The yet-to-be-launched ocean racing yacht Limit, expected to be one of the favourites for an Overall IRC win in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, is among the first entries for the 2009 United Financial Services Sailing South Regatta in Hobart.

The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania this week received the nomination of the Reichel/Pugh 63, being built by Mal Hart at Mornington, Victoria, for West Australian-based CYCA member Alan Brierty.  The yacht is due for launching in November.

The carbon fibre, state-of-the-art grand prix racing yacht is in total contrast to another early entry received by the RYCT – the classic 44-year-old Skandinavian designed and built timber ketch Holger Danske, owned by RYCT member Erich Brosell.

Brierty’s sailing master and principal helmsman, prominent CYCA member and Yachting NSW President Roger Hickman, lodged the entry of the new Limit, maintaining a personal traditional of having competed in every Sailing South since its inception in 2001.

“For me, it brings me back to competing on the Derwent, where I learned to sail as a youngster, and also to invite members of my Hobart-based family and friends to be part of the crew of a fine ocean racing yacht,” said Tasmanian born and raised Hickman.

Hickman, who been helmsman or sailing master on four past winners of Sailing South, said today:  “It’s great regatta for everyone – wonderful short-course sailing on the river and on longer courses such as the Betsy Island Race.” 

The opening race of Sailing South will be sailed in conjunction with the Wrest Point King of the Derwent Race, with the four-day Regatta running from Friday, 2 January through to Monday, 5 January. 

Further information on the United Financial Services Sailing South Regatta: Nick Corkhill, Sailing Manager, The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania,  Ph: 03 6223 4599 or email:  sailing@ryct.org.au – Peter Campbell