Sydney 40 - News Desk

The 30th March 2000 saw the start of the 2000 Sydney 40 Worlds in Palma, Mallorca, organised by Race1, the Solent-based grand prix race charter company. With entries from Australia, Europe, Holland, Italy, Japan, Spain as well as Great Britain the four-day regatta, and second World Championship of the class, provided competitive and exciting racing.

There were nine races scheduled, which were Windward Leeward courses. Commencing at 11.00am (local time) on Thursday 30th there were three races each day on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st March and one long race on Saturday 1st April. The Race1 Sydney 40 World Cup culminated with two races on Sunday 2nd April. There were no discards.

The seven teams include:

Australia – Skippered by Roger Hickman, a winner of the Sydney Hobart and twice the Australian Blue Water Yachtsman of the Year. His high profile crew also includes Brad Kellett.

Europe – Winners of last year's 1999 Race1 Sydney 40 World Championships, the team this year consists mainly of the crew from the recent Spanish America’s Cup team as well as selected crew from Holland and Italy including double Soling World Champion Gamas.

Great Britain - Skippered by former Olympic sailor and co-founder and director of Race1, Philip Crebbin. The team also includes Philip’s partner at Race1, Jonny Falkner as well as David Munge, Gerd-jan Poortman, David Tomlinson, Rick Stobart, Simon Nadin, Tom Wilson, Dave West and Peter Bresnan.

Holland – Nick Lamm, Cees Nator and some of Holland's Admiral's Cup winning team are included in the crew.

Italy – Crew details to be announced.

Japan – Skippered by Tommoya Hotta J24 and Yamaha 33’ National Champion who was second in last year's Japan Cup sailing his own Sydney 40 is joined for this regatta by Australian Bruce Anson as helmsman.

Spain – Consisting of a determined group of young sailors from Port Castellon with Gustavo Vilarino, twice Vaurian World Champion, joining skipper Guillermo Dauffi as helmsman.

The 2000 Sydney 40 World Cup follows a successful Winter Series sailing programme, organised by Race1 in Palma, Mallora and the previous week’s warm-up event the Sydney 40 Mediterranean Cup. Sponsors include Bar Capricho, Douglas Gill, Spinlock, Hyde Sails and Frederiksen.