Issue date
This weekend (May 25-26) sees the first event of the 2013 Elliott 5.9 Traveler Series at Opua.
The largest fleet for several years is expected with at least 15 boats and possibly up to 17. In what is a positive sign, the fleet has had to arrange for an extra shared tow line for 2013 in response to the growth in the class for the 2013 series.
One new crew to join the fray is Lambada, newly purchased by former national champion and Aucklander Brent Mullen - sailing with Kev Peet and Simon Kidd. Brent won the Nationals in 1993 in Collectors Item - which will also be racing at the event as Hogwarts Express (Opua CC).
Winner of the 2012 Opua event and 2013 NZ Champ boat The Blurr has been borrowed by well known Auckland sailors Rick Hackett and Richard Hulston for the weekend, sailing with Ben Costello.
Former ETNZ Camper VO70 Bowman Daryl Wislang from Wellington is sailing with on the returning Voodoo - Daryl returns to the class for the first time since the 2005 Nationals.
In fact the fleet is stacked with well known sailors, including Mike Sanderson and Will Tiller on Icebreaker.
The regatta will comprise up to 12 sprint races over two days.
