Coastal Classic 2010 – What a sight!

Congratulations to all of today’s winners,” says David Griffiths, CEO at HSBC New Zealand. “This is a very difficult event, and the sailors have participated in a long and arduous race.

To be able to succeed in the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic demonstrates great seamanship, courage and perseverance, so well done to all who took part this year.

Again, we were delighted to be able to bring the New Zealand yachting community together with this significant event – the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic.” The 119 nautical mile HSBC Premier Coastal Classic is the biggest coastal yacht race in New Zealand, and one of the biggest in the world.

It started life 28 years ago as a drag race between Auckland and Russell for just a few boats, and over the years attracted a bigger and more diverse fleet, consisting of grand prix racers, America’s Cup boats, and small family cruisers. Organised by the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club, it is a race designed for speed: except for at the beginning and the end of the race, there are few opportunities to use tactics to overtake, and success can often depend on getting a good tactical start.

Joining HSBC Premier, which is also sponsor of Division 1, are eight divisional sponsors, each contributing prizes to its line honours winners and handicap placegetters: Musto (Division 2), Safety at Sea (Division 3), Mt Gay Rum (Division 4), Steinlager (Division 5), Duke of Marlborough Hotel (Division 6), RAILBLAZA Ltd (Division 7), Jucy Rentals (Division 8), PredictWind.com (IRC), and SailNZ (Classic Division). Snitch GPS will provide real-time GPS tracking of ten members of the race fleet, and Sunday Star Times and Trade-A-Boat Magazine are official media partners to the race. Predictwind.com issued an official, detailed race forecast on the eve of the race. Hundreds watched the start from Devonport Wharf, North Head, and Orakei Wharf.

The race website, http://www.coastalclassic.co.nz will be updated regularly with photos, commentary and radio positions.

Photo’s courtesy of www.aotearoa.co.nz . Thanks Goina!