Shapeshifter snaps 8-year streak at Elliott 5.9 nationals

Yachting and Boating Quarterly - Edition 3

Issue date

29 Mar 2023

True to its name, Shapeshifter changed the New Zealand Elliott 5.9 landscape at the weekend by claiming the 2023 national title – and ending Rough & Reddy’s near-decade-long winning streak.

As expected though, the eight-time winner and defending champion would not give up without a fight at Queen Charlotte Yacht Club...

Shapeshifter, sailed by Nick Bastow, Matthew Stuart and James Glidden, edged Rough & Reddy (Craig Satterthwaite, Bart Bearda and Matt Mitchell) by one point – with the winner only decided in the final race of 12.

Bastow and co. had a seesaw start to the regatta – winning the opening race before picking up an OCS and maximum points in the second. At the same time, Rough & Reddy was consistent with two wins and a second place from the day’s three races in light and shifty conditions ensuring a comfortable lead heading into day 2.

Rough and Reddy's eight-year winning streak was snapped at the 2023 Elliott 5.9 national championships last weekend. Photo / NZ Elliott 5.9 Class Association

The advantage didn’t last long, however, with Shapeshifter winning three of five races in much better breeze while Satterthwaite had to settle for two victories wedged between an uncharacteristic fifth and seventh place.

Rough & Reddy started the final day with an eighth place before winning the last three races to ramp up the pressure on Shapeshifter, who managed to hold on for three consecutive second placings and an overall triumph by the slightest of margins.

Slam Dunk finished third after Revelry slid down the leaderboard with an underwhelming final-day display.

The focus now shifts to the five-regatta Traveller Series with the first event set for Lake Rotoiti on May 6-7.

A number of boats from Napier and the Far North, that missed out on the national championships due to weather and ferry-related challenges, are expected to join the fleet.