New Look Commodores' Cup gets Thumbs Up
'Start of the Offshore Race of the Rolex Commodores's Cup off the Royal Yacht Squadron'
© Rolex/Daniel
Forster
At the close of Challenges for the 2008 Rolex Commodores' Cup on Monday 26 May, six nations and 15 teams had entered, two up from 2006. Event Organisers, the Royal Ocean Racing Club, were understandably delighted with the increase in interest following the overhaul of the racing format.
The participation of Spain and Hong Kong is extremely positive and alongside the strong, multiple challenges from Ireland, France, The Netherlands and the UK, bodes well for some intense action on the water.
Following a review of the 2006 event, the RORC has instituted some changes to the racing format, introducing a round the Isle of Wight course as part of the offshore component and making a double-points inshore course the last race of the series. RORC Commodore David Aisher will undoubtedly be taking even more of an interest in the competition this year and may suffer from divided loyalties. Aisher has chartered his J-109 Yeoman of Wight to the Hong Kong team. Yeoman is the former Jeronimo, which was part of the winning GBR Red team in 2004.
In case anyone is in any doubt about the origins of the crew of these yachts, the strict nationality requirement in place at the Rolex Commodores' Cup demands at least 50% of the crew are from the nation represented. Another cap placed on the crew element is the number of professionals allowed to take part. Classes 2 and 3 may only have one pro onboard, whilst Class 3 is allowed two.
The four-team British Challenge is offering up an interesting first for the event. The Army Sailing Association's brand new Archambault 40 racing yacht - British Soldier - is the first services yacht to be selected for a Rolex Commodore's Cup team.
List of Challenges:
France - 4 Teams Hong Kong - 1 Team Ireland - 2 Teams Spain - 1 Team The Netherlands - 3 Teams United Kingdom - 4 Teams
The Rolex Commodores' Cup will be held off Cowes, Isle of Wight, from 29 June to 6 July 2008.
by media 
nedlands, WA
