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Yacht Club will take part in exclusive New York race |
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Source: BDASUN Could Preston Hutchings be Bermuda's entry into the New York Yacht Club's Invitational Cup?
Twenty teams of amateur sailors, including one from the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club's (RBYC) have been accepted to compete in the NYYC debut Invitational Cup.
The 2009 event premieres September 15-19 off Harbor Court, the NYYC's on-the-water clubhouse in Newport, Rhode Island.
Corinthian (amateur) crews representing five continents will race on behalf of their respective clubs and nations.
The invitation to sail in the regatta was the result of a long-standing reciprocal arrangement between the New York and Bermuda clubs, which according to RBYC commodore, Ralph Richardson, were both established in 1844.
Teams will race aboard the unique one-design racer/cruisers in which the NYYC Club Swan 42 was developed through an NYYC/Nautor Swan partnership.
"There is one on the island, which is owned by Preston Hutchings," Richardson said. Hutchings raced in the last Marion and Newport races in his boat, Morgan's Ghost.
The promotion of Corinthian sailing and increased competitiveness among amateurs fit the rationale for the boat's creation. A current worldwide fleet of 46 Club Swan 42s includes the 23 that NYYC members own.
Clubs invited to this first event have been awarded charter yachts based upon their availability, but clubs outside the U.S. that wish to bring their own boat and can comply with the Notice of Race may submit a request for an invitation.
The New York Yacht Club is renowned for its 132-year defence of the America's Cup. Australia ended that record by wresting the Cup from the U.S. in 1983.
"With the New York Yacht Club hosting and the world's most illustrious yacht clubs participating, the Invitational Cup is positioned to become the Wimbledon of sailing," world champion sailor and Nautor group marketing director, Enrico Chieffi said. "The Club Swan 42 levels the playing field so that the focus can be on the skills of the individual teams."
Richardson said: "We're thrilled that RBYC are able to participate... We hope the Bermuda team does well." |
