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In response Sir Robin Knox-Johnston replied:

The reason why Stricker is in the Venturer Class is that we decided to addopt the IMOCA rules for this years event for Classes 1 and 2 and George's boat was built to the 1998 Around Alone Rules [ie not IMOCA]. He explained that it would mean almost completely re-building his boat if he were to make her comply with the IMOCA rules, and, as we had one or two others that were considering entering before we adopted IMOCA we felt we should provide an avenue for them to participate.

The idea of the class was to allow someone who owned a competitive conventional boat, say like a Farr 50, to participate. Sadly, because we only took the race over 11 months ago we have not been able to publicise this as much as we would have wished.

The idea of a separate class for the Open 40s has occurred to us, but we think it is better to recognise the 40s as they are within the Open 50 class. It will make an interesting comparison with their larger bretheren. There is a separate trophy for the winning Open 40, the Harry Mitchell Trophy, so there is recognition of their size.

We are very keen to encourage these Open 40s as I see it as a means of allowing many more people to be able to afford to enter really competitive ocean racing craft. It is a way into the sport for the younger people and those who are still establishing themselves.


Alan Paris the Open 40 entry has this to say on Around alone class 3
Yes Yes Yes and I have suggested this to Sir Robin and Kels along with my good friend Derek Hatfield in Spirit of Canada - we are all in agreement. Class III for the Open 40s or let us race the current entry. With all due respect to the 60 foot size we are perhaps faster!

We presume Alan is referring to George Stricker's Open 60 - the former Project Amazon.

After RKJ announcing his entry in the two handed Round Britian and Ireland Race an anonymous reader has this to say:
Mike Richey took part in his last singlehanded race at the age of 83 and he is still sailing. Bill Tilman took up sailing in his fifties because he felt he couldn't keep up with mountaineers in their twenties, and was still sailing in his eighties. He even died at sea. Obviously people of this age are not going to win races , but hanging up your sea boots is not inevitable.

We look forward to writing about Sir Robin's 10th Round Britain Race in due course...

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