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Three of the fastest and most radical yachts in Australasia will race in the PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic next month.
For two years running TeamVodafone has enjoyed a clear run to line honours and race records in the 119 nautical mile race from Auckland to Russell. That won’t be the case this October, when the Orma60 Team Australia, and Giacomo - formally known as Groupama 4 - visit New Zealand.
The massive 60 foot trimaran Team Australia will be making a World Speed Sailing Council-ratified attempt at a Trans Tasman speed record, before lining up for the iconic 119 nautical mile race between Auckland and Russell in the Bay of Islands.
Skipper and Owner Sean Langman is looking forward to racing TeamVodafone in her own waters. The boats have met several times on the race course in Australia, and Team Australia has taken four wins to TeamVodafone’s one.
But while history has handed victory to Langman in lighter breezes, TeamVodafone may well hold the cards in a stronger breeze, and both boats - which are nearly identical in design - have made important changes and improvements since they last met.
Giacomo, owned by New Zealand winemaker Jim Delegat, was formerly known as the Volvo Ocean Race winner, Groupama, and arrives in New Zealand soon ready for repainting and an offshore racing program that will include the Sydney-Hobart in December.
The Ormas have not lined up with Giacomo before, but TeamVodafone did race another Volvo Open 70 to Fiji two years, ago, finishing the race less than half an hour ahead of Emirates Team New Zealand’s boat, Camper, in the 1100nm race.
While the trimarans have the advantage of two extra hulls, Giacomo’s massive canting keel and huge sail area, will stand it in excellent steed, especially upwind.
“At the top end of the fleet, is the most exciting line up we’ve seen in several years,” says race spokesperson Matthew Flynn. “We are counting down to race day and we are thrilled to have attracted such high calibre entrants.”
More than 50 boats have already entered and close to 200 are expected on the startline, on Friday 25 October 2013. The race secured major sponsorship from Kiwi owned company PIC Insurance Brokers earlier this year, and is also supported by Yachting New Zealand, Jackson Electrical, Jack Tar, B&G, PredictWind.com, Railblaza, Mount Gay Rum, Musto, Elf Oils, and Dirty Dog sunglasses. The race starts at 10am from Devonport Wharf and can be followed by live trackers on the race website, www.coastalclassic.co.nz.
