Now in it’s fifth year the 2006 Hardy Cup will be conducted once again on the spectacular Sydney Harbour with the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House as the backdrop, using the RSYS fleet of six Elliott 6 sports boats; a three person keel boat with spinnaker.

The Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron is one of Australia's premier yacht clubs and boasts a proud history of involvement in sailing including America's Cups. More recently the Squadrons involvement extended to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and various World, National and State Championship events including the 2005 International 5.5m World Championship and the International Etchells Australian Championship.

Sir James HARDY, the former America’s Cup, World Champion, Olympic yachtsman and prominent RSYS member donated the Hardy Cup to promote the match race helming skills and tactical skills of young sailors. Originally conducted by the Royal Australian Navy, the event lapsed due to changes in the Navy training structure but was revived in 2001 by the RSYS.

The 2005 ISAF Grade 3 Hardy Cup attracted a high calibre of competitors with international entries from the USA, Sweden, Italy, Britain, New Zealand (2) and Japan, and Australian entries from New South Wales (5). This event was won by the RSYS1 team, helmed by Michael DUNSTAN (AUS) with the CYCA1 team helmed by Seve JARVIN (AUS) in second place and the Vision Yachting (NZL) team helmed by Simon MINOPRIO (NZL) in third place.

The Notice of Race and Application for Invitation will be available on the RSYS website by 5 August 2005.

For further information please contact Frances Allison, RSYS Sailing Office on +61 2 9017 0154 or email allison@rsys.com.au.