Well known and much loved names will dominate the PIC Coastal Classic sailing fleet when the race starts this Friday morning. In many cases, names that have been around the sailing scene for decades, with boats and sailors that have returned time and time again to take part in the famous 119 nautical mile race from Auckland to Russell.
Winds from the north are predicted, and the fleet of around 100 boats will work hard to make progress up the coast.
In the monohull fleets, line honours favourites are the big boats like Explore Racing (previously known as Sportivo), freshly refitted and now under ownership of William Goodfellow. Former race winners Wired and V5, as well as the veteran Whitbread Maxi, Steinlager 2.
They will be up against smaller but no less eager contenders including Steve Mair’s new-look Clockwork (previously named Blink), the Melges 40 Menace, and the Farr 36, Kaizen.
Amongst the multihulls it’s no different: the return of favourites like line honours contender Fat Freddy, with Romanza, Attitude, Freedom, Hooters and Lucifer – some big, some small but each a locally owned, much loved boat.
The formula of old vs new, big vs small, is replicated in each race division with familiar boat names, sometimes with new owners, some returning after time away: the 1967 classic Innesmara, the Townsen 34 Shimmer, the ‘world famous in New Zealand’ Jive Talking with Humphrey Sherratt now at the helm, Vixen, Titanium, Blackout, Drinks Trolley, Fineline, Nosaka, Notorious, Truxton and many more.
Twelve competitors have risen to the challenge of the short handed divisions and six will sail in style and comfort in the Port Whangārei Marine Cruising Rally.
For those watching the race start from ashore, prime vantage points are Devonport Wharf, North Head, Orakei Wharf and the race website, www.coastalclassic.co.nzwhich will be updated regularly with photos, commentary and radio positions throughout the race. We recommend being in place by 9am to catch the pre-start action.
Organised by the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club and starting from 930am on Friday 25 October, the PIC Coastal Classic is a race designed for speed: except for at the beginning and the end of the race, there are few opportunities to overtake, and success can often depend on getting a good tactical start.
As well as welcoming back long term supporter PIC Insurance Brokers, the Coastal Classic is supported by some of New Zealand’s pre-eminent marine brands: Doyle Sails, Mount Gay, B&G, Port Whangarei Marine Centre, Burnsco, PredictWind.com and Burnard International.
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