Royal Western Lonely Rock Race entry closing date extended to 24th July, qualifying by 7th August

Lonely Rock Race 2020 © RWYC

The Royal Western Yacht Club is very pleased to announce the new closing date, now extended to Friday 24th July. We are also pleased to announce the extended qualification date of the 7th August.

In light of continuing COVID 19 adaptions, The RWYC is still working to keep the Lonely Rock Race very much alive. This announcement and change to the Notice of Race is in an effort to align with gradual government 'COVID unlock' announcements and easing of the restrictions which have unfortunately impeded those who wish to qualify and enter.

Chris Arscott, Commodore of the RWYC said, "Whilst we are really pleased at the level of entries we have, ranging from a sunfast 3200 R2 to a number of ex Volvo Ocean Race boats, we see the current situation has caused a number of issues for those who would like to compete but need to qualify. We have had a number of charter boats looking for a longer period to enter in order to ensure their clients are comfortable with the gradual COVID unlock. As organisers, we are committed to providing a safe environment both before, during and after the race. This will be aligned to COVID guidance at the time. We see this date change as the least we can do to encourage sailors to join us for the race."

RWYC very pleased to announce partnership with The Magenta Project

Chris Arscott went on, "The RWYC are also very pleased to be partnering with The Magenta Project. We believe in equality; The Magenta Project is at the very core of where we should all aspire to. We would like to see more women in key roles, not just taking part. This is a long-term project to improve mix and equality throughout sports and we encourage this whole heartedly, which is why we are donating 10% of the entry fees from all participants to The Magenta Project. We have a 60:40 split in the current management team and from today are offering the opportunity for aspiring women race officer's / protest committee members to get in touch with us to shadow the teams."

Libby Greenhalgh, co-founder and director of The Magenta Project said, "We are pleased to partner with the Royal Western Yacht Club and are looking to use this opportunity to help encourage other clubs to look at how they can be 'role models' in our sport and develop pathways for women within the race organisation roles, from race and protest officials to race management. The RWYC has an opportunity to create a positive voice around gender equality from internal teams, to encouraging race teams to diversify and creating a balance in the media coverage that hopefully further inspires and encourages women to progress in our sport.

About the Magenta Project

The Magenta Project is a registered charity committed to developing pathways and generating opportunities for women in performance sailing, working with a wide range of individuals and organisations to make this happen.

Established by the sailors of the successful campaign of Team SCA in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-2015, where sailing is one few sports where women and men can compete alongside and against each other.

www.themagentaproject.org

The Notice of Race is published online at the club website at rwyc.org/lrr

COVID management measures are ongoing.

The entry procedure is open for all boats under 70ft in length. Prices remain subsidised thanks to our backers and sponsors.

The RWYC would like to thank our race partners for their continual support for the Lonely Rock Race.

Entries close on Friday July 24th, with the understanding that any current entry price will be honoured should the race be postponed; Full refunds will of course be given should any change not be convenient for your boat to participate.

For further advice, information or questions please email and one of the race management team would be delighted to respond.

For race official shadowing opportunities, please contact