The Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club has announced online entries for their 770nm Butlers Business and Law Round Lord Howe Island Yacht Race. In doing so it now makes it Australia's longest, annual Cat1 race.
For sure the Melbourne to Vanuatu, Melbourne to Osaka (Cat0) races and a certain Bob 'Freight Train' Williams' Around Australia Ocean Race and Rally are longer, but they are not annual events.
Best of all, it should be a screaming reach both there and back – so long as the powers that be provide the right sort of breeze. Usually in May, that occurs with NW and SE the predominant directions (better than 85%). Accordingly, the May 9, 2010 start is well timed to capitalise on this.
The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria is very proud to be assisting the NCYC with race management. Everyone is looking forward to welcoming the 30 plus boats that have already submitted an expression of interest.
There is the choice of either the Racing Division, who will complete the lap non-stop or the Performance Cruiser Division, who have a few days to explore the wonders of this World Heritage Park, before finishing back in Newcastle. The NCYC's new clubhouse, with its delightful open aspect, will be alive with all the activity. Newcastle, itself, is set to showcase all that it and its immediate environs have to offer visitors and competing crews.
Notice of Race and online entries are now up at http://ncyc.net.au/butlers-round-lord-howe-island-race/ and be a part of this tremendous race.
– John Curnow
