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It's official - the 2020 PIC Coastal Classic is going ahead and entries are open for the popular Labour weekend race.
“It’s refreshing to have something to look forward to again after a bleak last few months, unsure of when we’d get back on the water and in what capacity,” NZ Multihull Yacht Club commodore Greer Houston said. “We’ve certainly noticed the pent-up demand within our community and will do whatever we need to make this year another great one – on and off the water.”
Starting in the vicinity of Devonport Wharf on the morning of Friday, October 23, the 119 nautical mile challenge is again expected to draw seasoned yachties and beginner sailors alike for a long weekend that’s more than a yacht race. Signalling the start of the summer boating season since 1982, the PIC Coastal Classic has become one of the most important on New Zealand’s sailing calendar.
“Last year was one of the fastest races up the coast ever," Greer said. "Not only was a new race record set of 5 hours 37 seconds, but every single boat that finished did so in less than 20 hours.
“After such a memorable race in favourable conditions, we hope everybody will be quick to put their hand up to do it again.”
In 2019, Beau Geste, the internationally-registered mod 70 trimaran led the fleet of 175 yachts to set a new race record, which has raised a whole new question: could the course possibly be sailed quicker than that? Due to recent travel restrictions, Beau Geste has remained in New Zealand and is expected on the start line on October 23 to give it another crack in 2020.
“While obviously this is a race and most of us enter with intentions of going fast, my advice is to make the most of all the fun around the event. Enjoy the process with your sailing mates, and make the most of destination, not just the journey to get there.”
The notice of race is available, and organisers are now taking entries online, so it's time to put that date into your smartphone calendar, book your leave, and start getting ready for the traditional labour weekend race up to Russell.
- Pic: Beau Geste last year set a new race record and is expected to line up again this year.
