Expressions of Interest Are Open!
Why Now?: Whilst the Race is more than two years away, a race around Australia takes lots of planning by us to ensure great logistics. Strong interest in the event now will allow us to gain better sponsorship and thus support the yacht’s best and ensure a great event!
Create the Event You Want: Skippers who have lodged an expression of interest will be directly involved in finalizing the Notice of Race, designing the social and logistical aspects of the event; and Provisional Entrants will get to review the draft Sailing Instructions. As an event for sailors run by sailors, we want to engage with you and create the event the competitors want.
First Come First Served: The capacity of the stopover ports will ultimately limit the number of entries we can accommodate. We will allocate available berths, mooring or anchoring locations and shoreside facilities on a first come first served basis. Your early Expression of Interest will guarantee you priority!
$500 Now?: We debated what to charge for an expression of interest and it has been decided to ensure we have folk that are serious! This allows us to negotiate in good faith with ports, yacht clubs and sponsors.
Refund?: The expression of interest process will result in yachts being given Provisional Entrant Status if they meet eligibility criteria. If we review your expression of interest and you are not provided Provisional Entrant Status we will immediately refund in full your $500. The $500 becomes the initial payment of the overall entry fee. If you are offered provisional entrant status but don’t continue your entry the fee will not be refunded.
No Yacht Yet?: If you are keen but don’t have a yacht yet, put in an expression of interest.. include what details you do know (i.e monohull 40-50’ etc. with TBA on those you don’t). This will ensure we can include you in the first come first served priorities. Note: you will not receive the formal Provisional Entrant Status until you do nominate the actual yacht.
Yachts that meet the eligibility requirements can provide an Expression of Interest to obtain Provisional Entrant status. Yacht (and Crew) suitability will be assessed by SHORAA on the basis of the eligibility requirements above, along with considerations such as: seaworthiness for the remote and rugged passages; provision of suitable protection and amenity for the crew on extended passages in tropical and Southern Ocean conditions; and the likelihood of keeping up with the majority of the fleet.
Owners of yachts that do not meet the above eligibility criteria may express interest and apply for dispensation of specific requirements they do not meet.
Expressions of Interest will be considered by a Review Panel, prior to Provisional Entrant Status being offered. SHORAA may offer Provisional Entrant Status; if SHORAA does not offer Provisional Entrant Status, this is unappealable and reasons need not be disclosed. SHORAA may request further information or commitment(s), or offer recommendations following their deliberations.
No Boat Yet?
Expressions of Interest may be made by sailor who has not yet built or purchased the yacht to be entered. Such an individual will have the benefits of Provisional Entrant Status, however, they will still need to have the eligibility of their yacht accepted prior to them becoming an Entrant. (This could be done pre-purchase or from design to confirm eligibility).