The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club has released the NoR and opened entries into the 2009 Pittwater to Coffs Harbour race and the associated series, the 28th running of the event.

A Category 2 event, the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Ocean race gets underway on the 2nd January 2009 at 12 noon with the start in the heart of Broken Bay and the finish inside Coffs Harbour.

New RPAYC Commodore Russell Murphy says "On behalf of The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, it is my pleasure to invite and welcome owners and charterers of eligible boats to participate in the 28th running of the Pittwater to Coffs Race which will start from Broken Bay on the 2nd of January 2009."

"The 226 nautical mile race is the major event on the Alfreds racing calendar and is one of the most popular ocean races in Australia. There's no better way to start the New Year and provides many tactical challenges to all those that compete in this warm water classic. I look forward to seeing you all in Coffs Harbour."

The Pittwater & Coffs Harbour Offshore Series will be a two race series in 2009 with the Pittwater to Coffs Race and the Solitary Island race in Coffs Harbour on the 5th January making up the series. There will be IRC & PHS divisions with additional one-design categories for Sydney 32s, the 38s and M30s, subject to number of entries. Other categories may be included if the demand arises.

Following a survey conducted for competitors following this year's series, the windward/leeward lead-up races off the Palm Beach Circle and the overnight race, introduced last year, will not take place this series. By way of giving competitors what they want in the evolving world of yacht racing it was deemed that the majority want to race to Coffs and do the Solitary Island race only.

However, a non point score race has been added to the event calendar to allow skippers to tackle sail changes, implement crew tactics and enjoy a warm-up prior to the Coffs race. To be called the "Coffs Trophy Race" it will be held on Sunday 28th December starting at 1000hrs and the Cat 4 race is free entry. Two courses have been organised, depending on the conditions of the day, with the likely option being a Broken Bay - Sydney Harbour return. The RPAYC invites all those that want to have a race to join in.

Earlier this year, organisers were forced to abandon the traditional 226nm Pittwater to Coffs Harbour race for the first time in the races history due to extreme weather conditions lashing the East Coast.

With no alternative but to abandon at the last possible moment, an alternate 210nm course was hastily set and a race got underway with a 60 strong fleet racing from Broken Bay to Port Stephens to Botany Bay to Pittwater.

Organisers are hoping the weather Gods will be back on side in 2009 "so that the race heads in only one direction, and that's north to Coffs Harbour," says Race Director Chris Stone.

"We're very excited about the prospects for 2009 and expect around 75 yachts in the starting fleet."

The notice of race and application for entry can be downloaded from the official event website www.pittwatertocoffs.com.au.

Applications for entry close 5th December 2008.

by Damian Devine

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