New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club Coastal Classic Preview

The sight of 200 yachts taking part in a mass start off Devonport Wharf is expected to provide a great spectacle for international visitors to Auckland for Rugby World Cup Final weekend © Christopher Weissenborn

Classic Kiwi fleet lines up for 30th anniversary race

From the hot-rods of the water, to the stately classic Iorangi, and a range of small boats and family cruisers, the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club’s Coastal Classic yacht race has attracted entrants from across the spectrum of yacht racing.

“We are pleased as ever to welcome allcomers for the 30th NZMYC Coastal Classic,” says event director Jon Vincent. “The fleet is shaping up as a colourful demonstration of what’s truly great about Kiwi sailing – that anyone can, and will, participate.”

The race fleet, which expected to get as big as 200 yachts, will start at 10am on Friday 21 October off Devonport Wharf in Auckland, and will finish 119 nautical miles up the coast in Russell, Bay of Islands.

Notable frontrunners include the Orma 60 trimaran TeamVodafoneSailing, fresh back from a blitzing Australian campaign, the Cookson 50 Akatea, former winner Wired, and Roger Pagani’s Triple 8 catamaran.

Entrants will race in eight divisions, reflecting size and relative speed of each boat.

The 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 with clear wind and room to maneuver.

The race can take as little as six or seven hours for the very fastest boats, or as long as two days for the slowest boats in light conditions.

A fantastic prize pool worth tens of thousands of dollars has also been provided by Musto, Mount Gay Rum, the Duke of Marlborough, Railblaza, PredictWind, PIC Insurance, Southern Pacific Inflatables, Dirty Dog, Yamaha and Safety at Sea. The event is also supported by Eventuate and Wilde Media.

“Thank you to these companies,” says Jon Vincent. “They make the race and prizegiving extra special.”

For those watching the race start from ashore when it starts at 10am on Friday 21 October, prime vantage points are Devonport Wharf, North Head, Orakei Wharf and the race website, www.coastalclassic.co.nz which will be updated regularly with photos, commentary and radio positions throughout the race.