PIC Coastal Classic update: Big changes for small boats in this year's Coastal

Yachting and Boating Quarterly - Edition 3

Issue date

18 Aug 2014

Big changes for small boats

The Coastal Classic has always been known as a 'drag race' from Auckland to Russell, and over the years, boats from near and far have vied to break the record for the fastest time. The honour is currently held by Team Vodafone Sailing with a time of just 5 hours, 44 minutes and 31 seconds - a big difference from the 18 hour record set by Cookie Stuart on Krisis in the first edition of the race.

But the Coastal also attracts a huge number of smaller boats, many of which have often struggled to reach the finish within the time limit. So this year, race management has made some big changes with these boats in mind...

New starting order and earlier start time

For this year's PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic, there will be a new start order, with the smaller boats starting first, followed by the faster divisions.

There will also be a new earlier start time for the smaller boats of 0930hrs - up to an hour earlier than in previous years. This could easily translate to two or more hours off elapsed times by the end of the race, given the more consistent breeze generally found earlier in the day.

A reversed start order will also add to the spectacle of the race, both for those on and off the water. With the larger divisions sailing through the small boat fleet, there's guaranteed to be plenty of excitement at the start of the race. And for the first time those aboard smaller boats will get a chance to see the event's 'Formula One' entrants up close and personal.

Musto race clothing now available

You can now view and order the official 2014 PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic race gear online.

Race gear will also be available at the briefing, and at Race HQ in Russell, but it's always popular so we'd urge you to pre-order online to make sure you get the styles and sizes you want.

The 2014 Coastal Collection has again been produced by Musto - a brand recognised around the world for outstanding design and performance.

On-the-water finishing introduced

Another major change to the race format this year sees the introduction of on-the-water finishing. This will allow entrants who have not reached the finish line by the race cut-off time to report their position via VHF, and still be in the running for certain prizes.

Race Director Matthew Flynn says: "We hope these changes will make the race more appealing and accessible for all - especially some of the smaller boats and classics that may have been put off by the race format in previous years."

First-time competitor in 2013, Ashley Rogers, thinks the changes are a great idea. "I was gutted last year to have worked so hard, and then not to finish within the time limit! It's definitely an improvement on last year's race", she commented.