Match race on despite Fabian's wrath

Bermuda Gold Cup to go ahead as planned

The organisers of the Investors Guaranty presentation of the King Edward VII Gold Cup confirmed today that Hurricane Fabian will not deter the regatta. The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, host to the event for 55 years, sustained only minor damage during the recent hurricane as did the fleet of International One Design class boats, which are used in the match race regatta.

Despite the setback, the organizers are confident that the venue will be ready for the October 18-26 event. "We are continuing with our plans. Everything is moving forward at a fast pace," said Les Crane, Commodore of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. "Our team is dedicated to making sure that the Investors Guaranty presentation of the King Edward VII Gold Cup 2003 takes placeis the best event ever. The support from the sailing community has been very encouragingfabulous and we and we are thankful for all the
words of encouragement we've received from abroad. We look forward to hosting the 32 international teams that will compete here in October along with the many spectators that will be here in October for one of the most exciting sailing events in the world."

One of the best line-ups of skippers is expected in Bermuda for this event including Russell Coutts and Dean Barker lining up for the first time since the America's Cup, along with a whole roster of other Cup stars from Chris Dickson and Dennis Conner to Peter Holmberg.

Title sponsor is Investors Guaranty. The event is hosted by the RBYC and the Bermuda Department of Tourism. Renaissance Reinsurance is the Presenting Sponsor. Primary Sponsors are Bacardi, Colorcraft, Continental Airlines, Horizons Resort and Oleander Cycles, Omega, and Waterloo House.