Run since the mid 70's the C*ck of the Bay race continues to prove a popular Boxing Day option to the yachting community.  With over 80 entries intending to be on the start line at Station Pier on the 26^th.

The race was designed as a feeder race to move boats down the bay ready for the start on the 27^th of the Melbourne Hobart and Melbourne Launceston races.

For both of those fleets the race carries a points value towards their three race series, making a good showing in C*ck of the Bay an important factor in the Sovereign series.

The race start is in the vicinity of Station Pier, Port Melbourne at 10.30am.  The course is deliberately set close into shore allowing good viewing by the public from many vantage points at the top end of the bay.

Excellent viewing positions are at Brighton Pier, Green Point at Brighton and from the breakwater off Sandringham Yacht Club.

This year, for the first time, there are two finish lines with the option for smaller vessels to finish after 24 nautical miles at Mornington.  The majority of the fleet will make the 32 nautical mile trip to Blairgowrie.

The 42 boats that are continuing on the next day to Tasmania will enjoy the hospitality at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron overnight.  They will then attend the 8am weather briefing before heading to the start line off Portsea for the 12 noon start of the 2006 Heemskirk Consolidated Melbourne to Hobart Race.