13 February 2010 (as posted on www.crew.org.nz)
Last year's Auckland to Tauranga Race was full of extremes: a light-air start reaching under spinnaker, followed by south-westerlies that were up and down in strength for the first couple of hours. These eventually built into a full-blown hour long squall topping 50 knots when most of the fleet were just past or approaching Channel Island. After numerous blown spinnakers, a few headsails being cut away, a good sprinkling of crew dramas and a capsize by 'Katabatic' the finish in a dropping southerly was a bit of an anti-climax and a test of concentration for tired crews.
This years International Paints Auckland to Tauranga Race will start off the Squadron at 1000 hours on 1 April (no foolin'!).
Who knows what the conditions will be this year? Every race is different. What will be the same though will be the great organisation and the warm welcome from the Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club. As in past years marina berthing will be available on arrival, plus hot food and showers at the Clubhouse, not to mention a 'goodie pack' on arrival. Through key race sponsors International Paints, Steve's Marine Supplies, Bridge Marina Travelift and Safety at Sea (plus others) a great range of prizes will again be on offer at the Friday night prizegiving.
Entries will be taken in the following Divisions:
A Monohull PHRF minimum 0.800 TCF
B Monohull PHRF maximum 0.799 TCF
C IRC Monohull (may be split into two divisions)
D Multihull handicap minimum length 10.67 m
E Multihull handicap maximum length 10.66 m
F Short handed Monohull PHRF (maximum two persons)
G Class Racing Monohull - minimum five entries
Why would you want to miss an event like this? A preliminary NOR has been issued and it is expected that the formal NOR will be posted soon allowing entries to be received. Keep an eye out on the TYPBC website www.yacht.org.nz for details.
Do you think you might like to try a spot of windsurfing? Knocking Barbara or Tom of the top position in NZ?
Then check out our Techno page. If you are keen, let us know by clicking the contact button and we will make sure you get to talk to the right people.
