The CYCA will be strongly represented in the team to defend the Admiral’s Cup for Australia at Cowes on the Isle of Wight in England in July this year, with wellknown members Richard Perini, Matt Allen and Leslie Green skippering two of the three yachts.
Yachting Australia announced the strong Australian team this week, headed by Bob Oatley who led the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club team to victory in the international teams series in 2003.
Since that series, the Royal Ocean Racing Club which will conduct the Admiral’s Cup at Cowes on the Isle of Wight from 9-17 July this year, has changed back from club to national teams. Teams have also been extended from two boats to three, comprising an IRC rated yacht, a Swan 45 and a Mumm 30.
Oatley will skipper his current Wild Oats, a Reichel/Pugh 66 with canting keel, World champion Richard Perini will skipper his Mumm 30, Foreign Affair, while Leslie Green and Matt Allen have been nominated as joint skippers of Green’s Swan 45, Ginger.
“Yachting Australia consider this to be a very strong team. We look forward to Australia’s proud Admiral’s Cup record being maintained,” saysachting Australia’s CEO Phil Jones.
“We are grateful to all the owners that registered interest in being involved,” Jones added.
Last year’s Cup winner Bob Oatley will be looking to win back to back titles. Recently, the new Wild Oats finished 2nd at the 2004 Maxi Worlds, 1st at the 2004 Canon Big Boat Challenge, and took line honours at the Strathfield Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Race. Key members of the team include Mark Richards (Skipper), Iain Murray (Tactician), and Ian Burns (Navigator).
Foreign Affair is the current Mumm 30 World Champion. Owner Richard Perini will select a crew from his World Champion winning team and his Farr 40 crew.
Ginger has international experience in the Swan 45 class. Key members of the team include Leslie Green (skipper), Matt Allen (Helmsman), Grant Simmer (Tactician). Green has owned Ginger for over 12 months and has campaigned the yacht in a number of regattas.
