12th – 19th August 2000, Cowes, Isle of Wight

Growing interest overseas in this year’s Rolex Commodores’ Cup (RCC) looks set to guarantee one of the strongest international fleets ever to compete in this event. Organisers of the RCC 2000, the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), have confirmed serious intent from 9 nations, and a further 6 countries have expressed positive interest.

Concentrated efforts are being made by the RORC to gain overseas entries, and Peter Rutter, Commodore of the RORC, together with other RORC officers, are visiting various yachting groups around Europe to explain the new event format and IRM rule. Peter Rutter comments, “We hope to see the return of the current title holders from Germany, and we expect a positive response from our presentations planned in Guernsey, Sweden and Finland.”

This year will be the fifth biennial Rolex Commodores’ Cup and the first international regatta to use IRM. This new rating system has been well received and, following the inaugural IRM Nationals, an increasing number of yachts are applying for certification. Mike Urwin at the RORC Rating Office confirms the rule’s increasing popularity with IRM boats being built abroad, “As well as UK and France, we have had rating enquiries from America, Australia, Holland and South Africa. IRM boats are being built in USA, Australia and Malaysia, as well as UK. This bodes well for the international flavour building for this year’s Rolex Commodores’ Cup.” UNCL has recently announced that there will be a second French IRM team for the challenge between France and the English at the Spi Ouest regatta over the Easter weekend. The yachts in the two French teams include a J125, Farr 40 and J92 in one team, two Sydney 40’s and an IMX 40 in the other team. David Minords, General Manager at the RORC said, “These three boat combinations would be perfect for the Rolex Commodores’ Cup and the French are expected to have at least one team in attendance.” The English team at Spi Ouest comprises a new IRM44 design, a Farr 40 and a new IRM30 design owned by Peter Rutter.

The various teams and crews are starting to prepare for the rigorous training schedules and selection processes. Bill Edgerton at the RYA commented, “The RYA is pleased to have attracted so many potential entries for the English team, and have long held the belief that the trials should be an event in their own right. We see The Rolex Commodores’ Cup as a showcase for young talent to get out and prove themselves, with the hope of being picked for future international competitions. Early indications suggest that this year will comprise a lot of internationally campaigned boats. Competition will be hot.”