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8:48 AM Sat 6 Dec 2008 GMT
 | | 'Le Billet, winner of the 2007 and 2008 Coffs Series IRC overall'
David Price
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The entry deadline for the 2009 Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Offshore race has been extended until next Sunday 14th December as more entries are expected following a number of enquiries as yesterday's deadline loomed. At the provisional close of entries yesterday, host club The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club reported 55 yachts have entered the race, dubbed the 'warm water classic' starting on 2nd January 2009.
Race Director Chris Stone commented , 'entries have literally come in a flurry over the past few days, as predicted, and on top of that we had a number of enquiries from owners late yesterday with their intention to enter. In consultation with the Commodore Russell Murphy we've decided to extend the deadline for another week, to Sunday the 14th December to give them an opportunity to get their entry in?along with all the?necessary documentation as per the NoR. It will make for a bigger and better race.'
Adding to this RPAYC Commodore Russell Murphy said, 'We're extremely pleased we've got 55 starters, however knowing yachties are habitually late we've left the gate open for another week without imposing the late fee. Coffs Harbour Marina have said they are ready, willing and able to accommodate more boats so all you've got to do is get your entry in and get there. Our motto is?'the more, the merrier' so we look forward to seeing more boats on the start line.'
With just under one month to the start of the 2009 Pittwater to Coffs Harbour ocean race, it is now anticipated that at least 65 yachts representing a dozen yacht clubs will assemble on the start line for the 'warm water' classic starting off Barrenjoey headland, after the New Years hangovers have cleared.
One notable entrant and the current King of the Coffs Harbour Series?is Bill Ebsary and his Beneteau 44.7 Le Billet, winner of the last two year's IRC overall series. Bill?will be back to defend the coveted series crown?in his?attempt to make it a 'Makybe Diva' trifecta. A veteran of 23 Coffs races, Bill is really looking forward to 2009. 'The boat wants to perpetually turn left at Broken Bay,?we look forward ?to this fun race and regatta every year, which we've always enjoyed.??It's a testing race for navigators and crew with the variable conditions that are dished up on the?east coast of NSW,?which is what makes this race unique to other?ocean races in Australia.?We enjoy the challenge of playing cat and mouse with the variable conditions and the other competitors.
There will be a few dark horses this year as well as some more notable contenders like Julian Farren-Price's Cookson 12?'About Time', with whom we had a great neck and neck battle a couple of years back.?With the two race series this time around, it will be even more crucial to nail the Coffs race to take out the series. We look forward to some nice nor' easters this year instead of the horrible lows that were delivered up?last year?and once again look forward to returning to the warm hospitality and the camaraderie that occurs with the boats and competitors?in Coffs.'
The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club will provide regular updates on the progress of the yachts which will be posted on the event website at www.pittwatertocoffs.com.au
A provisional list of entries as of today, 6th December has been uploaded to the event website.
Once again, the RPAYC are being ably assisted with fleet communications by the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol under the guidance of Linda Jones, Divisional Commander who have arranged special monitoring procedures and round the clock volunteer service. Linda said, 'We're excited and ready to go and as always, looking forward to the arrival of yachts in Coffs Harbour.'
Race merchandise is now on sale at The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and includes Line 7 polo shirts, long sleeved t-shirts, vests and caps.
For race enquiries and documentation please contact the RPAYC Sailing Office on (02) 9997 1633 or email yachting(at)rpayc.com.au.
The NOR is here www.pittwatertocoffs.com.au
by Damian Devine
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Lord Howe Island Windy Point, NSW
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