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There will be plenty of storylines played out at this weekend's first round of the 2022 Elliott 5.9 Traveller Series at Lake Rotoiti, with returning champions, new crews and even two youth teams due to compete.
As many as 16 boats are expected at Lake Rotoiti, which is not only the first round of the series but also the final hitout before next month's national championships in Russell (May 19-22).
After a very strong season last year, R+R campaigned by Craig Sattherwaite and Richard Breada will start as the boat to beat but they're likely to come under pressure from a number of crews.
Simon Manning and Andy Roberston are making a long-awaited return to the class having previously won three national titles.
The pair will be campaigning Blurr and there will be extra interest in how Manning's son, Jack, will fare sailing Voodoo.
Jack is heading up one of two youth team and they'll be joined on the start line by a crew on Reverly, whose owner Richard Moyle is out of action due to injury but has kindly made his boat available to a youth team.
The one-design Elliott 5.9 class appeals because of its close racing and world-class sailors but has a tradition of being a youth training class and owners only too willing to make their boats available.
A number of boats have also changed hands recently and will feature at Lake Rotoiti.
Reggae Shark (formerly SMAK) is helmed by Ian Baker and, now with some Elliott 5.9 regatta experience behind them, are expected to push this well-performed boat near the front of the fleet.
UsainBoat (formerly Blown Away) will see Matt O’Maigh from Opua start their Elliott 5.9 campaign with an eye toward the nationals on home waters in May and Animal Crackers (David Plowman and Liz Hill) returns to the fleet after a period of absence.
Jo Lowery, who is based out of Christchurch, will be the most travelled of the fleet this year and is sailing on Bob.
Full results will be available here and pictures here.
Find more information on the Elliott 5.9 Class Association here.
