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The first-ever Doyle Sails Cavalli Islands Race delivered a memorable offshore test for the Royal Akarana Yacht Club's BlueWater Programme, with Damon Joliffe's Motorboat III claiming line honours after a nail-biting drag race home.
Held over the last weekend of November, the 275-nautical-mile race is the second event in the Bluewater Championship, a four-race offshore series that also includes the PIC Coastal Classic, the Balokovic Cup, and the Marsden Cove Marina Route 66. Boats earn points for each event while contributing to overall championship standings.
"The regatta marked a major step forward for RAYC's BlueWater Programme, and we're grateful to Doyle Sails for their support in launching this new offshore challenge," the club said. "The course delivered everything from light winds and glassy patches to constantly shifting pressure, making this inaugural edition a true test of patience and strategy for every team on the start line."
Equilibrium finished second. Photos / Insight Media
The front of the fleet turned the race into a tactical contest of inches, with just minutes separating the top three finishers. Motorboat III, a 2005 Thomson 1150, crossed the line at 08:40:38 on Sunday after 46 hours, 40 minutes, and 38 seconds at sea. Graham Matthews' Equilibrium (Botin Carkeek 55) followed in 46 hours, 46 minutes, 8 seconds, and Guy Chester’s multihull Ocean's Tribute (Crowther 40) claimed third in 46 hours, 55 minutes, 37 seconds.
Brendan Sands’ Elliott 1050 Kick finished fourth, and Bruce Gault’s Davidson 52 Whichway took fifth. Physical Favours, Higher Ground, and Carpe Diem completed the fleet, with crews navigating light winds, shifting pressure zones, and tactical challenges through the Rangitoto Channel and Gulf.
With two of four Bluewater Championship events complete, all eyes now turn to the Balokovic Cup in February, as crews vie for the inaugural championship title.
