The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia today announced the launch of its annual Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Trusts Raffle with the major prize of 5 nights on Hamilton Island staying at the Reef View Hotel.

Whether cruising or racing, search and rescue organisations are integral to the safety of our sport and to date, the SOLAS Trusts have donated more than $430,000 Australia wide to support those organisations which would come to the aid of all sailors should they strike trouble at sea.

Raffle tickets are now on sale from CYCA Reception for $5 each. Spend $50 on tickets and receive one bonus ticket. All prizes will be drawn at the prizegiving of the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Tuesday 16 December 2008.

Tickets can also be purchased by downloading a credit card authorisation form from www.cyca.com.au. Terms & Conditions available online.

Major Prize.

Hamilton Island Getaway - 5 nights accommodation in a Coral Sea View Room at the Reef View Hotel for two people.

Prize includes full buffet breakfast daily, on Island return Hamilton Island airport/marina to resort transfers, complimentary use of non-motorised watercraft, access to the Kids Stay & Eat Free Program (conditions apply), complimentary use of the Island Shuttle Bus (7am - 11pm daily). www.hamiltonisland.com.au

Other prizes.

Indulgent escape for two people to experience Peppers Anchorage, Port Stephens, and an Audi for the weekend.

Who cares about bespoke suits or the latest trend in ties...? If you want to really impress your friends, family and colleagues, accessorise in 2008 with a brand new luxury car - an Audi for a weekend! You can choose from a range of models available at the time of booking. Suddenly, traffic jams seem like a good idea and the weekend away have a whole new dynamic dimension. It's yours to enjoy, free for one weekend - perfect to drive to Peppers Port Stephens where you can enjoy two night's accommodation in an Anchorage Room for two guests with full breakfast daily. For more information on Peppers Anchorage visit www.peppers.com.au/Anchorageor call 02 4984 2555. Audi Australia www.audi.com.au

Harken - Spinlock Deckvests & tethers- 3 prizes to be given away

Spinlock Deckvests are currently the leading selling vest worldwide. The Deckvest is the latest evolution, a compactly sculptured, front opening lifejacket harness. Soft contoured to fit the body in a clean, cutaway shape. The effect is strikingly comfortable and compact. Valued at $800 each. Harken - www.harken.com.au

Line 7 Offshore Clothing

Official clothing supplier to the CYCA, Line 7 has donated an Offshore Jacket and Aquatec 2 Trouser - valued at $700

$500 Allen & Unwin sailing library

Allen & Unwin, one of Australia's leading book publishers has donated a sailing library to the value of $500 for the lucky winner. Books can be selected from Allen & Unwin's extensive sailing catalogue.

Maxxium Gift Pack

Monday twilight sponsor Maxxium has created a superb spirits and liqueur pack including Mount Gay Rum, Cointreau, Remy Martin and lots more. Valued at $500

$400 Wotif.com Accommodation Voucher

Choose from any one of Wotif.com's 11,000 hotels in 44 countries and you could be sunning yourself in Hawaii, indulging in a city escape, a long weekend getaway or a school holiday treat! Wotif.com's great rates, broad accommodation range, easy-to-use site and 24/7 Customer Service Centre have made Wotif.com the most popular way for business and leisure travellers in Australia and New Zealand to book accommodation online. Every month Wotif.com attracts 3.2 million visits, with customers making more than 200,000 bookings through our 28-day booking window.

GME VHF Radio GX600DSC

YSA Sponsor GME has donated a GX600D VHF Radio. The radio is designed with flexibility as a focus - it's impressive compact size, IP67 waterproof rating, colour choice and range of mounting/second station options which set the GX600D apart from other DSC radios. Equipped with a full function keypad microphone with an extremely simple 'mobile phone style' operating system, the GX600D ensures that operators of every skill level can access the full benefit of the radio's extensive feature list. Valued at over $400. GME - www.gme.net.au

Weekend away at any Vibe Hotel

Enjoy a two night weekend getaway in a Vibe Room at a Vibe Hotel of choice - Sydney, Melbourne or the Gold Coast. www.vibehotels.com.au

Weekend away at Any Medina Apartment Hotel

Enjoy a two night weekend getaway in a one bedroom apartments at one of Medina Apartment Hotel's 22 properties around Australia. www.medina.com.au

Sydney Theatre Company - Double Pass

Audi Australia has kindly donated one double pass to a Sydney Theatre Production of the Winner's Choice. Principle sponsor of the Sydney Theatre company has donated this prize. Sydney Theatre Company, as the premier theatre company in Australia, has been a major force in Australian drama since its establishment in 1978. The company presents an annual twelve-play program at its home base The Wharf, on Sydney's harbour at Walsh Bay, the nearby Sydney Theatre, which STC also manages, and as the resident theatre company of the Sydney Opera House. Current Artistic Directors, Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton joined the Company at the beginning of 2008.

Pacific Sailing School - Try Sailing (2 prizes to be won)

Pacific Sailing School has donated two sessions for two on their 'Try Sailing' three hour excursions. Based at the CYCA for over 30 year Pacific Sailing School has conducted 40,000 + courses and shown people how to enjoy one of the most splendid harbours in the world - Sydney Harbour - onboard a yacht!

Sailing Coaching Session with Neville Wittey

Join renown sailing coach Nev Wittey for an inshore or twilight coaching session to enhance or develop your sailing skills.

Dinner at the Blue Water Grill

Enjoy the fabulous skill and culinary delights of the CYCA's inhouse restaurant team from L'Eat with a dinner to the value of $100 plus a bottle of CYCA wine to complement your food.

Oatley Wines Gift Pack- 2 packs to be won

A delectable wine and food hamper - perfect for a summer's picnic

Ocean Media Magazines Subscriptions- 3 prizes to be won

Offshore yachting publishers, Ocean Media, are pleased to support the SOLAS Trusts Raffle with the donation of subscriptions to 3 of their titles - Offshore Yachting (valued at $39.95), Ocean Magazine (valued at $79.95) and The Great Southern Route (Valued at $40).

Active Casual Shoes

Active Casual Shoes have donated 10 pairs of shoes each valued at $80. AC's are lightweight anti-slip and non marking shoes ideal for wearing on yachts. Designed using 21st century E.V.A technology, they feature a T.P rubber outsole, anti-fungal removable insole with arch support and adjustable medial strap for secure fit. www.activecasual.com.au

'From Ratbags to Respectability'

The definitive book of the history of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.

by Jennifer Crooks

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