67 yachts set sail from Auckland this morning in the much-anticipated 2024 PIC Coastal Classic, one of New Zealand’s premier yachting events.
The fleet departed from Devonport in nearly perfect conditions, with a moderate breeze of 10 to 12 knots from the north, allowing the boats to sail on port tack as they cleared the start line and passed North Head, heading towards the scenic Rangitoto Channel, where they turned north towards their final destination, Russell in the Bay of Islands.
With winds intensifying through the day, the fleet experienced early withdrawals, with eight yachts retiring by evening. One of these includes the trimaran Fat Freddy, a line honours favourite that was damaged off Mangawhai but towed to safety by Coastguard.
“We had a forecast for sporty conditions and a number of boats withdrew,” says Adrian Percival of the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club. “When the wind is coming from the north, it can be rough. You are on the water for longer, and it’s hard going, especially in smaller, lighter boats.”
However for those that have persevered he says: “One of the interesting things about this race is the diverse cross section of boats that are in the top ten after ten hours of racing – from the frontrunner Romanza, which is a big trimaran, to Sir Peter Blake’s former Whitbread campaigner Steinlager II, to the smaller keelboats like Clockwork – they are very different boats that are enjoying the challenge and excelling. It’s very interesting”
“We would like to thank Dougal Love and the crew of Romanza for their support of Fat Freddy – and we wish the crew of Fat Freddy all the best with repairing the boat and getting back on the water soon.”
This will be one of the longest races in some years, with the frontrunners yet to reach Tutukaka as the sun set. Going into nightfall, the remaining boats continue to navigate the wind conditions and the tactical challenges of the race with crew members describing the sailing as ‘uncomfortable’.
The PIC Coastal Classic is an iconic feature on the New Zealand sailing calendar, attracting experienced sailors and passionate newcomers alike.
The race is organised by the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club. 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 Whangārei Marine Centre, Yachting New Zealand, Burnsco, PredictWind.com, and Burnard International.
For ongoing updates and results, visit the official PIC Coastal Classic website www.coastalclassic.co.nz/watch page or follow us on social media.
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