67 Yachts Depart for the 2024 PIC Coastal Classic; Line Honours Contender Withdraws
by Zoe Hawkins/PIC Coastal Classic 25 Oct 05:31 PDT
Steinlager 2 – 2024 PIC Coastal Classic – October 25, 2024 © Richard Gladwell – Sail-World.com/nz
67 yachts commenced their journey from Auckland this morning in the eagerly awaited 2024 PIC Coastal Classic, a highlight of New Zealand’s yachting calendar.
The fleet began its voyage from Devonport under nearly ideal circumstances, with a steady breeze of 10 to 12 knots from the north, enabling the vessels to sail on port tack as they crossed the starting line and navigated past North Head, heading toward the picturesque Rangitoto Channel, where they veered north toward Russell in the Bay of Islands.
As the winds picked up throughout the day, early withdrawals occurred, with eight yachts having to retire by evening. Among those was the trimaran Fat Freddy, a favorite for line honours, which sustained damage off Mangawhai but was safely towed away by Coastguard.
“We expected sporty conditions and several boats chose to withdraw,” states Adrian Percival of the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club. “A northern wind can create rough conditions. With longer durations on the water, it becomes challenging, particularly for lighter and smaller boats.”
However, for those who have continued, he notes, “It’s fascinating to see the diverse range of boats in the top ten after ten hours of racing – from the leading Romanza, a large trimaran, to Sir Peter Blake’s previous Whitbread contender Steinlager II, to the smaller keelboats like Clockwork – they are varied vessels all thriving on the challenge. It’s truly intriguing.”
“We want to express our gratitude to Dougal Love and the Romanza team for their assistance with Fat Freddy – and we hope the crew of Fat Freddy can quickly repair their vessel and return to the sea soon.”
This event marks one of the longest races in recent years, with the leaders yet to reach Tutukaka as sunset approached. As night fell, the remaining yachts continued to navigate through the wind conditions and tactical challenges, with sailors commenting on the sailing experience as ‘unsettling.’
The PIC Coastal Classic remains a landmark event in New Zealand’s sailing scene, drawing experienced sailors and enthusiastic newcomers alike.
The race is coordinated by the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club. In addition to welcoming back long-term partner PIC Insurance Brokers, the Coastal Classic receives support from some of New Zealand’s leading marine brands: Doyle Sails, Mount Gay, B&G, Port Whangarei Marine Centre, Yachting New Zealand, Burnsco, PredictWind.com, and Burnard International.
For timely updates and results, please visit the official PIC Coastal Classic website coastalclassic.co.nz/watch page or join us on our social media channels.
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