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One transformed multihull and the return of a race-winning favourite are headline acts in this year’s PIC Coastal Classic where, despite economic headwinds and a date clash with travel home from the 37th America’s Cup, a small but quality fleet has committed to the startline.
Fat Freddy is a rebuilt Formula 40 racing trimaran, strengthened and updated with AC 45 boards, rudder and sails, a new mast and rigging and relaunched just weeks before the race.
V5 and Wired are veteran ocean racers that took line honours in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
The boats couldn’t be more different but they have the same goal in mind: to get to Russell first in the annual 119 nautical mile race up the coast – an event that is a sprint or a marathon, depending on your choice of boat.
Multihulls love wind from the south quarters, where they can skim the waves and get away with a clean start at speed.
Monohulls like V5 also love these conditions, but if the wind is from the north, they can often leave the multihulls far behind them, as their keels provide valuable ballast and allow them to sail closer to the wind.
100 boats are expected this year but last year 147 boats started the race between Devonport Wharf in Auckland and Russell Wharf in the Bay of Islands.
"We’ve noticed that the economic situation has affected the ability for boats to make it to the race, but we expect it to recover when the economy recovers," says Adrian Percival of the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club.
"Quite a number of the sailing community have also used their leave up travelling to the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona.
"This is a big race, it’s iconic, and every single one of us is excited about the start on 25 October, which marks the unofficial opening of the summer sailing season."
The event has been held every year since 1984, except for one Covid-lockdown race in 2021 which was cancelled.
Organised by the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club and starting from 9.30am on Friday 25 October, the PIC Coastal Classic is a race designed for speed: except for at the beginning and the end of the race, there are few opportunities to use tactics to overtake, and success can often depend on getting a good tactical start.
As well as welcoming back long-term supporter PIC Insurance Brokers, the Coastal Classic is supported by some of New Zealand’s pre-eminent marine brands: Doyle Sails, Mount Gay, B&G, Port Whangarei Marine Centre, Burnsco, PredictWind.com and Burnard International.
"We are very excited for this year’s PIC Coastal Classic,” said John Chandler, Chief Client and Commercial Officer at PIC Insurance Brokers.
"With a strong field and most boats having around 6-8 crew onboard, it will make a huge impression on the yachting calendar and provide a great opportunity to celebrate the start of New Zealand’s summer sailing season.
"We encourage you to get out and watch the start or the finish, it’s a great spectacle."
For those watching the race start from ashore, prime vantage points are Devonport Wharf, North Head, Orakei Wharf and the race website, which will be updated regularly with photos, commentary and radio positions throughout the race.
All photos: Live Sail Die
