Since Australian Bob Williams launched the 2011 Around Australia Ocean Race and Rally – a 7500 nautical mile event – there has been support coming from all quarters, with 90 boats from around the world expected to have reserved slots by the end of this week.

Williams explained some of the details: “Royal Yacht Club of Victoria (RYCV) in conjunction with the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) will be our principal Melbourne host clubs for the two Melbourne stop-overs -the finish line and start line.

“The Melbourne to Sydney Yacht Race, inaugurated in 1958 and last run in 1978, will also be reinstated and included in the 2011 Around Australia Ocean Race.”

A decision to not take the Division 1 Race fleet south of Tasmania in July has been announced. Division 1 racing boats will take a leg from Adelaide to Melbourne keeping King Island (40°S) to port.

But the Race will incorporate a Division 0. These yachts will sail from Adelaide to Hobart keeping Maatsuyker Island to port, then the leg from Hobart to Melbourne, completing the full around Australia circumnavigation, arriving in time to join the Melbourne to Sydney Race.

Williams added: “We are now in the process of building on our association with the RYCV and ORCV with discussions underway with Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, Fremantle Sailing Club, Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, Darwin Sailing Club, and will be following up contact from other clubs around the Australia coastline over the coming weeks.”

“Event Slot reservations are coming in daily, with 80 boats already reserving a place.”

To reserve your place, visit www.sailaroundaustralia.com.au .