Organisers have received 47 serious enquiries about taking part in historic race
Organiser Mike Lloyd has reported an outstanding response to the Cowes to Monte Carlo race that was launched on the opening day of the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show.
Scheduled to start at 9.30am off the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes on June 8, 2013, 47 serious race entries have already been received – twice as many as set off on the first London to Monte Carlo race 38 years ago.
A limit of 50 entries has been set for the race itself, with ten reserves covering any teams withdrawing before the start date. The associated rally for domestic cruisers, which already has six firm entries, has no limit of the number of entries.
At 2,500 miles the event will visit four countries and 11 cities in France, Spain, Portugal, and Monaco.
Several famous trophies will be presented to the winners of the various classes including the solid gold Duke of York Trophy – currently in the custody of the RYA – but the most interesting has to be the Britannia Cup (pictured), belonging to the Brighton-based Sussex Motor Yacht Club.
With the Sussex MYC burgee being one of the flags over the event, its association will mark the return of this once famous club to motor boat racing.
Now little more than a name, the Sussex MYC once held a place alongside the Royal Motor Yacht Club between 1900 and WWII, organising many runabout contests between the piers which attracted several of the racing greats.
