Hobart's over - now the countdown on for Newcastle-Lord Howe race

2:49 AM Sat 2 Jan 2010 GMT

'Newcastle Harbour' Tony Purkiss Click Here to view large photo

Whether luck deserted you in the Rolex Sydney-Hobart, or you're hungry for more glory, a year would seem an eternity to wait for another crack at a bluewater ocean race. Fortunately it's only a matter of months until the inaugural 2010 Butlers Business and Law Round Lord Howe Island Yacht Race gets underway.

For organisers of Newcastle's first ever Category 1 ocean race, the spinnaker is drawing and the seas look smooth.

As likely entries swell past 35 for the much-awaited Mother's Day (May 9) start, an official Notice of Race has just been posted on the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club's website for the 770 nautical mile category one race.

The 14-page document paints an enticing picture of Newcastle Harbour and Lord Howe, as well as outlining the rules, regulations and eligibility requirements.

Two supermaxis, Etihad Stadium (Wild Thing) and Lahana, have already expressed interest in competing and more are set to follow now the Rolex Sydney-Hobart is completed, lured by the prospect of posting the initial race record.

Other big-name candidates include Bob Oatley's canting-keeled 60-footer Wild Oats X and the Sydney 63-footer Loki, while two multihulls are set to give the monos a run for their money.

Fleet numbers may be further bolstered by competitors in an Around Australia race that is being conducted simultaneously.

At a time when GFC, not just KFC, is on everyone's lips, it's a remarkable first effort.

At 770 nautical miles the race will be 140 miles longer than the Rolex Sydney-Hobart, but the start date is timed to coincide with relatively favourable conditions.

With Lord Howe lying due east of Port Macquarie there's a strong likelihood of enjoyable reaching conditions.

2010 Butlers Business and Law Round Lord Howe Island Yacht Race - Tony Purkiss

Entrants in the performance cruiser division can enjoy a lay-over of up to six days on the World Heritage-listed island awaiting suitable weather for the return.

A maximum of 15 yachts are permitted to moor in Lord Howe lagoon, with five more in South Passage.

As the fatal founding of the maxi Shockwave recently showed, safety can never be taken for granted.

Lord Howe Island - Tony Purkiss

Accordingly, NCYC's organising committee has secured professional race management assistance from the distinguished Ocean Racing Club of Victoria, while Canberra-based Kordia will conduct the HF radio scheds.

It will be necessary for entrants to compete in a qualifying race of not less than 150 miles or complete a 24-hour non-stop ocean passage.

Just as a carnival atmosphere surrounds the Hobart finish, race organisers are hoping Novocastrians will embrace and celebrate the race. An accompanying Taste of the Hunter festival is one idea being bandied, replicating Tassie's week-long 'Taste'.

The Notice of Race can be found on ncyc.net.au or Click here

2010 Butlers Business and Law Round Lord Howe Island Yacht Race - Tony Purkiss

by Mark Rothfield

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