Flood of interest overshoots earlier total set for starting line-up
A flood of interest to compete in the 2013 Cowes Monte Carlo Race has forced event chairman Mike Lloyd to bring forward the date for paying the initial entry deposit.
Originally set for April 2, a bulletin has now been sent to all applicants for the immediate payment of the £500 non-refundable deposit on a first come first accepted basis.
Mike Lloyd says: “I cannot believe the response, we set a maximum limit of 50 competitors when we launched the event at the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show in January. We now have well over 60 and it’s starting to be difficult shorting out serious entries from those simply showing casual interest.
“We have also increased the fleet maximum to 55 but this is the final figure. The higher number could cause us problems as it’s not going to be easy finding accommodation in the marinas and ports along the route. Predetermined venues could prove too small or lack sufficient berths particularly at the height of the boating season.”
One of the latest entries is the American ‘Worldwide Group’ (pictured) run by a well known, three-generation powerboat racing family.
Jackie Wilson was a leading figure in circuit sport in the 1960s and 70s regularly featuring in the Paris, Amsterdam and Bristol Grand Prix’s.
Son Mark Wilson was equally successful and has now been followed by his son Craig Wilson who, with his team, won the 2008 P1 Evolution world offshore championship.
Worldwide plan to enter a three-boat team and with its vast racing background will obviously start at short odds in two years time.
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