Thanks to Suzanne and Alan for this latest report. Ed
During a reception held at the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s St. James clubhouse, the 2016 Commodores’ Cup was formally launched, with the British investment management and financial planning company Brewin Dolphin continuing its sponsorship of the club’s biennial flagship event for national three boat teams with amateur crews. For 2016 The Brewin Dolphin Commodores’ Cup will take place out of Cowes between the 23rd and 30th July.
Israel first team to enter
Something of a surprise was the first team officially to enter the 2016 event being not one of the regulars – France, Ireland or the UK – but Israel.
Alongside judo, sailing is Israel’s top Olympic sport, but to date this hasn’t extended to big boats.
Other entries
In addition to the Israelis, and the four UK teams, France is expected to mount a strong entry, having not won the event since 2006. Defending champion, Ireland, is expected to return, plus at least one Dutch team and possibly another composite Benelux team. Hong Kong has shown interest and there remains the strong possibility of a team from Canada.
This is the result of the RORC putting in extra effort to drum up more international competition, says RORC CEO, Eddie Warden Owen.
“We have been more proactive about advertising the race worldwide, that it is a really international event and as a Corinthian, amateur event, it is worth winning.”
20 lucky sailors
Spearheading the Israeli campaign is British sailor Richard Loftus, well known for campaigning his Swan 65, Desperado. Under Brewin Dolphin Commodores’ Cup rules, 50% of the crew must be Israeli nationals and Loftus has arranged with the Israeli Sailing Association to run trials to select the best sailors.
Hoping to start with 50 sailors they will be whittled down to a top 20, who will then train together from March onwards.
Loftus says he will not be entering Desperado and he is also not expecting boats to come from Israel.
He said,
“I am optimistic that I can find English or foreign owners with an Israeli connection who would like to enter the event. I can say to them, you come with your crew, bring your bowman, etc, but I’ll provide half the guys and they will be seriously good sailors. It is a good deal for both parties.”
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) again intends to field four teams – three English and one Scottish. For the British teams there is a Selection Committee comprising David Aisher, Nicolas Gaumont-Prat and sailor Alex Gardner. This selection process will take place at weekend trial events over April-May, plus the RORC’s Cervantes Trophy and De Guingand Bowl races.
David Aisher, Chairman of Selectors, says,
“At the moment there is a lot of interest – 12-15 boats.
“Hopefully we’ll put up a suitable team to win the trophy back from the Irish. Having competed three times myself, it is a great event to be part of – it puts together people, not only with their boats, but bringing them together as a team.”
Britain and Ireland have alternated winning the Brewin Dolphin Commodores’ Cup since 2008.
Once again the race format will include an offshore race and around the Isle of Wight, but the number of scheduled inshore races has increased from six to ten.
Image: © Suzanne Whitewood
