The Coastal Classic Yacht Race, from Devonport Wharf to Russell Wharf in the Bay of Islands, is New Zealand's premier fleet yacht race and has been held over Labour Weekend annually since 1982.
Last year a monstrous trimaran TeamVodafoneSailing broke the course record to finish the 119 nautical miles in 5hr 44min 31s. The boat's average speed was around 20 knots - but it peaked occasionally at the seriously quick pace of 34.8 knots.
Favourable weather conditions for the race could see the big red trimaran break four hours this year. Tauranga will be represented by five boats in the race, in the colourful form of Frenzy, Squeeler, Fast lane, Open Country and Lynx.
Frenzy has the highest handicap in the Tauranga yacht club and recently moved into division 1 so will be racing against TeamVodafoneSailing. On board Frenzy will be Mike McCormick, who has done 200,000 ocean miles and has been around the world ten times.
Go to coastalclassic.co.nz/home/for race details and to follow the progress of individual boats.
