IRC Championships info

Boat owners planning to enter the Audi IRC Australian Championship in Newcastle (April 16-20) are encouraged to book accommodation early as the timing of the championship means it coincides with the school holidays, plus it’s the Easter holiday weekend which means visitation to the area will be high.

CEO Richard Howard, from the host Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, assures crews and their families that the city offers a wide variety of accommodation close to the club: "Newcastle offers a range of accommodation to meet all budgets, a lot of which is within walking distance or a short drive of the club," he said.

"From the larger hotels overlooking Newcastle’s golden beaches to serviced apartments, pubs and even a few great backpacker hostels, there is a style of accommodation to suit everyone," Mr Howard added.

Accommodation partners for the 2014 Audi IRC Australian Championship are Crowne Plaza Newcastle, located on the Honeysuckle waterfront, and Chifley Apartments and Executive Suites, also located in the vibrant Honeysuckle district and Newcastle CBD.

Positioned on NCYC’s commercial precinct, Borelli Quirk Newcastle Real Estate can also assist with short term furnished accommodation options for entire crews.

Competitors need to contact suppliers directly to get quotes and should mention they are competing at the Audi IRC Australian Championship when they enquire.

For partners or family members who will be shore crew during the championship Newcastle offers a plethora of dining, cultural, historical and outdoor activities.

For boat owners and managers needing last minute parts or repairs during the regatta, NCYC’s precinct offers a full service including East Coast Marine and North Sails service loft (http://ecmarinsail.com.au), Midcoast Boatyard (http://midcoastboatyard.com.au) with its 40 ton travel lift with 5.6m max beam capable of lifting a Volvo 70, and Waterline Boat Service for diving hulls (ph. 0415 356 021).

"Competitors will have easy access to a full range of boat services to ensure the highest maintenance level and a problem-free regatta," added Howard.

For more details on how to find accommodation for the 2014 Audi IRC Australian Championships and things to do in Newcastle go the event website – www.irc.yachting.org.au

This is the third year of the Audi IRC Australian Championship as a standalone event endorsed by the national body, Yachting Australia. Audi Australia is proud of its long association with sailing and the championship, which the brand has supported since 2007.

Refer to the website for the list of entries, Notice of Race and to enter.