On behalf of the organising committee, I should like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to the many thousands of people that contributed to the success of Rallye Sunseeker 2009, my first as Clerk of the Course.

Considering the current economic climate, we are extremely grateful to the continued support of our main sponsor for the last 11 years, Sunseeker International, as well as our many other commercial partners, championship sponsors and logistics providers.

Once again, it was a real pleasure to welcome back so many familiar faces as many loyal competitors made their "annual pilgrimage" to the Dorset coast. It was equally pleasing to meet new competitors who were contesting the event for the first time. So whether you only had to travel a few miles or all the way from Iceland, Sweden, Ireland or Barbados, we hope you all enjoyed the rally and look forward to seeing you all again next year.

The record number (over 1100) of signed-on officials was simply mind-boggling and your expertise and professionalism played a vital role in ensuring the rally dealt effectively with whatever challenges presented themselves. A welcome innovation this year was that many students from Bournemouth University attended the event as assistants to senior officials in a whole host of different roles. The positive feedback and enthusiasm that resulted was uplifting and bodes well for the future of the sport, as well as allowing them to gain meaningful experience relevant to their degree courses. Our heartfelt thanks go to you all for your efforts to assist and your keenness to bring new talents and skills to the event.

Finally, to the overwhelming numbers of fans that have followed the event, whether in person, via the "real-time" on-line results facility, via our Facebook pages or via our you-tube podcasts, a HUGE thank you for your support and enthusiasm. Those of you that made it to scrutineering, the service area or out on the stages, our special thanks are due for your excellent behaviour, your warm welcome and your patience and understanding during the unavoidable delays caused by incidents requiring medical attention.

Here's to Rallye Sunseeker 2010, on Friday 26th & Saturday 27th February next year.

Robert Pike - Clerk of the Course
RALLYE SUNSEEKER 2009