Issue date
Planning is already underway for next year's 24-Hour Endurance Yacht Race in Wellington, including a commitment to introduce an award for the true longest distance sailed.
The longest distance sailed in this year's inaugural event was 102.27 by a Ross 930 but, with handicap winners only being recognised, the yacht sailing the longest distance received little more than a mention. Organisers believe the longest distance sailed over the 24 hours could beomce a competition in its own right over time, with yachts wanting to break the record for the longest distance sailed, and will recognise the top three placegetters next year.
Weather conditions were ideal for the lighter competitors, but the heavier yachts struggled. The shortest distance sailed amog the 18 competing yachts this year was 61.9NM by a Raven 26; the biggest yacht was a Warwick 44 and the smallest one was a Joker 6.7M trailer sailer. This was a race for all types of yachts.
The first lap took competitors to all corners of Wellington Harbour and was 17NM around the marks - in real terms, probably closer to 20NM taking up-wind sailing into account. The second, and all subsequent laps were sailed at the northern end of the harbour and was approximately 12NM.
All participating yachts were fitted with an electronic tracking device which allowed race control to keep track of the yachts’ relative position on the harbour and made calculating the distance sailed very simple. A link to a website allowed skippers and their families and friends on shore to follow the race. Some shore-based people got completely ‘hooked’ on this as they were checking the website at regular intervals, even during the night.
Next year's race will be on March 3 and 4 and interested individual can stay informed by following here
