8:24 AM Tue 22 Sep 2009 GMT
After receiving complaints from race entrants about the cost and complexity of obtaining IRC certificates for their boats, the committee has decided that the 2010 event will be raced under two classes: IRC and an 'Adventure' class.
The Adventure Class is designed to be in keeping with the original ethos of the race which was to provide people with the challenge of preparing their boats to race to Australia and the adventure of getting them there.
The first singlehanded Tasman yacht race was started with help and advice from pioneering singlehanded sailor Sir Francis Chichester with rules lifted almost straight from the only other singlehanded ocean race in existence at the time, the Observer Singlehanded TransAtlantic Race (OSTAR). It's interesting to note that the popular 'Jester Challenge' has recently been initiated across the Atlantic using the original OSTAR rules.
The race committee decided to introduce racing under the IRC Rule because some competitors in the 2007 race requested it. Skippers will be able to race in whichever class they prefer.
Adventure Class boats will race in classes defined by LOA as per the original race rules. First across the line, regardless of whichever class they're entered in, will receive the Chichester Trophy for line honours. The first Adventure Class boat into Mooloolaba will receive the Vosper Trophy, named for Howard Vosper who was a prime mover behind establishing the race in the late 1960's.
IRC class winners will receive a Fitzroy Yachts Trophy.
Withdrawals - Brian Greenem of Nelson has withdrawn Lisa V from the race for medical reasons. Murray Bucknall has been unable to source insurance for Ryujin Fei and has also withdrawn. Peter Watt's employment circumstances have altered so he has pulled out of the race. That leaves a fleet of 24 boats and the vacant places have been offered to people on the waiting list.
by Lindsay Wright
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Troughton Island, WA
