Yachting: Big gust hits Hauraki Gulf fleet

A powerful gust of wind forced 11 yachts out of the first race of the two-handed Barrier triple series on Saturday.

Three yachts dismasted while a further eight were damaged after a gust, estimated at 40 knots, hit the 111-strong fleet who were competing on courses on and around the Hauraki Gulf.

Multihull Sundreamer won the big boat division and the Farr 1020 Hard Labour won the small division. The second and third events in the series are scheduled for August 6 and September 10.