Five sailors representing three generations of the Marsh family will be onboard the Young 11 Legacy for the PIC Coastal Classic. And between them they have a lot of experience of that stretch of coast.
Grandfather Peter Marsh has completed 33 Coastal Classics. Son Brad has 15 races under his belt, his brother Chris 18 while 14-year old Tyler, Peter’s grandson, adds two to the count up.
For Robin, who sailed to New Zealand from Canada and works in the yachting industry as a rigger, it is her first Coastal – although the first time she saw New Zealand was the majestic sight of the fleet marching up the coast in the 2002 race.
The boat is the Young 11 Legacy, owned by Brad and Robin, which is usually berthed in Sandspit but has wintered at Orakei Marina to take part in winter racing.
Remarkably, it is the first time that Peter, Brad and Chris have raced together but it’s something they wanted to make happen.
“The PIC Coastal Classic is an iconic race for New Zealand and it is very exciting to do it on our own boat this year with three generations of Marshes onboard for the first time,” says Brad Marsh, who did his first in 1998 aboard a Young 11.
“We also have a few friends (sailing with us) who may have to break up any family arguments onboard!”
By the time they finish this year’s edition of the PIC Coastal Classic they will be up to 72 races between them – a great legacy.
Follow the Marsh family and Legacy up the coast on the live PredictWind trackers at www.coastalclassic.co.nzon Friday 25 October 2024.
Photos / Supplied by Brad Marsh
Well done Peter, Brad and Chris. Great memories to be made. I look forward to following your adventures. Cheers