The RYA has extended the deadline for expressions of interest for the ‘big boat’ class to compete in the 2005 Admiral’s Cup this July in Cowes.

The Admiral’s Cup is a team event, with each team consisting of three boats entered by the National Authority. The ‘big boat’ in the team will race under IRC and will have a TCC between 1.300 and 1.550, the second and third boats will both be popular one-design classes, the Swan 45 and the smaller Mumm 30.

The selection committee, comprising Chairman Iain Macdonald-Smith, Mike Richards and David Atkinson, are currently in discussion with several owners of ‘big boats’ and syndicates of owners and feel it correct to extend the deadline until 8 April to allow these discussions to be completed. Due to the developments within the Mumm 30 and Swan 45 classes it is not seen necessary to extend the deadline for these classes. The RYA will still run training over the weekend of 9-10 April for these classes, which will be an open event and not just for those boats hoping to compete in the Admiral’s Cup. The RYA Selection Committee proposes to enter two teams into the 2005 Admiral’s Cup and still intend to run trials during the months of April and June as previously published.

For further information on the selection procedure for the 2005 Admiral’s Cup or to express your interest to compete in the ‘big boat’ class, contact David Atkinson at the RYA e-mail: david.atkinson@rya.org.uk or telephone 023 8060 4166. Further information can also be found on the RYA website: www.rya.org.uk/racing/keelboats/.