A record 250 yachts are expected to race in this year's Coastal Classic from Auckland to Russell over Labour Weekend.
The race will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, and is offering record prize-money of $10,000 to the winning yacht.
Race director Joyce Talbot says another $10,000 is at stake if a monohull can break the race record of 9h 22m, set in 1996.
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