Yachting Australia Changes Rating System Emphasis

Yachting Australia has announced a new name for what was known as the IRC Australian Championship and confirmed the locations of this premier yachting regatta for the next four years. Now to be called the Australian Yachting Championship, the event will provide the opportunity to secure the future of Australian IRC, ORCi and PHS racing, providing the highest quality of competition in a variety of locations.

Following consultation and a review with competitors and boat owners in those categories over the past 12 months, the Board of Yachting Australia have approved a name change to the Australian Yachting Championship, previously IRC Australian Championship, aimed at increasing the profile and awareness of the regatta and the high performance of the competitors.

Also approved was the locations of the Championship for the next four years to allow time for owners and crew to schedule their attendance. Yachting Australia will work with the Host Clubs to prepare for the Championship and deliver a successful event, meeting the expectations of competitors, partners, media and other stakeholders.

2016 – Hamilton Island Yacht Club – August 20-27
2017 – Cruising Yacht Club of Australia – March
2018 – Sandringham Yacht Club – January
2019 – Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania – January

President of Yachting Australia and owner of Ichi Ban, Matt Allen, is pleased the Host Clubs have been confirmed, saying “locking in the locations for the next four years shows the commitment by Yachting Australia to build the profile of the Championship. It also provides certainty and allows owners and crews the lead-time to plan their campaign while providing all competitors variable sailing conditions over the next four years.

“Changing the name to the Australian Yachting Championship gives it a clearer definition but it doesn’t mean that those who have taken out the IRC Australian Championship will be deleted from the history books, all achievements remain,” Allen explained.

“After a successful Championship at Hamilton Island in 2015, we’ve decided to return in 2016 for a number of reasons. All crews enjoy the superb and varied racing conditions and courses set against a stunning backdrop and the ability of Glenn Bourke and his team to deliver an outstanding event.

“It also feels appropriate that the sailing community be the first to welcome back the Australian Sailing Team as they return directly from the Rio Olympics as so many sailors taking part at Hamilton Island have been loyal supporters of the athletes for many years. Those supporters include Hamilton Island and the Oatley family who have been long-term partners of Yachting Australia and the Australian Sailing Team,” Allen added.

Source: Jane Gordon, Yachting Australia