Issue date
Simon Hull, proud owner of the record breaking giant red Orma 60’ trimaran flying machine “Vodafone,” has set his sights on winning one of the few remaining race records for NZ Coastal Yacht racing that he does not have his name on yet, the International Paints, Auckland to Tauranga Yacht Race to be held on Thursday 17th April, just prior to Easter.
“Vodafone,” has achieved records in Trans-Atlantic races in another life, and has exceeded 40 Knots a number of times since coming to New Zealand. If these speeds can be reached for only a short time, the 120 nautical mile course record will certainly be Simon’s for the taking, such is the capability of this incredible yacht. Averaging half that speed would easily do the trick. It will require favourable winds however, and with the race being held in the Autumn conditions of the middle of April this year, it is felt by the weather gurus that it just might happen.
The race record is held by the Maxi Monohull “Zana” This was set in 2005 at 9hrs 35mins 01secs and nearly bettered by another Maxi Monohull, “Maximus”, a few years later, when but for gear failure with the finish line in sight, the record would have gone.
Multihulls have always featured in this race with the current multihull record being held by a regular entrant, “Sundreamer”, in 9.55.23, only 10mins behind “Zana’s” effort.
For Multihulls under 10.66m the record is held by the Trimaran “Timberwolf” in 11.20.12.
For Monohulls between 10.66 & 12.18m, the record is 12.02.30, held by “Revs”.
For Monohulls between 9.14 &10.65m the record is 13.16.05, held by “Higher Ground”.
For Monohulls less than 9.14m, the record is 14.03.23, held by “Extreme”.
All these records will be on the line for bettering this Easter. The Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club as hosts, with the assistance of the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron, look forward to the start of the race in front of “The Squadron”, and the finish at “A Beacon,” at the entrance to Tauranga Harbour.
An all-women’s crew has announced its intention to race this year and is throwing down the challenge to other women to race against them in what will be a first for the race.
Added attraction in Tauranga over Easter is the wonderful hospitality and friendliness of the Tauranga Yacht and Power Club members and the people of Tauranga.
Make sure you mark your calendar, organize your crew, organize your Cat 3 certificate, get your PHRF, plan to do the race and invite your family and friends to join you for Easter in Tauranga and enjoy the music and festivities of “The Jazz Festival”, in a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. You will want to be in Tauranga when “Big Red”, gets the record.
Roger Rushton, Race Committee Chairman.
