Rolex Commodores' Cup: RYA Press Release

Rolex Commodores' Cup door remains open for Class one entries as selection trials kick off for RYA Team GBR

The RYA is putting a final call out for Class one entries for RYA Team GBR, the team set to compete at the 2010 Rolex Commodores' Cup, as the selection trials for Class two and three entries for the team get underway this weekend (April 24-25) at the closing event of the Warsash SC Spring Series.

As in 2008, RYA Team GBR can enter four teams in the event, with each team comprising one boat in three specified IRC class Rating bands. This year the RYA is aiming to select three teams from the South and one from the North of the UK naming them, Team GBR Red, Blue, White and Black.

Looking to sign up more Class one entries, the RYA is holding open the door to interested parties making an exception to the selection trials allowing for any final Class one entries. Chair of Selectors Roger Wilson explains: "We are delighted with the response we've had to our call for entries to the trials and our Class two and three prospects for 2010's Team look to be in good shape. However we are still looking for two more Class one boats, even if they are unable to take part in the present trial races."

For Class two and three entries the opening trials event this weekend will see the thirteen boats go head-to-head for the first time, each vying to impress RYA Team GBR's selectors with their performance and results.

Eager to select the crews who will give RYA Team GBR the best possible chance of defending their Rolex Commodores' Cup crown, won by RYA Team GBR Red at the last event, selectors will be looking for crews who show a desire to improve as a team and winning potential over the selection events.

With a mix of new entries and experienced competitors in the crews entered for the trials, competition looks to be tough for the eight Class two and three places up for grabs.

In the Class two category, Cup veteran and 2008 GBR Red defending champion, Peter Rutter will be looking to secure a sixth place at the event. Fellow class two entrant RORC Commodore Andrew McIrvine however, will be keen to give the 58-year-old surgeon a run for his money during the trials with Artemis owner Paul Turner also vying for top spot during the trials.

Jim Macgregor, father of Skandia Team GBR's world number one women's match racer, Lucy Macgregor, will be battling it out for another spot on RYA Team GBR as he re-enters his boat Premier Flair for the trials, having competed as part of GBR White at the 2004 and 2008 events. Fellow event veterans Chris and Hannah Neve, who are making a comeback to the event after having competed at the 2006 regatta on their boat 'No Doubt', will be taking on Macgregor in their aptly named new boat 'No Chance', along with a raft of fresh talent in the other Class three entrants all eager to clinch one of the four prestigious places on RYA Team GBR.

A tough mix of inshore and offshore racing, the biennial Rolex Commodores' Cup is an intense seven-day racing programme for IRC (endorsed) rated yachts that will take place on the testing waters in and around the Solent from Saturday 15 August to Saturday 21 August 2010.

The three class band are

Class 3 – 1.025 – 1.074 (Displacement Length Ratio (DLR) not exceeding 215)

Class 2 – 1.075 – 1.119 (DLR not exceeding 200)
Class 1 – 1.110 – 1.230 (DLR not exceeding 200)

The selection trials are scheduled as follows:

Inshore Races

24-25 April: Warsash SC Spring Series
22-23 May: Royal Southern YC Summer Series One

Offshore Race

15 May: RORC De Guingard Bowl

Entrants will also be required to compete in the GBR IRC Championships 25-27 June.

Changes to the 2010 regatta and further event details can be found at http://www.rorc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=289:advance-notice-of-the-2010-rolex-commodores-cup&catid=37:race-news .

The full Notice of Selection can be found here. To submit a late entry for the class one trials, please complete the entry form located here and forward to Jessica Beecher This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .