Commodores' Cup triallists to contest the De Guingand Bowl

Strong line up expected for the RORC's race

Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with the Royal Yacht Squadron, the De Guingand Bowl Race will take on extra significance for yachts vying for selection for Team GBR at the Rolex Commodores’ Cup, as it is the only offshore race officially counting in the trials. So a highly competitive fleet is expected to take the start line on Saturday 15 May.

In IRC Super Zero Nigel Passmore’s TP52 Apollo will be looking to add to her class win for the Cervantes Trophy Race, in a head to head duel with the British Keelboat Academy’s TP52 John Merricks II. The two boats were virtually match racing last time they went offshore and a great battle is on the cards.

IRC Zero includes Mike Greville and his Ker 39 Erivale III, who will be looking to repeat their class win from their last outing. Michael Bartholomew's King 40 Tokoloshe makes a welcome entry into the RORC Season’s Points Championship. Bartholomew confirmed that Tokoloshe will be part of a South African Rolex Commodores’ Cup team and the De Guingand Bowl Race will provide excellent offshore training.

IRC One has several Rolex Commodores’ Cup triallists entered including RORC Commodore Andrew McIrvine and Peter Morton’s First 40, La Réponse, ex-RORC Commodore Peter Rutter’s Grand Soleil 43, Quokka 8, Paul Turner’s Grand Soleil 43 Artemis, Jim MacGregor’s Elan 410, Premier Flair and Steve Anderson’s First 40.7 Encore.

Also of note is that Sailing Logic have two Reflex 38s entered including Cervantes Trophy holder, Visit Malta Puma.

In IRC Two Noel Racine’s JPK 10.10 Foggy Dew, will be one to watch but this class is very competitive indeed. Chris and Hannah Neve’s First 35 No Chance, Mike Moxley’s HOD 35, Steve Northmore and Chris Arscott’s A35 Waterjet.co.uk, David Aisher’s J/109 Yeoman of Wight, and Lance Adams’ Corby 33 Banshee are all Rolex Commodores’ Cup trialists.