First international entry for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012 is from keen Kiwi

Kiwi yachtsman Paul Young is so enthusiastic about being at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012 he has already lodged his entry – more than six months before the regatta is launched on August 17.

‘I’ve tried for many years to get to Race Week as crew with other people, but outside influences have always prevented me being there,’ Young explained from Auckland today. ‘This year I’m determined to be there – so I’ve entered my own boat,’

‘Audi Hamilton Island Race Week has the reputation for great sailing and fabulous fun on shore, and that’s what we are looking for. All my crew are on the wrong side of 50, so we want to be there while we can still enjoy it.

‘The great thing for us is that the enthusiasm for Race Week goes beyond my crew: we have a support team coming with us as well. It seems that everyone is saying that while times are tough they still have to have a good time, and they plan to do just that.’

Young’s yacht, Young Rebel, is a 36ft Young 11 design which he has entered in the Performance Racing DivisionAudi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012. He purchased the yacht 19 years ago and since then has competed in almost every major event out of Auckland. He has also cruised extensively.

While Young Rebel is the first foreign entry for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012, organisers have recently fielded inquiries from the UK and USA regarding this year’s event. The regatta is scheduled for August 17 – 25 and early indications are that the fleet will be between 180 and 200.

The Audi IRC Australian Championship will be contested as part of this year’s series. The full spectrum of keelboats – from non-spinnaker cruising yachts and sport boats through to Grand Prix level racers and high performance multihulls – will be part of the regatta.

Luxury carmaker, Audi, returns as the main partner of Hamilton Island Race Week in 2012. The German premium brand offers a range of high-end events on the island for yacht owners and guests to enjoy during the week.

The Notice of Race, including the entry form, has been posted on the regatta website – www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au