2001 Australian offshore Championships at Hamilton

by Megan Seton on 25 Jan 2001 The AYF and the organisers of Hahn Premium Race Week have reached agreement
that the popular event at Hamilton Island will this year be used to decide
the 2001 Australian Offshore Championship.

“We are delighted with this arrangement,” said Graeme Ainley, AYF Board
Member and chairman of the newly formed AYF Offshore and Keelboat Policy
Committee, “Hamilton Island is already a very popular event and attracts
some of the leading sailors and boats. We aim to ensure that the Australian
Offshore Championship become a major focus for offshore and keelboat
sailors. This is a wonderful start.”

Warwick Hoban, long time organiser of the event, was equally enthusiastic.
“The Week can only benefit from being nominated as the 2001 Australian
Offshore Championship. This will be an added incentive for owners to
attend, if one were needed. We are looking forward to some great
competition this year.”

There will be no changes to the well-established format of racing. Hahn
Premium Race Week runs from 18-25 August 2001. The winners of the IMS and
IRC Divisions will become the IMS and IRC Australian Offshore Champions
respectively. During the week, the AYF will host an open forum to discuss
the future of the Australian Offshore Championship and other issues relating
to the future of offshore and keelboat racing.

It is the intention in future years to move the Championship around
Australia, linking where possible to established offshore events.
Expressions of Interest have already been sought of the 2002 and 2003
events.

For further information see the AYF website at www.yachting.org.au or the
Hahn Premium Race Week website at www.hiyc.org.au

Media Contact:
Megan Seton
Public Relations Coordinator
Australian Yachting Federation
Phone: +61 (0)2 9956 7042
AYF Principal Sponsor: BEA Systems
AYF Supporters: Australian Sports Commission : P & O Nedlloyd : Volvo Car
Australia : Schenker International : Qantas