While some might consider that the Admiral’s Cup is now back on track and where it belongs, others may see this latest development as further tampering with an event that is fast losing credibility. Either way, this latest announcement will doubtless start a new round of frank discussion. Whether this latest move can resuscitate the event remains to be seen.

In the meantime, here’s the official word.

‘The Commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, Peter Rutter, announced today that the Admiral’s Cup for 2003 would take place in Cowes from 10 to 23 July 2003 and not in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland as previously announced. Peter Rutter explained that the RORC and the Royal St George Yacht Club had not been able to agree the criteria required to run an event at the highest level of international sailing.

‘The Admiral’s Cup has always been the premier RORC event and has been run by them since its inception. The RORC Commodore feels that it is imperative that this situation should continue. ‘In returning to Cowes, the RORC will retain the 2 boat Club team and classes that had been previously announced, and the inshore racing will take place in the Solent. The long offshore race will be the Wolf Rock Race. The Admiral’s Cup will be run in co-operation with the Royal Yacht Squadron.

The RORC has been encouraged by the enthusiasm and interest shown in the 2003 event and intends to publish the Notice of Race by 16 November 2002.’

For further details and schedule see RORC Admiral’s Cup news