Team GBR trials

RYA announce details for those wishing to participate in next year's Rolex Commodores' Cup

The Rolex Commodores’ Cup is one of the most prestigious events on the international yachting calendar.

And following the success of Team GBR Red claiming victory at the 2008 regatta, the RYA has opened the door for boats and their crews to express their interest in defending our crown and representing RYA Team GBR at the 2010 regatta in Cowes next summer.

A tough mix of inshore and offshore racing, the biennial Commodores’ Cup is an intense seven-day racing programme for IRC (endorsed) rated yachts that will take place on the testing waters in and around the Solent from Saturday 15 August to Saturday 21 August 2010.

As in 2008, RYA Team GBR will enter four teams in the event, with each team comprising one boat in three specified IRC class Rating bands. In 2010 the RYA is looking to select three teams from the South and one from the North of the UK naming them, Team GBR Red, Blue, White and Black.

It will be possible for teams of three boats to be pre-selected before the end of the trials, but at least one team will be selected having completed the Selection Trials in full. Entries are sought from both ready-made teams of three boats as well as individual boats.

RYA Racing Manager, John Derbyshire, said: “Winning the 2008 regatta was a fantastic result and we hope that will have inspired owners and sailors around the country to want to get involved in the 2010 event.”

He continued: “We’re looking for campaigns that want to step up to international competition and would relish the chance to represent Team GBR.

“Successful boats will need commitment and desire to improve as a team if we are to have the best chance of defending the trophy. We already know that other countries are preparing strong teams and our National pride is at stake!

“The RYA will look to work with the successful teams to meet their needs across a variety of areas, including coaching ahead of the event to ensure every boat is as prepared as possible for what is always a grueling but thrilling event,” he concluded.

The three class band are:
Class 3 – 1.025 – 1.074 (Displacement Length Ratio (DLR) not exceeding 215)
Class 2 – 1.075 – 1.119 (DLR not exceeding 200)
Class 1 – 1.120 – 1.230 (DLR not exceeding 200)

Selection trials are scheduled as follows with selectors also observing the Red Funnel Easter Challenge (2-4 April 2010):

Inshore Races
24-25 April 2010: Warsash SC Spring Series
22-23 May 2010: Royal Southern YC Summer Series One

Offshore Race
15 May 2010: RORC De Guingard Bowl

Entrants will also be required to compete in the GBR IRC Championships 25-27 June 2010.

The full Notice of Selection will be published in mid December. For more information in the meantime and to express your interest in representing Team GBR, please contact Jessica Beecher Jessica.Beecher@rya.org.uk who will add your details to the mailing list.