Maverick II sailed into Auckland yesterday, taking overall line honours and division five honours in the Sir Peter Blake Memorial round-the-North Island two-handed race.
The 14m Elliott design, skippered by Brian Petersen with crewman Greg Elliott, reached Auckland at 9.17 am yesterday, two hours ahead of rivals Hydroflow, who won division
one.
Step by Step, a Davidson 42, arrived in third position last night.
A total of 21 yachts competed in the four-leg 1200-nautical mile race, which started in Auckland on February 24.
The fleet sailed from Auckland to Mangonui, Mangonui to Wellington, Wellington to Napier, and Napier to Auckland. There was a 48-hour break between each leg.
Race director David Cooke said the race went well and there were plans to make it a three-yearly event.
"It is a long race and very trying being two-handed," he said.
The tailenders are expected to finish outside the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron by midday today. Five divisions took part and the final placings will be announced today.
