More Moorings at LHI
Deep-draft moorings will open Lord Howe Island to more competitorsThe next Hempel Gosford to Lord Howe Island Yacht Race, set to start April 6 2013, will be boosted with the inclusion of extra vessel accommodation now that the Lord Howe Island Board (LHIB) has approved the revised sponsor proposal from the Race Committee to add up to five deep-draft moorings in the south (Man’o’War) passage.
In what has been described by Gosford Sailing Club Commodore Geoff Jollow as possibly the biggest news story in the race’s 39 year history, means that the fleet size of competitive IRC 40ft plus boats can potentially be doubled.
In a statement released by the GSC, the Commodore said: “This is an extremely important and positive advancement in taking our race forward.
"Tony (Race Director Tony Evans) has worked tirelessly on the mooring strategy for several months and this news is just reward for effort.
"The restrictions to moorings have been an ever increasing impost as development in racing yacht design means deeper drafts for smaller boats.
"We’d like to thank LHIB CEO, Stephen Wills, and the Board Members for their cooperation during the proposal process.
"Most importantly, we’d like to thank the sponsors who provided the impetus for the strategy to be implemented."
The proposal effectively means that entities such as competitors, clubs and businesses can sponsor the laying of a new mooring in return for five years free entry (for an approved vessel) and associate sponsor benefits. Long-term supporters of the event can therefore plan around a guaranteed entry each year.
At this stage, the GSC has commitments from three sponsors and is seeking expressions of interest for the final two available moorings.
If you would like to have a long term stake the Gosford to Lord Howe Island Yacht Race, please contact the Race Director at lhi@gosfordsailingclub.com.au
In further race news, the GSC says it has unprecedented interest in the 39th running of the event, ensuring a highly competitive race fleet for 2013.
Notice of Race is due out shortly and will be posted on the Gosford Sailing Club’s website: http://www.gosfordsailingclub.com.au
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