Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - One week until Rolex Sydney Hobart applications for entry close

Boat owners planning to be on the start line on Boxing Day, 26 December 2008, for this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race have one week left to submit an application for entry with the organising club, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.

Currently the fleet stands at 78 which is just four off last year's 82 starters.

The CYCA is expecting the usual late rush of paperwork and sailing manager Justine Kirkjian is anticipating a final fleet of 100 plus boats.

“Interest in this year's race is strong and indications are it will be one of the largest fleets in a decade,” said CYCA Commodore Matt Allen.

The number of overseas boats will be the biggest since the 50th anniversary race in 1994 when 25 international entries were among the 371 starters. Interestingly, more countries will be represented this year than in 1994 - eight so far.

All six Australian states and the ACT are represented in the list of applications for entry.

Since the 1998 Sydney Hobart the average fleet size has been 78.8 with a peak of 116 starters in 2004 for the 60th anniversary Rolex Sydney Hobart.

Applications for entry for the 64th edition of Australia's most famous blue water classic close on Monday 3 November 2008 at 1700hrs.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart 2008 will be officially launched at the CYCA in Rushcutters Bay on Wednesday 26 November, one month out from the start day.

Links:

Official race website: www.rolexsydneyhobart.com

List of yachts applied to enter: www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/yachts.asp?key=526

Media Accreditation is now open: Download your form and return by 5pm Monday 12 December 2008

www.cyca.com.au/sysfile/downloads/Media_accreditation_08.pdf

Media Information

International Press Information:
Key Partners (KPMS)
Giles Pearman
Ph: + 41 32 724 2829
giles@regattanews.com
www.regattanews.com
www.kpms.com

Australian Media Information:
Jennifer Crooks
CYCA Communications Manager
Ph: +61 2 8292 7800 or +61 (0) 458 211 678
Email: jennifer.crooks@cyca.com.au

Lisa Ratcliff
Public Relations Manager
Ph: +61 418 428 511 Email: lisa@occ.net.au