There are 441 yachts entered in a variety of classes. First race is next Saturday from Melbourne to Geelong (Approx 40 nm) then there are shorter races near Geelong on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday the 26th January. There are 3 Hanses entered, two 400's and one 350 (Sine Die). One 400 is in the 'Cruising Division" and the other two boats are in the ' Cruising Divn with Spinnaker/MPS".  The Australian Dealer Principal (Peter Hrones of Windcraft) has come down from Sydney to assist us 3 owners for which we are very grateful. (We are lucky here in Australia to have a really supportive Dealer) It is hot here (36 degrees today) and winds will be 15 to 20 knots. We are all looking forward to a great 4 days on the water and will be thinking of you all shivering up North - although we know from some of the photos put on this forum that snow and ice does not deter all of you from sailing at this time of the year.