All three of the first Elliott 5.9 trailer boats ever built are expected to race in the Elliott 5.9 Traveller Series Regatta in Opua later this month alongside boats featuring several national champions and award-winning yachtsmen.
Local sailing commentator Helen Horrocks noted these original three Elliott 5.9s - Zoot Allures,Brzo and Mod (now renamed The Blurr) - were all built in 1983, and were still competitive today.
"Zoot Allures, now owned and raced by Rawene man Dave Cochran representing the Onerahi Yacht Club, is a multiple national champion; as is Brzo, now owned and raced by Gillian Williams and E5.9 class association president, Nathan Williams.
"The Blurr, which has yet to win a national championship, has been recently refurbished and is expected to be raced by a top crew from Auckland. Her owners - Simon Manning and Andy Robertson - have also refurbished another boat, Voodoo, which they will be racing in the regatta," Horrocks noted.
The Opua regatta will also see the return of the twice national champion, Lambada. After a number of years away, Lambada has just relocated from Blenheim to Auckland, and is a welcome addition to the growing North Island fleet.
Other notable entrants in the event include Northland Sailor of the Year Chris Hornell, who will be racing his E5.9 Cut Lunch, and Volvo Ocean Race winner, Mike Sanderson, who recently bought twice national champion, E5.9 Icebreaker, was expected to be in attendance too.
The Willis Sails regatta from May 25-26, the first in the Elliott 5.9 Traveller Series Regatta series for the 2013/14 season, will be be hosted by the Opua Cruising Club.
Notice of race, entry form and sailing instructions are available on the Opua Cruising Club website, while the NZ Elliott 5.9 Association also has an active Facebook page featuring more about this growing class of sailing. Alternatively, contact Helen Horrocks by phoning (021) 1583-199 or emailing info@opuacruisingclub.co.nz.
