The skippers of four intending entrants contacted the organising committee of the Gosford-Lord Howe Island Yacht Race before the race date and details were confirmed by the Gosford Sailing Club.

“We’re delighted to have such strong early interest,” says 2008 race director, Mark Greenwood. “It’s always been a popular race for East Coast sailors, but having this proof of support from the yachting community is very heartening,” he said.

“We are now officially inviting expressions of interest from any boat that might like to compete. All the skipper needs to do is make initial contact with us. We’ll take it from there.” 

The deadline for registering an expression of interest is 14 May. All registered yachts will then receive a copy of the notice of race and an entry form.

This year’s 414nm dash across the Tasman from Pittwater to Lord Howe Island will be the 35th running of the race. Previous winners include some of Australia’s most famous bluewater racing yachts – Helsal, Stormy Petrel, Sweet Caroline, Brindabella, Margaret Rintoul and AFR Midnight Rambler.

Because the number of moorings within the Lord Howe Island lagoon is limited, participation in the race is always on an invitational basis. Only 20 safe anchorages are currently available during the event but the race committee is hoping the Island authorities may be able to provide temporary moorings for an extra two or three deep-draft yachts this year.

The 2008 race will start in Broken Bay at 1300 on Saturday 25 October. – David Salter

Interested skippers should contact: 
Gosford Sailing Club, PO Box 187, Gosford NSW 2250 
Fax 02-4323-4488, E-mail: lhi@gosfordsailingclub.com.au