Newcastle's new Cat 1 ocean race announced

12:00 AM Mon 8 Jun 2009 GMT

'Like Fastnet Rock, Lord Howe Island will be the spectacular rounding mark - Butlers Newcastle Round Lord Howe Island Yacht Race' Mark Rothfield

Move over Hobart . a new Category 1 ocean race has just been added to the Australian bluewater calendar, with the inaugural Butlers Newcastle Round Lord Howe Island Yacht Race to start on Mother's Day next year.

At 770 nautical miles the Butlers NRLHI yacht race will be 140 miles longer than the Rolex Sydney-Hobart, although it has been timed to coincide with seasonal sou'easters and nor'westers which will allow pleasant reaching conditions rather than a windward slog.

The racing division will sail non-stop, rounding the island then heading straight back to the finish in Newcastle Harbour. The leading contenders could take as little as 70 hours.

Nobbys headland on Newcastle Harbour will greet the finishers - Butlers Newcastle Round Lord Howe Island Yacht Race - Mark Rothfield Click Here to view large photo

Entrants in the cruising division, meanwhile, will enjoy a lay-over of up to six days on the World Heritage-listed island awaiting suitable weather for the return.

A maximum of 15 yachts are permitted to moor in Lord Howe lagoon, with five more in South Passage, so early cruising entries are expected.

Both yachts and multihulls are welcome to compete, fully crewed or short-handed. IRC and PHS systems will determine handicap honours.

Just as a carnival atmosphere surrounds the Hobart finish, race organisers are hoping Novocastrians will embrace and celebrate the race. An accompanying Taste of the Hunter festival is one idea being bandied, replicating Tassie's week-long 'Taste'.

Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC) members Tony Purkiss and Bruce Bragg conceived the race concept, secured a keen sponsor in Butlers Business and Law, and won approval from the club board to proceed.

'I've sailed to Lord Howe 10 times and just love the place,' Purkiss said. 'And there's no better place to start and finish than Newcastle.'

The world's busiest coal port is now home to a fast-growing yacht fleet and the NCYC opened its clubhouse doors last December. The Butlers Newcastle Round Lord Howe Island Yacht Race is set to become the club's signature event.

A number of yacht owners have already logged their interest.

Kordia will run the radio scheds and provide positional updates for the race website, AMSA will assist with EPIRB collation and Lord Howe Tourism Board is putting together accommodation packages.

For details contact Tony Purkiss on 0411 057 362. Media contact: Mark Rothfield, 0458 625 288 or mark@newcastleyachting.com.au.

by Mark Rothfield