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The Commodores' of the two yacht clubs, Craig CHISHOLM from Coffs Harbour Yacht Club and Angus GORDON of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, in Sydney's Pittwater, both expressed their delight with the strong support the event continues to receive from the Coffs Harbour City Council and the community.

CHISHOLM commented, 'A record fleet sailed in the last two races at Coffs Harbour, with the Admiral's Cup winner Wild Joe [formerly Wild Oats IX] taking the prestigious IRC Overall Award. This event, now in its 25th year, could not happen without the large band of Coffs Harbour volunteers and without the strong City Council support.

'We have received enthusiastic help and support at every level. The local media, radio and television were right behind the event. I do want to mention Linda Jones and the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, the Coffs Harbour Fishing Co-operative, Val Crawley of Coffs Harbour International Marina; they were all very helpful, accommodating the large influx of yachts. As always thanks to the Festival of Sail Committee, the Chamber of Commerce, to Ian THORSBY of All-ways Hire and Jane and Julia of Any Event. On the Yacht Club side, a special thanks to Val and Jim RONAYNE and the large team of volunteers and to Club Manager, Paul JOLLY and the hardworking staff.'

Commodore Angus GORDON commented, 'It's great to see in this 25th year, the closeness of the relationship between Pittwater and Coffs Harbour.

'Since my retirement as the General Manager at Pittwater Council, the new General Manager is Coffs Harbour City's previous General Manager, Mark FERGUSSON. So there is an excellent understanding of the important of the event at Council level.

'It is a very harmonious relationship at all levels and it's great to work with the community on this key event on the RPAYC and CHYC calendar. Around all the sailing events the Coffs Harbour community arranges, is the very popular Festival of Sail event which ties in the locals and visitors to the area for the whole week. It's a great atmosphere, backed by the Council, Chamber of Commerce, the Pelican and Nautilus Resorts, and they all work very closely with us.

'Finally I must say we have a great admiration for what Val CRAWLEY and the Coffs Harbour Marina does each year. I can tell you it's not an easy job fitting in 60 plus boats to an already full marina, but they have been managing this for 25 successful years.'

Mayor Keith RHOADES from the Coffs Harbour City Council is a strong supporter of the race. He said, 'The Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht race is a signature international sporting event that the City of Coffs Harbour embraces every year.

'I believe this Silver Anniversary year event is perhaps the best yet in terms of the cooperation between the community and the race officials and its participants.

'The Festival of Sail continues to grow as an inclusive community which adds a fun dimension to the whole series.

'I look forward to welcoming the crews and race officials again next year.'

Wild Joe won both the 2006 Pittwater Coffs race and the seven race 2005-2006 series on IRC handicap.