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The first entries for the Rolex Trophy One Design Series to be held December 10-12 have come from the Farr 40 design yachts - Evolution (Australia), Ichi Ban (Australia), Venom (New Zealand) and Mascalzone Latino (Italy). All four yachts took part in the Rolex Farr 40 World Championship in Sydney earlier this year, with Richard PERINI's Evolution taking the world champion crown for an Australian victory.

The Rolex Trophy One Design Series is for yachts in the Farr 40 and Sydney 38 one design classes. Yachts of the same length, weight and all identical in design will compete over three days in up to nine challenging races.

With entries also expected from the Sydney 38 one design class, potentially including yachts entered in the Rolex Sydney Hobart, the first three days of this year's Rolex Trophy should prove highly competitive.

'We are looking forward to seeing Mascalzone Latino back to race in Sydney again and to defending our title from last year's Rolex Trophy series,' said Richard PERINI, skipper of Evolution which won the 2004 Rolex Trophy series in the Farr 40 class.

'Many of the crews on the Farr 40's are also sailing in the Rolex Sydney Hobart so it is a great opportunity for time on the water for them.'

Entries for the Rolex Trophy One Design Series close at 17:00 on 8 December, 2005.

Rolex Trophy - Rating Series

Six yachts have already applied for entry in the 2005 Rolex Trophy Ratings Series to be held 15-18 December, 2005.

The Rolex Trophy Ratings Series is the final event prior to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and comprises of four days of racing with two races being held each day on a course set off Sydney Heads.

While entries are open until 13 December, the following boats have already registered their intent to take part in the three days of racing off Sydney Heads:

• Fincorp More Witchcraft, NSW
• Gillawa, ACT
• Living Doll, VIC
• Vanguard, NSW
• Yendys, NSW
• Nips n Tux, NSW

All entries to date except for Vanguard and Nips n Tux are also competing in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

The 2005 Rolex Trophy will be sailed over mostly short windward/leeward courses and will comprise of three to four rating divisions which will give boats of vastly different size and performance the opportunity for an even playing ground.

Nips n Tux won the PHS (Performance Handicap System) Division in last year's Rolex Trophy Rating Series while Yendys finished 4th in the IRC (International Rule Club) Division in 2004.

The event provides spectacular ocean racing, with yachts battling it out for points from each race which are tallied for overall results.

'The competition in the Rolex Trophy Rating Series can be incredibly close,' said Geoff ROSS, skipper of Yendys. 'Last year, Targé took victory by just one point so you're always looking to do your very best in each race over the four days. It's fast and furious out there and every mistake could cost you a point so its pretty intense.'

The fleet for the 2005 Rolex Trophy Rating Series includes a PHS division and three IRC divisions:

• Division 0 IRC - includes boats at the larger end of the fleet including the 30m maxis such as Alfa Romeo, Konica Minolta and the new Wild Oats plus those around the 50ft mark like Yendys and Cookson 50 Living Doll,
• Division 1 IRC - includes boats such as the Eagle 46 Fincorp More Witchcraft and IMX 40 Nips n Tux,
• Division 2 IRC - covers smaller and older boats in the fleet, such as Gillawa and low rating, older boats.

For further information on the Rolex Trophy and the Notice of Race, please visit www.cyca.com.au under 'sailing'.