Entries are now open for New Zealand’s 'best big-boat regatta' on January 21-24, 2020.
Next year's CRC Bay of Islands Sailing Week has again been selected to host the PHRF, IRC and Tornado class national championships and regatta chair Manuela Gmuer-Hornell says hosting the nationals adds “an extra layer of competition” to what is already a well-contested event.
“As long as they have a valid PHRF or IRC certificate, it gives those in A, B and C divisions the chance to compete for a prestigious nationally or internationally recognised trophy, at no extra cost,'' she said.
While PHRF offers strong competition in the top divisions, CRC Bay of Islands Sailing Week organisers warn this could be the last time they attempt to host the IRC nationals. This is due to the difficulties they’ve had securing sufficient boats to compete under the IRC rule in the past.
“We appreciate it’s another expense for boat owners but we’d like to see IRC racing continue in New Zealand, so we’d encourage anyone racing in the top divisions to at least look into getting an IRC certificate,” Gmuer-Hornell said.
CRC Bay of Islands Sailing Week organisers support the IRC handicapping system as one of the fairest and most internationally-recognised systems.
The IRC is a rating rule, based solely on a boat’s physical characteristics rather than performance.
Boats competing in divisions A, B and C at CRC Bay of Islands Sailing Week can compete for IRC Class 1, 2 and 3 trophies respectively. This means the IRC national championships are open to all sorts of boats, including the large fleet of 30ft cruiser/racers that typically take part in the Island Racing divisions.
For more information on CRC Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2020, notice of race and online entry form, visit the website at www.bayofislandssailingweek.org.nz.
– Yachting New Zealand
