One team has already been selected to contest the Cup with one of the other Team GBR berths to be filled by a team selected by RYA Scotland.

That means two further teams have the chance to stake their claim for a place to race in one of the most esteemed events on the yachting calendar.

Trials for the small Class 3 boats will take place at the RORC Red Funnel Easter Challenge from 21-23 March and during the Raymarine Warsash Spring Series on 6 and 20 April.

Meanwhile, trials for the other two classifications will take place during the Series' big boat Spring Championships on the weekends of 5-6 April and 19-20 April.

In addition all three classes must also then compete in a one-off offshore event from Cowes on 26-27 April.

Entries are sought from both ready-made teams of three boats as well as individual boats and all teams wishing to enter must submit an expression of interest and campaign plan to the RYA Services Manager, David Atkinson.

The first team to be selected for Team GBR's 2008 Commodore's Cup squad comprises the John Shepherd-owned Kerr 46 Fair Dos VII in Class 1, the Kerr 39 Erivale, run by Jerry Otter and chartered from Mike Greville, in Class 2 and Peter Rutter's Corby 36 Quokka in Class 3. All three boats still have to compete in the trials and subsequent Team GBR training.

Iain MacDonald-Smith, chairman of the RYA's Commodores' Cup Selection Committee, said: "We have received a much higher standard of entry this year, better quality and a greater number so we are anticipating very competitive trials.

To express an interest in the 2008 Commodores' Cup or for further information, contact David Atkinson at david.atkinson@rya.org.uk or phone 023 80 604166. The Notice of Race can be viewed at the RORC website at www.rorc.org/pdf/RCC2008NoR.pdf