Whangarei's Boyd Smith talks about Bare Essentials with pride: "She's the oldest, lightest boat in the country." The 55ft racing boat was built in Whangarei 21 years ago and Smith has owned it for the past 10. Having sailed for 35 years, he has a long list of accolades, including second placein the 2009 HSBC New Zealand Coastal Classic skippering Bare Essentials. "We missed out by just two minutes, behind the supermaxi Alfa Romeo II," he said. Alfa Romeo then went on to win the Sydney-Hobart Race in December. On Wednesday, Smith and his crew of 10 will line up for three days of racing in the Bay of Islands Sailing Week. To date, they are the only Whangarei-registered boat, and the crew are looking forward to being back in race mode. "It's our first race since the Coastal Classic. It's normally a good week up there," said Smith, who has been a regular at Sailing Week in its eight-year duration and will be a favourite in the A-division. "The IRC has us in the top three handicap ... so we should claim one of those places but you never know until the day and you see what the conditions are doing." While Bare Essentials prefers offshore racing, the boat will be favoured for her handicap but should do fine on the windward-lured courses at the regatta, with a 15-20 knot breeze, Smith says. But the Kiwi boat will have to contend with the 65ft Limit, racing in the same division. "Limit has travelled from Australia specifically for the event, and they will be looking to take line honours in every race." Bay of Islands Sailing Week registration is tomorrow , and racing starts from Opua Wharf on Wednesday.
