RORC announces the changes and format for next year's Commodroe's Cup
The Royal Ocean Racing Club, together with Rolex UK, is pleased to confirm details for the 2004 Rolex Commodores’ Cup to be held in Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Commencing on Sunday 25 July, with the final prizegiving on Sunday 1 August, the competition is spread over 7 days with the usual mixture of inshore and offshore races. As in 2002 the rating system will be IRC (Endorsed), although for this event the fleet has been split into three classes.
Teams must consist of three boats, one from each of the following Bands:- Class 3 0.995 – 1.059 Class 2 1.060 – 1.149 Class 1 1.150 – 1.325
Another significant change for 2004 is that only National Authorities may lodge Challenges. Each National Authority may enter up to four teams, which will allow sufficient scope for NAs to pick from recognised regions (e.g. in the case of the RYA, from Scotland and Wales) or to join forces with other NAs, if appropriate. The intention of requiring such teams to be endorsed by relevant NAs is to reinforce the Organiser’s desire for quality of competition over quantity.
With regard to Nationality, the crew of each boat entered needs to comprise at least 50% nationals or residents.
The Pro/Am Crew Rule is retained. Each crew will consist of a minimum 50% Group 1 sailors under the ISAF Competitor Classification Code. Group 1 sailors will continue to play an integral role, with a person from this Group required to helm throughout the inshore series and at the start of the offshore race.
The Organising Committee has also timetabled the traditional Long Offshore Race to coincide with the RORC’s annual Channel Race. One intention is to open the experience of competing in the Rolex Commodores Cup environment to a wider audience. Although the RCC and Channel Race fleets will have separate starts, the boats will be double scored, enabling the non-RCC participants to measure themselves against this high standard of competition. The race will also carry RORC points for RCC participants.
Provisional program and further information at http://www.rorc.org