Elliott 5.9: Final of Traveller Series this weekend at Sandspit
by Gareth Howard - Elliott 5.9 Association 5 Oct 2024 14:57 BST
Elliott5.9 - Travellers Trophy 2024 © Elliott 5.9 Assoc
The final regatta of the Burnso Elliott 5.9 Traveller Series will be hosted by Sandspit Yacht Club over the weekend of 5th and 6th October.
It has been another successful series with a total of fifteen boats taking to the start line.
The racing across the series has been the most intense for some time. All regattas have produced multiple race winners and consistent results have been hard to come by. This is due to the continued improving performance of boats across the fleet with more consistent boat speed and handling.
The last regatta at Russell again produced another regatta winner with Zoot Allures enjoying the light conditions to take the overall win.
Russell again proved to be a stunning location for the regatta with awesome hospitality at the Russell Boating Club and the luxury of mooring the boats overnight at the Russell wharf.
Unfortunately the breeze did not play its part and only three races were completed. However, the three races completed provided good racing with three separate race winners: Usain Boat, Zoot Allures and Bloodline.
Going into the final regatta at Sandspit, R+R again finds itself at the top of the table. However, Slam Dunk has probably had the most consistent series, consistently finishing in the top four and a worst performance of seventh. They have missed out on two overall regatta wins by only two points or less. This means Slam Dunk is only seven points behind R+R overall. While R+R has more race wins, they also have a number of higher scoring races including eighth and tenth. Another consistent regatta from Slam Dunk and any high scoring results from R+R could quickly see these top positions reversed.
Revelry finds itself in third overall. After a very good start to the series, they have lacked consistency in the lastest regattas and the ever improving Usain Boat have closed up on the points table. Usain Boat will potentially take the third overall prize if Revelry do not reproduce their normal form that puts them toward the front of the fleet. Zoot Allures and Bloodline are also lurking close behind and likely to be in the battle for fourth or fifth overall.
The Ranking Trophy for most improved overall is extremely tight. Nyx and Usain Boat currently sit one point apart on 8 and 7 points respectively. The Youth Development boat, Class Act, sits one point further back on 6 points. With Nyx and Class Act only one place apart on the overall table, the results of this final regatta will definitely decide this trophy. While this trophy is too close to call, a solid regatta from Nyx should be enough to see them hold on.
Sandspit has become the traditional last regatta of the Burnsco Elliott 5.9 Traveller series for good reason. It has always provided great sailing conditions and the facilities are awesome for the fleet. The class bases itself out of the Sandspit Holiday Park, which is right next to the club. The class will have their traditional BBQ, which is hosted by Tony and Corina (Zoot Allures) at the camping ground on the Friday night after rigging.. Saturday night will see us hosted at the Sandspit Yacht club for our traditional end of series meal which has always proven to be a great night for all.
Follow results and pictures online www.facebook.com/elliott5.9 and for more information on the Elliott 5.9 Class Association visit www.e59.org.nz
Previous results
About The Elliott 5.9
The Elliott 5.9 emerged in the early 1980’s as a high performing trailer yacht and continues to deliver competitive one design racing in a welcoming fleet of world-class sailors and novices alike. The boats started a revolution with their well-balanced and cost effective design, and quickly become the boat of choice for top club training schemes and a breeding ground for NZ’s America’s Cup, Ocean Race and Olympic champions.
Sailed by a crew of three, the Elliott 5.9 remains a low maintenance sailboat with an efficient single spreader fractional rig, a well-balanced sail plan and practical deck layout. Whether sailing among mixed trailer yachts, sport boat fleets or in a one design setting, the 5.9 is celebrated for its responsiveness and outstanding value.