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News Headlines
| Hansen Wins Trans Atlantic Race |  | | Congratulations to Tilmar Hansen owner and skipper of the Elliott 52 OUTSIDER which won the HSH Nordbank Blue Race by almost two days lead to the second yacht. On Sunday, Hansen and crew sailed into Cuxhaven, Germany 14 days 20 hours 14minutes and 10 seconds after they left Newport Rhode Island. Hansen, the two times winner of the Admirals Cup, from Kiel won the title of The First Ship Home when he crossed the finish line of the 3,600 nautical mile race across the North Atlantic. Hansen and crew, including designer Greg Elliott, were pleased with the performance of the new canting keel yacht, built in New Zealand by Salthouse Boatbuilders and shipped to the USA for the start of the race. Hansen will keep the Outsider in Kiel with its next international event being the Fastnet race in August. | | Jul 07 07 |
| Rolex Transatlantic Challenge Starts |  | | At 2pm on 22May 20 of the worlds largest yachts set sail from New York City on the 3,000 mile Rolex Transatlantic Challenge across the North Atlantic bound for Englands Lizard Point. Pictured the 100 ft Maximus leads the fleet in the parade of sail down the Hudson River to the entrance of New York Harbour. The race start was postponed by one day due to potential gale force headwinds. In dramatic contrast the race started in 3 to 4 knot winds with Maximus edging ahead of the 140 ft Mari Cha 1V. Both boats appeared to be performing similarly but by early evening Mari Cha 1V led overall. Follow the race at www.transatlanticchallenge.org | | May 23 05 |
| Outsider Shines In Baltic Series |  | | Tilmar Hansens Elliott 45 Outsider has made an impressive debut in Europe. Outsider was the star performer in the Baltic Sprint Series recently completed. Whilst handicapped out of contention Hansen won line honours in 5 of the first 6 legs of the series convincingly beating yachts up to 35 feet longer. Congratulations to Tilmar and his crew we look forward to more news from Outsider in Europe. | | Aug 09 05 |
| Ice Too Dangerous For Astral Express |  | | Graham Kendall has made the decision to pull out of his solo voyage around the globe via the Northwest Passage. After 4 months at sea aboard his Elliott 1250 cruising yacht Kendall has sailed 18000nm and following advice from the Canadian Coastguard and ice experts in the Arctic, has been forced to abandom his attempt at the passage and change direction.He is now in Nuuk, Greenland. Further news and details at www.astralexpress.com | | Sep 02 05 |
| Sailing Scene Elliott 7 Nationals |  | | Congratulations to the team from WalterTurnbull who won the 2006 Sailing Scene Elliott 7 Australia National Championships. WT crew displayed their skills in a variety of conditions to convincingly take the title from Humungus in second spot and Hippy Hippy Shake in third. Whilst it was a competitive regatta, it was sailed with great camaraderie and the crews were seen at all hours of the night enjoying the regatta in true yachtie spirit and plenty of it. To see the awesome photos and other Elliott 7 news got to www.elliott7.yachting.org.au
| | Mar 15 06 |
| Southern Man Comes North News |  | | Graham Daltons 50 footer, built by Davie Norris Boatbuilders in Christchurch is now in Auckland for rigging. Dalton intends to race to Fiji in June before shipping the yacht to Spain for the start of the Velux Five Oceans Around Alone Race. | | May 12 06 |
| Outsider Second To Copenhagen |  | | OUTSIDER finished second on line in the HSH Nordbank Pre Blue Race – Kiel to Copenhagen leg held in the weekend. The race was won by J/V 86 footer UCA. Outsider was second on both line and handicap and completed the 150 mile race almost two hours ahead of third boat to finish a DK 46. News from the website states- The best take off was presented by Outsider, the Elliott 45 racing machine, owned and skippered by Tilmar Hansen, who helped winning the Admirals Cup for the German team three times. Greg Elliott, the designer of Outsider (formerly Maverick) came from New Zealand to sail the race and gave an extra bit of speed to the yacht. They passed the starting line first and led the fleet out of Kiel. To follow the race go to www.hsh-nordbank-blue-race.com
| | May 22 06 |
| Southern Man |  | | Graham Daltons Southern Man is still in finishing stages but can be seen out on the water. Dalton is racing to install equipment and get systems up and running in time for the Auckland to Suva race on June 4. The Fiji race is being treated as a sea trial for the boat which is designed and built specifically for single handed ocean racing, Dalton has entered the Velux 5 Oceans Race due to start later in the year. Photo courtesy of Will Calver Ocean Photography
| | May 22 06 |
| First Race For Southern Man |  | | Graham Dalton completed the first race on his new yacht a Southern Man when he raced in the SSANZ Double Handed around Waiheke race on Saturday. Dalton was pleased with the performance and potential of the boat and is now working on final details for his forth coming solo race The Five Oceans. A Southern Man is due to be shipped to the USA soon for Dalton to complete his 2,000 mile qualifer by sailing the yacht singlehanded to Spain prior to the race. Photo courtesy of Richard Gladwell. | | Jul 13 06 |
| Basic Instinct Crew |  | | Jan Borjeson and crew celebrate a great race result. | | Aug 18 06 |
| Basic Instinct Third in Pacific Cup |  | | Congratulations to Jan Borjeson and his crew for their fantastic result in the Pacific Cup. Racing in his Elliott 10.50 BASIC INSTINCT Borjeson finished the race from San Francisco to Kanehoe Hawaii in 11 days 14hours 16minutes. This placed BASIC INSTINCT 2nd in Class C and 3rd Overall. Well done Jan. | | Aug 18 06 |
| Rantan The Newest Elliott |  | | John Meades new yacht RANTAN has been officially launched in Auckland. RANTAN is a 50 ft canting keel racing yacht, a sistership to Sportivo with a few variations. She was built by Salthouse Boatbuilders with sails made by Doyle Sails. Meade intends to campaign RANTAN in both local and offshore events and will take his new yacht hometo Wellington towards the end of the year. | | Aug 25 06 |
| Thuraya Maximus Completes Rolex Middle Sea Race |  | | Under a vibrant blue sky at 16.36 on Oct 23 Thuraya Maximus sailed across the finish line at Marsamxett Harbour, Malta, just 1hr 52 minutes after Alfa Romeo to take second on the line for the 2006 Rolex Middle Sea Race.
The 608 mile course saw Thuraya Maximus and Morning Glory battling it out for second place. The delighted crew were jubilant that the battle had ended with them finishing just 15 minutes in front of their rivals Morning Glory.
It was an amazing race with some of the most stunning scenery even with the frustrating wind and current conditions. We were first across the start line and had hoped to stay in that position, but Alfa Romeo managed to pull ahead and we were left to chase and had them in our sights around the top of Sicily only for them to find the wind first said Maximus owner Charles St Clair Brown.The challenge then was to beat Morning Glory. The crew battled hard to gain advantage of any wind and we were pleased with our result.
This was the last race for Maximus in the northern hemisphere with a WSSRC record,line honors and a Transatlantic win, they will be looking to continue their Super Maxi campaign back home for the Southern Sailing Series. Photo Carlo Borlenghi.
| | Nov 06 06 |
| Dalton in Third Place | | | In the second leg of the Velux 5 Oceans race Graham Dalton aboard his yacht A SOUTHERN MAN is 83 miles behind 2nd boat Spirit of Yukoh and is currently sitting in third place. as the smallest yacht in the fleet Dalton is pleased with his current position. Dalton is dealing with extreme fatigue. Yesterday, the 54 year-old skipper of A Southern Man - AGD reported that he had burnt his hand with boiling water and during a brief satellite phone call to the VELUX 5 OCEANS race organisation today, Dalton revealed that he is fighting through a wall of fatigue and finding it more difficult than any previous races he has competed in. | | Jan 20 07 |
| RAN TAN Outstanding In Wellington To Nelson Race | | | John Meade sailing his new Elliott 50 RAN TAN was the outstanding performer in the recent Wellington to Nelson race. Meade and crew completed the race in 20.32 hours 6 hours ahead of the second placed yacht. Such a convincing win allowed RAN TAN to also take out 1st place on IRC, PHRF and Offshore handicap. Congratulations John. | | Jan 30 07 |
| New Elliott 52 Wins at Bay of Islands Regatta |  | | Tilmar Hansens new yacht Outsider was christened in Auckland this week by his wife Eveline. Outsider, superbly built by Salthouse Boatbuilders was completed earlier than expected giving Hansen and crew an opportunity to visit New Zealand and compete in the Bay of Islands regatta. Competing against a fleet including several other new yachts in fifty foot range the new Elliott 52 went from strength to strength winning four of the six races on the line. Outsider finished 1st on PHRF and 1st on General Handicap. Outsider will continue sea trials in NZ before being shipped to the US to compete in the Newport to Hamburg Blue Water Classic in June. | | Feb 07 07 |
| Meade Wins in Round North Island Race |  | | After taking line honours in Leg 1 of the Round the North island Race John Meade and crew on board his Elliott 50 RANTAN finished 3rd on line in Auckland on Thursday. RAN TAN was placed first overall on PHRF and finished 2nd on elapsed time to the Elliott 52 OUTSIDER. Pictured just afetr the start in Wellington Photograph courtsey Chris Coad Photography. | | Feb 19 07 |
| Elliott 52 Outsider Wins Round North Island Race |  | | Tilmar Hansens new Elliott 52 was the fastest yacht to complete the Round the North Island Race which finished in Auckland on the 15th Feb. After a frustrating first leg with patchy light winds Outsider conpleted Leg 2 over 5 hours ahead of the 2nd yacht. Outsider won the race overall on elapsed time and was 2nd on PHRF and on IRC. Pictured in Wellington prior to the start of Leg 2. Photo courtesy of Chris Coad Photography. | | Feb 19 07 |
| Latest in Velux 5 Oceans |  | | Graham Dalton sailing his 50 footer A Southern Man is now in 4th place with a 500 mile lead on Sir Robin Knox Johnson. Dalton has 4000 miles to go to Norfolk Virjginia the second stopover in the race. Photo courtesy of onEdition. | | Mar 09 07 |
| Going Going Gone!!!! |  | | Photographer Trevor Hippesely captures some freaky moments in the Elliott 7 Australia Nationals sailed in high winds on Corio Bay. Further news and photos at www.elliott7.yachting.org.au
| | Mar 13 07 |
| Walter Turnbull National Champs Again!! |  | | Matthew Owen and his crew of Walter Turnbull from the ACT have successfully defended their title winning the Skandia Geelong Week Elliott 7 Nationals sailed on Corio Bay. The event was sailed in blustery winds with several postponements due to excessive wind.It was clear before the final day that Matthew Owens crew would take the title and the Alcoa Trophy, having racked up four wins and a second place for the clear lead going into the final two races sailed in winds of up to 25 knots with big gusts.
Michael Green and his Sydney crew including Bill Sykes and Genevieve White came back with a vengeance to finish second, with Justin Mitchell and his crew on Mitchell Sails coming home third on countback.
The Walter Turnbull crew of owner/skipper Owens, Greg Breen, Andrew Reed, Stephen Cartwright and Alice Goleby celebrated the yacht’s second National title
The eleven-boat fleet at Geelong included five Canberra Yacht Club boats Humungus, Escapade, Need for Speed and Huntress, who made the journey to Geelong with Owens.
www.elliott7.yachting.org.au
| | Mar 13 07 |
| Another Set Back For A Southern Man | | | Graham Dalton racing in the Velux 5 Oceans on board A Southern Man has suffered another set back. Dalton pulled into Fortaleza at the top of Brazil to make repairs to a broken rudder gudgeon. Whilst ashore his yacht was moored in an area where there was not enough water. A Southern Man was heavily grounded for some time which eventually resulted in structural damage to the keel fin and dislodging the keel bulb. Dalton is hoping to get a bulb replacement and keel fin repair and re join the race but time is against him at present. The next leg of the race starts on 15th from Norfolk. | | Mar 23 07 |
| Itaru Matsunaga in Melbourne to Osaka |  | | After a cautious start in the Melbourne to Osaka Double Handed Race Itaru Matsunaga has moved into 4th place. Matsunaga is sailing his Elliott 16 metre schooner Interland Cocorin with Australian John Bankart. Bankart has previously competed in the event and the Elliott schooner finished 2nd in 1995. It is a first however, for Matsunaga who is fulfilling a life long dream to compete in this awe inspiring race. To follow their progress go to
www.osakacup.com
Pictured is Interland Cocorin just after race start. Photo courtesy of Teri Dodds Photography. www.teridodds.com
| | Apr 02 07 |
| Interland Cocorin Finishes Second | | | Elliott 16 metre schooner COCORIN sailed by Itaru Matsunaga and John Bankart finished 2nd in the Melbourne to Osaka race with the elapsed time of 33D 01h 51m 22s. Cocorin took the race lead on April 2 and led most of the way until the last 24 hours when the light airs they had been experiencing for several days finally took there toll and they were passed by eventual race winner Alex. Coming up into the bay Cocorins main halyard broke and the main fell down. They waited until morning to fix it. In the morning the bay was like glass and it took forever to sail that last seven miles.
This was Matsunagas first Osaka Cup race but although he has not competed in the race before, the 45 year old skipper from Tokyo has been involved in the past three races saying My sailing master Mr Shigeo Saito competed in the 1987 race and that is why I wanted to do it myself some day, it has been a big dream for a long time. I am very grateful to my sister and crew who helped me with the preparation of my campaign and who delivered my yacht to Melbourne for me. No novice to the winners podium, Matsunaga won both the 2005 Ogasawara Race and the 2006 Toba Pearl Race. CONGRATULATIONS ITARU !!!!
| | May 10 07 |
| Stormy Conditions in Trans Atlantic |  | | Conditions are rough in the inaugural HSH Nordbank Trans Atlantic Blue Race. Last night Tilmar Hansens Elliott 52 took the lead on route to Point Alpha, the imaginary point marking the southern ice boundary for the yachts en route to Hamburg in Germany.A low has settled in. Its core has a pressure of 997 hPa and is some 150 nautical miles north to northeast of the fleet, and very slowly moving east.The enormous seas from astern or the sides become very steep and merciless due to the current. The leading yachts Outsider and Chieftain are progressing faster than the low and have already passed its centre. Outsider hit the nail on the head and gybed at exactly the right moment. In the next 36 hours, these two yachts will have nothing but wind from Southeast explains Meeno Schrader, the race weather expert. The first yachts will be reaching Point Alpha within the next 24 hours. Follow the race at www.hsh-nordbank-blue-race.com Pictured is bowman Trewren Joines from North Sails Auckland, preparing for the race start. | | Jun 21 07 |
| Outsider Stretches Trans Atlantic Lead |  | | Outsider continues to stretch its lead on the fleet in the HSH Nordbank Trans Atlantic Classic. After sailing for 12 days Outsider now has a 266 mile lead over the second placed yacht with 600 miles back to third. The Outsider crew which includes New Zealanders Greg Elliott, Richard Bicknell and Trewren Joines, hope to cross the top of Scotland in the next 24 hours and complete the final 450 miles on Sunday. | | Jun 28 07 |
| Toba Pearl Win for Matsunaga |  | | Itaru Matsunaga and crew have won the prestigious Toba Pearl Yacht race for the second year running. Sailing his 16 metre Elliott schooner, Interland Cocorin, Matsunaga was thrilled with his win and second place on handicap. | | Aug 24 07 |
| Walter Turnbull Wins Elliott 7 Nsw Titles |  | | The action was close in last weekends Elliott 7 NSW State Titles sponsored by Dimension Polyant and run by RMYC. A fresh westerly greeted the 10 competitors at Lake Macquarie on day one. Three races were held on each day with the Mike Green in Evergreen reveling in the breeze on day one to lead the pack with two firsts and a second. Current Australian Champion WalterTurnbull had an uncharacteristic slow start to the regatta to finish the day 3 points behind. The strong breezes had most competitors flying down the runs with Escapade hitting a top speed of 14.3 knots.
The next day started well with a light to moderate easterly building into the bay. Walter Turnbull found form and won the first two races which meant the last race was to be the decider. WalterTurnbull led the fleet to take the title with Evergreen coming second and local Mitchell Sails third. Racing was close with the whole fleet finishing within 2 minutes.
First on handicap was Angus Reid and crew on Humungus with Huntress second and Escapade third. Huntress was also the winner of a new Genoa built by Mitchell Sails from cloth donated by Dimension Polyant. The next Regatta on the Australian Elliott 7 calendar is the Spring Cup in Canberra on the 20th of October Full results and more class info can be found at www.elliott7.yachting.org.au/
Photo courtesy of Chris Warnaby. More of his pics can be seen at www.eternailimages.com.au
| | Oct 15 07 |
| Elliott 5.9 For Sale |  | | The very popular Elliott 5.9s are generally sold privately without being advertised. We have recently heard of two boats that are For Sale. The UNTOUCHABLES which is based in Christchurh and ELLIOTT GOBLIT in Bucklands Beach, Auckland. For owner conatct details email Elliott Marine. | | Feb 14 08 |
| Rager Port Adelaide Success |  | | Congratulations to Gary Shanks and his crew. Pictured is Elliott 55 Rager, taken at the finish of the Adelaide to Pt Lincoln Race. Gary Shanks and crew were 2nd on line to the big Skandia, but only by 2.5 hours. Shanks comments to Greg Elliott that - The race was so rough that over half the fleet got broken or retired. Not bad for an old girl who is 21 this year. We beat several new and expensive programs yet again. She remains a credit to your fleet and demonstates the durabilty of your design. | | Mar 03 08 |
| I Cap Maximus Leads Fastnet Fleet |  | | ICAP Maximus passed the Fastnet Rock at 0333 hours this morning, and continues to hold a significant lead in the Rolex Fastnet Race. The other big Maxi in the race, Skandia Wild Thing, rounded the Rock at 0918 hours, while a group of Open 60s and the Volvo Open 70 Movistar are still making agonisingly slow progress in a glassy Celtic Sea.
Boat captain of ICAP Maximus, George Hendy, said at 1000 hours this morning: We are now 23 miles from the Fastnet Rock, on our way back to Plymouth. We are making 6 knots boatspeed in 4.5 knots of wind, which is the most wind we have seen in a long time. Hendy said the boat was flying a Code 0 headsail and that they were on a close reach back towards the Scilly Isles.
He would not be drawn on predicting an estimated time of arrival (ETA). The wind is meant to come up in the afternoon, the forecast is quite favourable. But it’s just a minefield out here. There are huge holes in the wind. You could easily sail into one of those holes and stop for three or four hours. Hendy said one of the crew was going up the rig every so often to get a birds eye view of the surrounding sea, and look for the best patches of wind – and those dreaded holes.
Handicap leader Patches is threatened by the current leader across the water, ICAP Maximus. Although the bigger boat was two hours behind Patches on IRC handicap at the Rock, the wind has been working in the Maxis favour. Since rounding the rock she has managed to sail in a straight albeit not very fast line back towards the Scillies. The boats behind, on the other hand, have had to contend with a wind that has since shifted round to the south east, forcing them to tack upwind on the 150 miles back to the Scillies. Speaking at 1540 hours this afternoon, the Kiwi Maxi was 92 miles from the Scillies, but in less than 2 knots of wind. The Celtic Sea is covered in high pressure, so we won’t be reaching Plymouth for a long time yet.
Owner, Charles St Clair Brown, said the conditions were extremely frustrating. We parked up a fair while. Everyones working pretty hard to keep the boat going. He has allowed himself the possibility of winning that rare double of line honours and handicap victory. It’s a big ask, but it’s possible, he said.
| | Aug 10 05 |
| Icap Maximus Leads Way To Fastnet Rock |  | | ICAP Maximus currently leading the Rolex Fastnet fleet in very little wind several miles from Fastnet Rock.The following is a report filed by the the yacht 12 hours ago.
After a near perfect start on Sunday at 12.20 in CowesIsle of Wight ICAP Maximus sailed through the fleet of earlier class starts and by 14.00 was in front of all other competitors.
Variable wind strengths called for a number of sail changes in the Solent before finding better winds as the boat headed out towards Portland Bill.
By this stage only the Volvo 70 Telefonica and Skandia Wild Thing were still in sight astern approximately 3 miles behind.Crew spirits were high as the watch systems commenced at 18.00 on Sunday.Further sail changes were necessitated by fluctuating wind strengths although navigator Mike Quilters decision to stay offshore began to pay dividends as the wind backed through the evening. Light airs reaching through Sunday night along the south western coast of England saw ICAP Maximus arriving at the Lizard at 03.32 local time over 30 minutes ahead of the Volvo 70 and Skandia Wild Thing. Some excellent tactics and navigating coupled with consistent world class helming have put us in front and everything is going smoothly at present. Commented skipper Charles St Clair Brown whose crew are currently still within the course record for the Fastnet.
With 154 miles to the Fastnet rock at 06.45 local time the objective for Monday is to put as much distance between themselves and the rest of the fleet as possible. Graham Sprigg (onboard)
| | Aug 09 05 |
| Maximus Wins Maxi Head To Head At Cowes Week |  | | Performance sailing was stunningly extolled on day six of Skandia Cowes Week as the super maxis Skandia Wild Thing and ICAP Maximus went head to head in a pro celebrity race entitled The Open alongside a smattering of some of the worlds leading offshore sailors aboard the wide bodied Open 60 class.The first start of the day got underway as helicopters buzzed overhead and a flotilla of spectator boats surrounded the nine yachts who jostled for position in just under 10 knots of breeze after a one hour wind delay. As the time ticked down the 100ft New Zealand entry ICAP Maximus jumped the gun at the start to hand an early race track advantage to the Melbourne based 98ft Skandia Wild Thing of Grant Wharington. All eyes were on the exciting duel between the maxis as ICAP Maximus peeled away after the start to return to the line before beginning a long climb back into the race to catch and pass Skandia Wild Thing. The fleet disappeared from view off to the west and out into Poole Bay before coming thundering down the Solent in the early afternoon with ICAP Maximus the clear winner on the water from Skandia Wild Thing. As a Cowes spectacle it doesnt get much better than this. Photographer pollydurrant.com
| | Aug 05 05 |
| Maximus Wins Cowes Round The Island Race | | | Cityindex Maximus takes monohull line honours in the Cowes Round the Island Race. Seven hours after her start in the race the New Zealand boat Cityindex Maximus completed the 50 mile course around the Isle of Wight and took the Observer Trophy for the first monohull boat to finish. Making history in the event Maximus is the first monohull yacht to win the race on line.
| | Jun 20 05 |
| Maximus Wins Grand Prix Division In Trans Atlantic Race |  | | Congratulations to Bill Buckley and Charles St Clair Brown whose 100 ft Maximus has completed the Transatlantic Race in just over 3 hours behind Mari Cha 1V. At the Lizard Maximus was 3hrs 13 minutes behind but battled up the channel with a changing tide. Maximus led for several days after Mari Cha suufferred gear failure but then broke gear themselves and lost a lot of ground to Mari Cha. The boats have been in close contact for the entire race which has been in far tougher conditions than ever expected. Maximus is 1st on handicap in the Grand Prix division. Pictured Maximus coming into the finish.Photo by Carlo Borlenghi/Rolex | | Jun 02 05 |
| Transatlantic Race Speeds Up |  | | After 7 days on the wind in atrocious sea conditions at the front of the Rolex Transatlantic Challenge fleet, both race leader Mari-Cha IV and Maximus are now making good progress directly toward Lands End, the southwestern tip of mainland Britain before they turn and cover the final 20 miles to the races first finish line off the Lizard. At noon today, just 32 miles separated the two boats on the water. Both boats have had gear problems and Mari Cha 1V took the lead from Maximus yeterday. After spending Saturday night with its mainsail down as the crew attempted to repair the broken headboard car, Maximus is now fully back up to speed jib-top reaching. On board, navigator Mike Quilter says they have been averaging around 19 knots, while his computer is predicting an arrival time at the Lizard of 1000 UTC on Wednesday, June 1. But to do this, they must sail perfectly, and it also relies on their headboard repair holding. To beat Atlantic’s 100-year-old record, a yacht must finish by Friday, June 3 no later than 22:11:19 UTC. Co-owner Bill Buckley’s dislocated shoulder is now almost fully mended, and he is back on deck. We got all the medical books out, and there was plenty of discussion, recounts Quilter of how they fixed the shoulder. We lay him face down on the bunk and gradually dropped his shoulder over the side of the bunk towards the ground, and that slipped it back in. Once the shoulder was back in, you could see in an instant him becoming much more comfortable. Hes a tough old bugger. For up to date race news go to www.transatlanticchallenge.org or visit Maximus site at
www.supermaxi.co.nz
| | May 31 05 |
| Non Stop Around The World |  | | Christchurh yachtsman Graeme Kendall is making steady progress in his bid to be the first solo yachtsman to sail non stop around the world via the North West passage. Sailing his new Elliott1250 Graeme is currently north of Australia in the Arfura Sea. You can follow his progress and send him a message at www.astralexpress.com | | May 17 05 |
| Line and Handicap Honours in Auckland to Tauranga Race! |  | | MAXIMUS the new Elliott Supermaxi won line honours in the Auckland to Tauranga race at Easter. Despite light winds and being becalmed for some time Maximus narrowly missed the race record time by 2 minutes 32 secs. The owners and team are thrilled with the performance and handling of the yacht which is now on route to Antigua for Race Week.
Third monohull to finish was the new Elliott 50 SPORTIVO. Sportivo finished just one and a half hours behind the new 75 foot Beecom.
Elliott 1050 GALEFORCE sailed a great race and was first overall on handicap. BUSHIDO an Elliott 16 metre cruising yacht was first TYPBC yacht on both line and handicap. | | Mar 31 05 |
| Spithall defeats Bonnitcha in Harken Womens International |  | | In an all Australian final sailed in Elliott 6 metres on Sydney Harbour, Katie Spithill and her crew from Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club on Pittwater, narrowly defeated a Cruising Yacht Club of Australia team, lead by Jacqui Bonnitcha, in arguably the most closely contested womens match event in Australia.
With the pre-event favourite, Nicky Souter and crew, also from RPAYC knocked out from the semi-finals, all eyes were on Spithill and Bonnitcha who passed comfortably through the semis with two wins apiece.
Sailing on the final day of the Harken Womens International Match Racing Regatta, eight crews did battle not just against each other, but against the freshest nor easter, with the breeze gusting up to 20 knots and an opposing run out tide churning up the Harbour, leaving much with which the girls had to contend. Highly competitive, every race was fought out until the very last, with New Zealand crews managing to upset the Australians in each of their position determining races.Peak performances in the finals showcased the girls skills in managing the conditions. Showing it wasnt necessary to have a crew of four to win, Smyths New Zealand team out sailed Curtis in three gripping matches, to take third place overall. As Spithill crossed the line in the final race to take out the regatta, a cheer went up from New Zealander Amanda Hargreaves crew, who had stayed out to watch the last matches. All spectators had appreciated the quality of sailing, in the finals and throughout the regatta.
| | Mar 14 05 |
| New Elliott 50 Racing Yacht Sportivo! |  | | Congratulations to Wayne Tomlinson whose new Elliott 50 SPORTIVO was launched recently in Auckland. Wayne celebrated the launching of his yacht with a function for friends and suppliers at the RNZYS. SPORTIVO was superbly built by Salthouse Boatbuilders in Auckland. She has a wing mast built by Mast and Spar Services and a canting keel. The yacht has a full suit of North Sails and has begun trials on Auckland Harbour in preparation for the Auckland to Suva race in June. SPORTIVO has entered the Auckland to Tauranga race at Easter.
| | Mar 10 05 |
| Maximus on Hauraki Gulf |  | | Sea trials began for MAXIMUS and crew on Auckland Harbour this weekend. Pictured here close reaching up the harbour. Her pace was impressive! | | Feb 28 05 |
| Hydroflow leads yachts Round the North Island |  | | Hydroflow shortly after the start of the RNI race. Sailed by owner Ron Brittain and Kevin Peet Hydroflow has led the fleet from the start. The boats are due to begin the Wellington to Napier leg at 1300 hrs today. Hydroflow is currentlyleading overall on phrf.Get race results and news at www.ssanz.co.nz
| | Feb 28 05 |
| Round the North Island Race |  | | Surething an Elliott 12 metre sailed by Andy Anderson and Matt Flynn at the start of the Round The North island Race. Surething is currently leading her division on both line and handicap. | | Feb 28 05 |
| Elliott Super Maxi Launched in Auckland!! |  | | Elliott 100 MAXIMUS was launched at the Viaduct Harbour in Auckland on Monday Feb 14. The Elliott designed wing masted cant keel yacht was built at Cooksons Boatyard with systems designed and built by Buckley Systems Engineers and composite engineering by High Modulus. The yacht has North Sails and a Southern Spar rig. Maximus is due to be shipped to Antigua next month and has an exciting race programme for the year ahead. For further information go to
www.supermaxi.co.nz
| | Feb 16 05 |
| Congratulations to Elliott Super Maxi Owners |  | | We proudly congratulate Bill Buckley and Charles St Clair Brown on the launching of their magnificent new super maxi MAXIMUS. Pictured project manager George Hendy introduces Bill and Charles to the 500 or so guests at their launching on Monday 14 February.
| | Feb 16 05 |
| Coastal Classic Winners |  | | Elliott 770 Real Deal in full race mode in the light airs shortly after the start in the Coastal Classic. The fleet was led out of the harbour by Elliott 45 Maverick who sailed a great race at the head of the fleet but eventually parked up off Cape Brett. Hydroflow was the first Elliott yacht to Russell, finishing 3rd on the line. Real Deal was 1st on line and handicap in Div 4 with Elliott 15 Tourer Kiwi Coyote taking the double in the Cruising Division and Elliphunk winning line and handicap in Div 3. | | Nov 04 04 |
| 30 Metre Super Maxi Out Of The Shed! |  | | On Friday September 10th the EBS Yachting Super Maxi was turned upright for the first time at Cookson Boatbuilders in Auckland. Well known Auckland businessmen Charles St Clair Brown and Bill Buckley are working together to create the newest, fastest, most technologically advanced ocean racing super maxi yacht. Due to be launched before the end of the year the yacht is scheduled to race in most major events in 2005. | | Sep 16 04 |
| War Frog Wins Elliott 770 North American Champs 2004 |  | | Congratulations to Dean Holcomb 2004 Elliott 770 North American Champion. Elliott Nationals were held on August 7th and 8th. Saturday showed light shifty breeze for the Elliott 770s competing for the Elliott Nationals. The first upwind leg was led by John McCarthy sailing Joel Leetzows boat. After a big right hand shift the first 3 boats where stuck on the wrong side and that allowed the guys who were rounding behind to catch up and pass the leaders. At the leeward mark local Dean Holcomb had boat speeded the fleet to take the lead followed by John McCarthy and then Justin Chambers. Dean Holcomb went on to win the race followed by Greg Bell who had a good upwind leg followed by Justin Chambers.
Sunday had much of the same in the way of breeze. Light and shifty was the order for the day. Again John McCarthy took off and led the fleet at the first mark by a large margin. Half of the fleet went right downwind while the other half including Justin Chambers set up for a jibe set at the top mark which worked nicely for them. The breeze filled in from the side allowing Justin and Team WeatherMark to sail to the front of the fleet. Dean Holcomb sailing through fleet was able to claw his way to second in race two. A race three was attempted but with no cooperation from the breeze it was abandoned shortly after rounding the top mark. Giving Dean Holcomb and his crew aboard War Frog the National Championship.
| | Aug 20 04 |
| Hydroflow Wins Lindauer$20,000 Purse In Auckland To Noumea Race |  | | Hydroflow finishes in 92 hours 58 minutes and 14 seconds.
Hydroflow crossed the finish line in Noumea under blue skies in perfect sailing conditions of a warm 15 knot ESE breeze. Skipper Ron Brittain dearly wanted to beat Bare Essentials but the earlier decision to be relatively east cost dearly as the wind become more easterly and lighter in the closing stages of the race. The elapsed time of 92 hours 58 minutes 14 seconds is well inside the 96 hour mark for the Lindauer Purse and an enormous improvement on his previous personal best of 111 hours 17 minutes 14 seconds set in 2002.
| | Jul 19 04 |
| Luxury Liner Wins Auckland Champs | | | The Elliott 5.9 Auckland Championships were held recently at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club. The event was won by Brian Kent and crew on Luxury Liner. Slam Dunk 2nd and Lambada 3rd. The Auckland Champs were one of a 5 event series organised by the Elliott 5.9 Association. Current standings overall are 1st Slam Dunk, 2nd Elliott Ness 3rd Tight Fit. The final two events in the series are the Rotorua Icebreaker Regatta held in September and the North island championships in Turangi in November. | | Jun 21 04 |
| Sportscar For Sale |  | | The Elliott 10 metre Excita SPORTSCAR is now for sale. One of the first true sportsboats in Australia this outstanding racing machine is claimed, by her owners, to be the fastest reaching boat under 60 ft in Australia. If you want to drive the Big Red Car go to www.sportscar.au.com or contact us at Elliott Marine. | | Jun 04 04 |
| Elliott 7 Boat Number 70 Under Construction |  | | The Elliott 7 mould ready for production of boat number 70. After a break in production the Elliott 7 has a new builder. Cameron Pryce of Cameron Pryce Sails Queensland has purchased the moulds and production is underway. This is great news for the Class which has a very strong following of talented one design sailors. Contact the builder at email:cameronprycesails@bigpond.com.au
or phone 07 49726645. For elliott 7 Class news go towww.hotmail.com | | May 13 04 |
| Maverick Thrills in China Sea Race |  | | Maverick sprints off from the start in the recent Hong Kong to Philippines Race. Run by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club as the last event in their China Sea Series the race was held last week. Strong winds saw a class fleet make short work of the 600 mile race to Subic Bay until just off the entrance to the bay. Dogged by tide and light winds for the final 80 miles Maverick managed to finish 3rd on line behind Sam Chans ULBD 70 Ffreefire. The 6 man crew enjoyed thrilling rides on the final race on the Maverick Asian Racing Circuit. For more details of race www.rhkyc.org.hk
| | Apr 19 04 |
| RNZYS Team Wins Youth International Match Racing Regatta | | | A report from kevin Peet RNZYS Youth Training Manager.During February the youth training programme competed in two International Youth Match Racing Regattas, the first being in windy Wellington. Well windy it was.Out of the 5 days racing we competed one and a half days on the water. I have never seen so much wind for a long duration, 60 knots of breeze was recorded in the marina at Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club. Attending the Regatta were Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Cruising Yacht Club Of Australia, Royal Port Nich Yacht Club x2 San Francisco Yacht Club, Royal Yachting Ass and our Two RNZYS Youth Teams. As the weather played havoc with the schedule the regatta was shortened to a single round robin so every race counted. Royal Prince Alfred took the win with no loses, our team of Graeme Sutherland, Josh Puckey and Brett Elliott came second with 1 loss, 3rd was our team of Andrew Phillips, Andrew Burgess and Nick Blackman with 2 losses.
The second regatta was our Youth International Match Racing Regatta or unofficial youth world match racing championship as some call it.
This regatta has a variety of entrants from around the world. Attending was Royal Yachting Ass, Japan Youth Match Racing, San Francisco Yacht Club, Royal Sydney Yacht Club, Cruising Yacht Club Of Australia, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Annapolis Yacht Club, Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club and 2 RNZYS Teams. Again we were cut short due to bad weather, we managed to sail a round robin, Sudden Death Semi Finals and finals.
Entering the semi final Royal Yachting ass team was winning, they chose our RNZYS Blue team of Adam Minoprio, Alex Hinton and Hamish Gray. Minoprio and team came up with a win which put them in the Final, that left Cruising Yacht Club Of Australia and the RNZYS Red team of Graeme Sutherland, Josh Puckey and Brett Elliott to fight to out for the other final place. Sutherland and team also came up with a win making it a RNZYS Final for the second year in a row. In the finals Sutherland team won 2-0 over Minoprio and team. Greame was the winning skipper last year. He is also 1 0f 3 only to win the Regatta 2 years running.
1st RNZYS Red 6th Japan
2nd RNZYS Blue 7th RSYC
3rd CYCA 8th SFYC
4th RYA 9th RPNYC
5th RPAYC 10th AYC
During the next month we are running the Lion Nathan Cup which is an in House match Racing Regatta. The programme year ends on March 27 with the new year starting in May.
| | Mar 11 04 |
| Adelaide to Port Lincoln Success |  | | Gary Shanks sailed his Elliott 17 metre PALE ALE RAGER into second place on line in this weeks Adelaide to Port Lincoln Race. Sailing the last few hours in light flukey airs, he finished 2nd behind race winner 98ft Skandia which managed to complete the race before the wind died. RAGER finished an hour in front of the 3rd boat. Well done Gary ! | | Mar 02 04 |
| Hydroflow Excels in Coastal Classic |  | | Ron Brittain, owner of the 52 ft HYDROFLOW, finished second online to the much larger NZL40 in the Coastal Classic at Labout weekend. Sporting a new keel and carbon mast HYDROFLOW crossed the line 16 minutes in front of rival Georgia and 50 minutes ahead of Systems Thunder. Pictured Ron Brittain and team enjoying their success.
In the Cruising division, 14 metre UBIQUE, owned by Ian Studd led the cruising fleet to cape Brett. Unfortunately minor gear failure meant they sailed the last 60 miles under main only. They still managed to finish a creditable 2nd on line. < | | Nov 06 03 |
| Built to Cruise |  | | Pictured: The Elliott 14 UBIQUE cruising in the Bay of Islands after the Coastal Classic. | | Nov 06 03 |
| Mari Cha IV: The Fastest Monohull In The World !! | | | The Mari Cha IV team have now sailed into the record books by capturing two of the sailing worlds most historic and prestigious records – the West to East transatlantic record and the 24 hour distance record.
At 10:32:20 UTC on Thursday 9th October, Mari Cha IV sailed past Lizard Point, Cornwall, to complete their 2,925 mile crossing in 6 days, 17 hours, 52 minutes and 39 seconds *, beating the existing transatlantic record by over two days and making them the first monohull ever to cross the Atlantic Ocean in under seven days. The previous record, held by Bernard Stamm of switzerland aboard Armor-Lux, stood at 8 days, 20 hours, 55 minutes and 35 seconds and was set in February 2001.
| | Oct 13 03 |
| Over 500 Miles in 24 Hours | | | MARI CHA IV has set a new monohull record.
Follow the progress at www.mari-cha4.com | | Oct 07 03 |
| MARI CHA 1V Heading for Atlantic Crossing Record |  | |
| | Oct 07 03 |
| Elliott 7 Australia Class News | | | Elliott 7s Surge
Rejuvenation of the Elliott 7 class continues with the re-incorporation of the Association, enthusiastic people buying into the class and promotion of four key events for the coming season.
Last season saw fifteen E7s at the Wangi Regatta, nine E7s sailed at Marlay Point and E7s are now the predominant Division 1 class sailing with the Trailable Yacht Association of NSW and the ACT. The close, one-design racing throughout the season was the stuff of memories for a long while to come.
The strategy of the class has been to get underused boats back on the water by re-enthusing owners or by encouraging sale to new owners. The Sydney yacht broker, Sailing Scene, has played a valuable role in this strategy. Half dozen boats changed hands in the last twelve months, with prices ranging from $22k to $28k. Second hand boats remain very competitive and the reasonable prices are drawing a lot of interest. There are now five E7s sailing out of Canberra and four in Pittwater. The first E7 has arrived at the Port Kembla Sailing Club and numbers are growing in South Australia and Queensland.
The new Management Team is Neil Primrose, Coordinator; Howard Faulks, Secretary; Ben Dagger, Treasurer; Greig Ebling, Measurer; Gary Dogget; John Dransfield; Stuart Loft; and David Smith. The strategy for the coming season is to continue to support owners in sailing their boats well, to promote the class to new owners, to arrange for state and national championships to be held, and to encourage families and supporters to join the crews at regattas and enjoy themselves. Above all the class oriented to being a “family friendly” group of people.
The Association is particularly keen to work with E7 owners who sail in locations away from the bigger fleets in NSW and the ACT. We want to build the E7s as a truly inclusive, national class.
With forty two boats around the country and E7s sailing in just about every state and territory, the Association is consulting with the AYF about applying for national class status. Closer relations are also being developed with Elliott Marine and the Association is arranging get-togethers with Greg Elliott when he in Australia during the season.
The immediate challenge is to get fifteen boats together again for the Wangi Regatta, fifteen for Canberra and Port Kembla, and twenty boats for the National Championship at Paynesville. Good numbers are also expected for the Australian Masters’ Games and the Marlay Point Overnight Race.
Anyone interested in the class, and especially E7 owners who are not on the Association’s email net, should contact Ben Dagger on 02 6262 8447 (h) or ben_dagger@netspeed.com.au
| | Sep 23 03 |
| MARI CHA IV - 11 Knots True Windspeed - 20 Knots Boat Speed !!!! |  | | The new 143 ft ”MariCha 1V”, for owner Mr Miller, has been launched recently in France.
The design brief for the yacht was for the fastest mono hull in the world.
Greg Elliott playing a major role in the design of the "Mari Cha 1V", over the past 4 years, has just returned from sea trials including a West- East Atlantic crossing.
Elliott says the sea trials to date have shown the boat is extremely fast and has enormous potential.
An attempt to set a new East - West Atlantic crossing record, from New York to England, will take place sometime in October.
| | Sep 19 03 |
| Harken International Youth Regatta Sailed in Sydney in Elliott 5.9s and Elliott 6s. January 2003 |  | | The RNZYS Youth International Regatta ended Wednesday with finals and Semi
finals. The RNZYS red team of Laurie Jury, Sam Tucker and Sam Burton were
leading into the semi finals and picked Mission Bay to race a best of three
series, leaving our Blue team of Graeme Sutherland, Nick Bastow and Adam
Minoprio to race the Royal Yachting Ass. Laurie and team beat Mission bay
2-0. Graeme beat the RYA team 2-1 in a great battle. This meant it was a
RNZYS battle in the Finals. Graeme and team stepped up about 3 notches and
beat Laurie 3-0 in a best of 5 final. The standard of match racing was
incredibly high, the umpires were commenting about the standard and were
impressed with the overall standard of Youth Match racing.
All overseas teams are heading home and are looking forward to next year,s
regatta.
Kevin Peet
RNZYS Youth Training Officer
| | Sep 18 03 |
| Future Shocks hat-trick to Newcastle | | | Fri, 25 Oct 2002
Ron Ellis Future Shock maintained her reputation as one of the fastest
55-footers in the world with a brilliant line, IRC and PHS hat-trick in the
CYCAs Ocean Pointscore from Sydney to Newcastle last Saturday. Future Shock got the gun by a mere 27 seconds from the Volvo 60, Magnavox,
having its first race for new owners Stan Zemanek, Julie Hodder, Peter
Sorensen and Mark Grey.
Designed by New Zealander Greg Elliott and launched in Auckland 1989, Future
Shock set a race record for the Auckland to Noumea Race early in her career.
She has been campaigned by various owners at the Kenwood Cup in Hawaii, in
the double-handed Melbourne-Osaka and Brisbane-Osaka races, and in most
races along the Australian East Coast, including the Sydney Hobart.
Enjoying a mid-morning southerly front, Future Shock and Magnavox had a fast
spinnaker run north, covering the 48 nautical miles in 5 hours 12 minutes..
Third to finish, 47 minutes astern, came Geoff Lavis UBS Wild Thing.
On corrected time, Future Shock won the IRC Division from Magnavox and John
Woodruffs Murray 50, The Dreamtime, while in the PHS Division, the Elliott
55 won from Magnavox and UBS Wild Thing.
While big boats dominated the top three placings, the little Mumm 30, Team
Tow Truck, skippered by Anthony Paterson, sailed an excellent race, placing
fourth on corrected time in the IRC Division and fifth in the PHS Division.
The IMS Division went to Howard and Susan Piggotts Beneteau 40.7, True
North.
Sixteen boats contested the PHS Division of the Ocean Pointscore race of
which 12 also entered the IRC Division and only two the IMS Division,
indicating the growing strength of IRC but also the interest in racing under
PHS.
As the Ocean Pointscore fleet was enjoying a fast sail direct to Newcastle,
the fleet of 16 yachts contesting the 165 nautical mile Blue Water
Pointscore and Long Ocean Pointscore to Newcastle via Cabbage Tree Island
and Bird Islet were battling light winds after a torrid first night at sea.
Sean Langmans Open 66, Grundig, eventually finished late Saturday afternoon
with Rolex Sydney Hobart Race contenders Quest (Bob Steel) and Pippin (David
Taylor) shared the top handicap honours in the Blue Water Pointscore (IMS),
Cape Byron Series (IRC) and Tasman Performance Series (PHS).
The CYCA was pleased with the initial response to the introduction of the
Long Ocean Pointscore, with eight boats entering the Cabbage Tree
Island-Bird Islet-Newcastle race. The LOPS is designed for owners who want
to race in a long offshore pointscore without the commitment of the Sydney
Hobart Race.
Unfortunately, two boats were forced to retire in the heavy weather
experienced on the first night at sea and three others retired when the wind
died away on Saturday night.
The Pittwater-based X-442, DeLight, skippered by Nick DeLaine, won the IRC
and PHS Divisions on corrected time, with Warwick Shermans Cookson 39,
Occasional Coarse Language, winning on IMS and placing second on IRC. Swish
(Steven Proud) placed third on IRC and second on PHS.
"We hope the LOPS series will attract more yachts keen to race offshore in
races such as the Gold Coast and Mooloolaba events, but not committed this
year to the challenge of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race," Justine Kirkjian
added.
by Peter Campbell
| | Sep 18 03 |
| National Training Weeks RNZYS |  | | Over the last two weeks we held the National training weeks at Kawau Island in the Hauraki Gulf.
Each week 30 representatives from National yacht clubs make up 10 teams to sail our Youth Training Programme Elliott 6 metre yachts.
This is a great opportunity for young sailors to experience keelboat sailing, especially the use of spinnakers and sailing in a team as many of them come from single handed boats which do not carry spinnakers.
The first week teams came from Sandspit Yacht Club, Nelson Yacht Club, Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat club, Rotorua Yacht Club, Tutukaka South Pacific Yacht Club,. Bluff Yacht Club, Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, Napier Sailing Club and Worser Bay Boating Club.
The second week teams came from Bay of Islands yacht Club, New Plymouth Yacht Club, Hamilton Yacht Club, French Bay Yacht Club, Queen Charlotte Yacht Club, Manuawatu Marine Boating Club, Kerikeri Cruising Club Naval Point Yacht Club and Evans Bay Yacht Club.
The boats are now packed up for Christmas and we get back into the Youth Training Programme in the First week of January.
Thankyou all for your support towards The Youth Training Programme during the year.
| | Sep 18 03 |
| News From the Elliott 6 Metre RNZYS Fleet | | | The RNZYS Youth training Programme has had another exciting
year under the guidance of Youth Training Officer, Kevin Peet.
Some of the great successes for the year have been: 1st International Youth Match Racing Helm: Simon Minoprio
Championshps Main: Ryan Houston
RNZYS Bow: Hayden Goodrick
3rd International Youth Match Racing Helm: Laurie Jury
Championships Main: Matthew Stuart
RNZYS Bow: Graeme Sutherland
3rd Governors Cup Regatta Helm: Simon Minoprio
Balboa Yacht Club Main: Laurie Jury
USA Bow: Troy Tindall
1st Youth International Regatta Helm: Graeme Sutherland
CYCA Main: Nick Bastow
Sydney Bow: Sam Burton
1st Harken Cup Helm: Laurie Jury
RPAYC Main: Daniel McLean
Sydney Bow: Sam Tucker
LOOK OUT FOR NEWS OF THE RNZYS YOUTH INTERNATIONAL
17 - 22 JANUARY 2003.
| | Sep 18 03 |
| Elliott 7 2003 Nationals Report | | | (By John Dransfield)
Royal Prince Alfred YC hosted this years E7 Nationals on Pittwater on Saturday and Sunday, March 1-2 as part of the annual JOICO regatta. As usual, the weather was fine but fickle with winds ranging 5 to 12 knots NE to SE. The racing was conducted adjacent to Scotland Island with windward-leeward courses, three back-to-back races on Saturday afternoon and the same for Sunday afternoon.
Seven E7s competed with Dog Gone (Gary Doggett) the only interstate crew. Howard Faulks entered and was coming up from Canberra when he lost a vital crew member to sickness on the eve of racing.
Despite weather forecasts of 25knot southerlies and rain, both days were fine, sunny and light enough to necessitate postponements whilst we waited for the wind to settle. T We shared our course with the T7s and 11 metre one-designs, although we had our own start.
Ice Bucket won the first race after forcing Pretty Woman to do a 360º penalty on the second run. However, who would believe that the local favourite would endure two 5th placings in the next two races! Newcomer Peter Schooley, showed what a new set of rags and a good crew can do when he took 3rd place in the first race. We hope to see more of this fine crew in the future. After the first three races, Greig Ebeling was looking like retaining his National Champ status YET AGAIN for the 6th successive year after Pretty Woman was a premature starter in the second race.
Pretty Woman "went for it" on Sunday as their series was gone as far as they were concerned as it was believed at that time that there were no drops. Greig sailed around on JDs tail, mindful of the overall result. Racing was again tight with Rum Runner and Seventh Wave featuring at the top of the fleet on many occasions. Grant on Rum Runner has a knack of nailing the start-line with speed and leading at the windward mark. As with the day before, the wind was switching all over the place and causing chaos with placings changing constantly upwind and downwind. Fortunately, we could look ahead to the T7s for some indications of what was coming.
In the final analysis, we all departed believing Greig Ebeling to be the worthy winners. However, RPAYC had other ideas and pointed to the clause in the Sailing Instructions which allowed for a drop, thereby giving Pretty Woman the title. Clearly, none of us had read our Sailing Instructions, relying instead on the NOR which expressly sail that all races were to count. I supported Greig in his decision to appeal as we all sailed as if there were no drops. However I applaud Greigs sportsmanship in accepting the RPAYCs final and possibly errant decision.
In terms of general observations, all the boats were going pretty fast and were being sailed pretty well. Light crews like Pretty Woman (310Kg) and GnT who sailed four-up probably had a discerning advantage. Rum Runner and Seventh Wave should win the trophy for best starts. However, on Pittwater it was a case of sailing with the head out of the boat rather than worrying about boatspeed, that made the BIG differences, both upwind and downwind.
| | Sep 18 03 |
| Petersen Wins Melbourne to Osaka Double Handed Race |  | | This is the third time Kiwi sailor Brian Petersen has sailed in the 5,000 nautical mile Melbourne to Osaka race. In 1991 he sailed aboard Ikandu and was third across the line. In 1995 on Elliott Marine he recorded a second.
His wife Kei Ko is from Osaka and they met after the 1995 race.
Having yesterday sailed to a line honours victory on his Elliott 14 metre race Maverick II, he is visiting his in-laws for a month with his wife and children. Brian explained last night, This was definitely the hardest of the three races I have done. There were a lot of fluctuations in the weather. We had the heavy winds out of Bass Strait, then we flopped around a lot going north before we had that beautiful burst of trade wind sailing up to the Solomon Islands. It was my fastest ever trip through the Doldrums and then the NE trades were lighter than I had seen before.
The most frustrating part was the last 120 miles. Early Sunday night we were doing 10 knots and were laying course. We were expecting to arrive in Osaka on Monday morning. Then all of a sudden the wind shifted. It was on the nose and rising. We had 30-35 knots and a short sharp sea. It took ages to sail from Muroto Saki past Kamoda-misaki Light, through the Kii-suido entrance against the strong north easterlies.
In the inner bowl, about 20 miles wide, there was less fetch, but we had less breeze and it was still slow going. The channel narrows down to 2 miles between Awaji-Shima and the small islands that guard the entrance to Osaka Bay.
It was a critical time. The tide can run at 3 knots so we had to get our timing right.
There is a traffic separation zone and we found we could work up the middle with freighters tracking to our port and starboard. Our navigation lights were working fine, but there was a lot of traffic. I had put new batteries in our hand held torches and we were regularly flashing them up on our sails.
We started through on the narrowest part of the channel on the turn of the tide and just when we needed speed the wind dropped away. Some tiny gusts kept coming; we crept forward and made it. But another half mile on the wind died almost to nothing and we were being sucked backwards again.
I kept thinking of the 1995 race when we lead on Elliott Marine and then we lost the breeze and Wild Thing beat us.
Somehow we found just enough breeze to edge over towards the mainland shoreline and we worked the shore.
There were big container ships at anchor everywhere but we managed to slide past them all and into Osaka after dawn.
The Elliott 14 metre racer, Maverick II crossed the finish line in Osaka Bay at 6:57:15 AEST 5:57:15 JST Tuesday morning. Her elapsed time for the 4941 mile passage was 29 days 16hs 57m 59s.
Twenty four hours later the Victorian entry Kontrol, who had closed to within 31 miles of the leader north of the Solomons two weeks was still 13 nm ENE of Kamoda-Misaki Light, 50 miles from the finish.
While her computed ETA is around 11am, she too has to pass through the eye of the needle into Osaka Bay and it could be a long day for Peter and Simon Blake.
| | Sep 18 03 |
| RNZYS Youth Training Programme March 2003 |  | | We are getting to the end of a very successful Youth Training programme year. Our in house match racing regatta the "Lion Nathan Cup" was held over the last few weekends. This is a great way to end our months of match racing training. Over the last 6 months I have been interviewing applicants for the coming season and have finalised a team. We are retaining about 13 from this year and have 22 new applicants. I have been impressed with the talent applying and are looking forward to achieving some more great results in this new season.
Our new season starts on May 4th with orientation day. We have 2 more weekends for the currant programme, between then and the start of May and we have the womens match racing nationals sailed in the Elliott 6 | | Sep 18 03 |
| Mad Max Grounded on Reef and Abandoned. April 2003 |  | | The crew on Mad Max, Elliott 40, have abandoned their yacht and been rescued by a Japanese Ice Breaker, "Shirase". Mad Max hit a reef off Rossell Island at 3.00 am on Day 15 of the race. The crew were helicoptered off the boat at first light on the 1st April. "Mad Max" has an impressive history of racing successes both in Australia and New Zealand and before being sold to current Australian owner was known as the fastest 40 footer in New Zealand | | Sep 18 03 |
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