Following the recent publication of the notice of race for the 2008 Rolex Commodore's Cup we have now started to receive feedback from many of the potential participants. The responses have been positive and we have received support for many of the changes that we have made to the event. Tightening the rating bands will mean closer racing for the fleets and a new race format should keep the event outcome open until the last race. A reduction in the number of professionals that can sail on the individual boats has moved it further into the realm of a Corinthian event and will help to give a differential between this and an open Grand Prix event. We are hearing that with its early publication that there could well be a number of boats specifically commissioned for the event and with an ever increasing fleet worldwide of good IRC boats to choose from there should be a very healthy turnout of teams. Production or custom boats are all in with a shout as we have seen now for some time. IRC is well able to handle both allowing scope for all levels of campaign entry. Some of the winning former one offs for this event such as those of Mark Mills are now in commercial production highlighting the success of both event and rule.

This year sees the Rolex Fastnet Race and early indications are that there will be a big fleet taking part that may well require us to cap the entry list. Open 60s and open 40s are showing signs of having a strong presence as well as the bi annual turnout from our own domestic fleet of boats. In February I was invited to Hamburg and enjoyed a lively evening with over seventy members of the NRV (Norddeutsche Regatta Verein) many of whom are also members of the RORC at which there was an excellent talk by Torsten Conradi from the Judel Vrolijk office on the different methodologies of modern yacht rating rules. With support being expressed by some members there for use of the IRC rule in NRV races and their Trans Atlantic Challenge race committed to it there is every sign that we may well soon have another country where sailing enjoys the international IRC rule and the benefits that follow to all yacht owners from using a common rule. Whilst there the RORC were presented with a challenge by Volker Andreae from the NRV to a three boat team competition to take place during the Fastnet between the two clubs. This we gladly accepted and look forward to meeting up with the crews in Cowes before the start in August.

Please take note of a number of changes to the entry criteria for the Fastnet this year. In the Club page at the back of Seahorse we highlight a number of these changes for you. Also may I suggest that you put your entry in early to avoid disappointment?