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The 50th anniversary of the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge in 2023 will not only feature a new finishing destination but also a new naming rights sponsor with Ray White New Plymouth coming on board.
The 14th edition of the race will finish at the Southport Yacht Club on Queensland’s Gold Coast rather than Mooloolaba, which will make it easier for sailors to clear customs. It will once again start next April from the New Plymouth Yacht Club where it has started every time since the first race in 1973.
The Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge is contested every four years and is the second-oldest continuously-run single-handed ocean race in the world. It's also the only race of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and the 2023 race will cover 1240 nautical miles.
Three classes will be catered for: Adventure class - monohull, adventure class - multihull - and IRC. The line honours winner is awarded the Sir Francis Chichester Trophy.
Reini Gelder set a new race record in 2014 when he completed the journey on the trimaran Shark Angel in 6 days, 7hrs and 13mins at an average speed of just over 8 knots.
Ray White is a leading real estate business throughout Australasia but it's appropriate a local franchise has come on board as the naming rights sponsor.
“The reward is being part of the community and we are proud we are able to help with sponsorship," real estate franchise co-owner Jane Simonson said. "There are many volunteers involved and to help fund their amazing work is the least we can do.
“The solo yachties are inspirational. There’s a parallel with achieving dreams that people respond to, whether it’s tackling something challenging like that or developing their dreams for a new home or business.
“We liked the link between New Zealand and Australia. With the supportive relationship between the Ray White offices in both New Plymouth and Southport, our sponsorship is a good fit.
"I really respect the challenge of doing a solo yacht race. It’s outside anything I could comprehend and I admire their courage.”
Carey Simonson, franchise co-owner, has been on a few yachts over the years, and his offshore surveying work gave him a taste of the conditions that the solo sailors might encounter.
See here for more information on the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge and follow their Facebook page here.
- Main pic: The fleet leaving New Plymouth in 2018.
