owners for national selection through Yachting Australia.
Team requirements for the Rolex Challenge are set out in the Notice of Race for the Rolex Trophy and Rolex Challenge now on the official race website and available in printed form from the CYCA Sailing Office.
Each team will comprise two yachts entered in the IRC handicap category of the Rolex Trophy. Each boat representing a country must have permanent residents of that country comprising at least 20% of the crew.
Entries for the One Design Series of the Rolex Trophy close with the CYCA next Wednesday, December 8, and for the Rating Series and/or Rolex Challenge on Monday, December 13.
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