Issue date
The major regatta of the New Zealand classic sailing calendar commences on Friday. Up to sixty boats, all classics and modern classics, have entered, and anticipate serious racing, excellent shoreside activities, and the chance of claiming a Pacific Island holiday prize that is almost as glamorous as the boats themselves.
“We thank our supporters, particularly The Southern Trust, because they enable us to host a spectactular regatta,” says Rod Marler for the Classic Yacht Association.
The feature spot prize is a holiday in Noumea, staying at the Ramada Plaza, and with flights courtesy of Aircalin.
Other supporters are Altex Coatings, Beacon Sails, Lombardini, Coast NZ, Mt Gay Rum, Events Clothing, Explore NZ and Yamaha Outboards.
“Each of these is a valuable and highly regarded yachting brand, and we thank them,” says Rod.
The forecast is for clear skies and light breezes on Friday and Saturday, increasing and shifting South-West on Sunday.
The entrant list includes Thelma, Rawhiti, Waitangi, Rainbow, Little Jim, Prize, Jessie Logan, Wairiki, Katrina II as well as for dozens of other much loved and recognised boats which have a combined nautical age of thousands of years.
The 2013 event will have a similar format to that of 2012: race HQ will be a marquee in front of the Viaduct Events Centre, where the fleet will be berthed and where spectators are welcome to watch from the sidelines, and here will be a shore based collection of smaller classics and dayboats to view.
Three days of challenging harbour racing are designed to allow for early finishes and plenty of socialising at daily prizegivings.
Visit www.classicyacht.org.nz to find out more about the Classic Yacht Association, its boats and the people that love them.
Banner image: Classic Yacht Association
