LONDON, ENGLAND — The Champagne Mumm Admiral's Cup Management Committee announced recently that it would make a significant change regarding the big boat class for its 2001 event, and named the Corel 45 to replace the IMS 50. The move eliminates all handicap racing from the event and makes it purely a one-design affair.
According to sources within the Management Committee, the reason for the change is to encourage more nations to participate in the biennial event. A lack of availability among IMS 50s and a willingness on the part of the Corel 45 Class to relocate activities to the UK were also cited as considerations. The Chairman of the CMAC Management Committee, Peter Rutter said: "Although the decision to change was not unanimous, there was a clear majority in favor of the Corel 45, and we believe that the new format will ensure an increase in the number of nations competing and provide an outstanding level of racing."
With the replacement of the IMS 50, the fleets in this regatta will now be composed of three one-designs (the Sydney 40, the Farr 40, and the Corel 45), a factor that organizers say will heighten the competition. To date, countries that have expressed interest in participating include: Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Japan, New Zealand. Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.