Coastal Classic: Wired first into Russell - 24hrs after start
by Richard Gladwell Sail-World.com 24 Oct 00:18 BST
Wired moves through the fleet following the start of the PIC Coastal Classic - October 2026 © Richard Gladwell - Sail-World.com / nz
Rob Bassett, skippering the Bakewell White 52 Wired, was first to finish the 2026 PIC Coastal Classic finishing just before 1100hrs on Saturday, after one of the slowest races on record.
Follow the Race tracker for the latest updates on the Coastal Classic website, or directly here: forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/race/nzmyc
On Friday morning, starting at 0930, 0935 and 1000hrs, the three divisions of the 2026 PIC Coastal Classic got underway in a gentle SW breeze, assisted by an outgoing tide.
That combination of wind and tide dictated the opening tactics, as most started up the windward, City side, of the course, before setting spinnakers of various types and hues, and soaking across the centre of the harbour - maximising the tidal assistance, before lining up their approach into the Rangitoto Channel.
A couple of boats in the second start (Div 2 & 3) and the Division 1s gybed onto port to get close to North Head before gybing back and getting doubling the push from the tide.
Two and a half hours into the race, the leading monohull was the Davidson 58 Another Duchess (Evan Davies), followed by the Bakewell White 50 Wired (Rob Bassett).
The leaders were clearing Whangaparaoa Channel and entering the outer Hauraki Gulf.
Watch the tracker
PredictWind has launched a new free mobile race tracker, and all boats in the race will feature (as long as they have downloaded the app, and selected the race!).
Those following the race can view the tracker on the Coastal Classic website, or directly here: forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/race/nzmyc