In Super Zero, Derek Saunders' Custom 60,Venemous is back to defend the class title  and will be up against Simon Clay's Open 60, Artemis Ocean Racing, as well as Piet Vroon's Lutra 56, Formidable 3.

In Class Zero, Mike Greville's Ker 39, Erivale III, are competing and will be looking to recapture the lead in the RORC overall season's points championship in the absence of some of their closest rivals. However, Philippe Delaporte's J122, Pen Azen and crew are back, defending the Class One win in the Channel Race last year and are hot on the heels of Erivale III for the overall title.

The RYA Keelboat programme will also be competing racing the TP52, John Merricks II. The oldest crewman is Luke McCarthy, at the ripe old age of 28 who commented. "We are looking forward to getting offshore again and as usual we will have a different people taking on the various positions on board; principle helmsman will be 49er sailor, Tom Smedley and the average age of the crew is only 22 years of age."

In IRC Class 2. Mike Boyd & Niall Dowling's J/105, Slingshot are in top form and now lead the RORC Overall points championship. "Having sailed fully crewed for years, our first season in the two-handed class has provided plenty of challenges, not least sleep management." commented Slingshot's, Mike Boyd. "Our two hours on/two hours off watch system takes a while to get established and is often interrupted by a mark rounding or spinnaker maneuvers.  We finish most races totally exhausted."

Racing in Class two is Harry Heist's well campaigned S&S 41, Winsome, which is always competitive. Nick Jones will be sailing two handed with wife Suzi in their First 34.7, Astarte, they will be difficult to beat Two Handed and should do well in Class three..

Weather forecasts predict a light to moderate south westerly to north westerly breeze for the area in and around the English Channel over the weekend.

PRIZEGIVING Wednesday 6^th August at the RORC Members' Cocktail Party, Royal Yacht Squadron, 1830.

RORC  Season's Points Championship 2008 

The Royal Ocean Racing Club's Season's Points Championship consists of a testing series of races which attracts an international and varied fleet. For the serious offshore sailor, trying to win the Season's Points Championship is the real challenge. The Season's Points Championship this year includes the tactically challenging BMW Round Ireland Race and a new addition to the RORC sailing programme, The Cowes Madeira Race which offers an exciting opportunity of a race to Madeira and back, some 1500 miles away in the Atlantic off the coast of Africa. For those with less time, the programme also includes a race to the charming port of La Rochelle.  

For the full RORC racing programme go to: http://www.rorc.org 

For more information, please contact: -   
RORC: Tel. +44 (0) 1983 295144  FAX +44 (0) 1983292242

 E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

PRESS LIAISON: Trish Jenkins - J2 Communications & Events, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 07880 518689 / 01983 248070