Royal Akarana YC Newsletter- Fiji Race; IRC

by Penny Grayson, Royal Akarana YC on 29 Mar 2006 It is with great pleasure that the Royal Akarana Yacht Club (RAYC) runs another
ocean race to Fiji, selecting Vuda Point as the host destination.

Continuing on from the 50th Anniversary 2005 event, we are very pleased to announce that the New Zealand International Yachting Trust (NZL Yachting Trust) has continued its sponsorship of the event helping the RAYC to ensure the event is run professionally and hopefully continue the success of recent years. The 2006 event will be called the NZL International Yachting Trust Auckland – Fiji Ocean Race and as with the 2005, the Trust will be represented by one of its Trustees Simon Gundry who will also MC the prizegiving in Fiji with Race Director Fendall Halliburton.

We have some great entries to date – its looking like a quality fleet lining up. Entered or intending to do so are two Elliot Super Sport 50 canting keel designs, the Cookson 50 Pussy Galore, the Open 50 Andar and the Elliot Open 50 of Graham Dalton, Drina, and the 40ft Elliot Bullrush. In the cruising division is Kaitorete, a 12m Richard McBridge sloop, Trance a 50ft Ganley design and Quintessence a 42 ft Bruce Clarke. Skiddy Too is entered in the single handed division. Entries will be posted on the website as they are received.

Information regarding the event is on the RAYC website www.rayc.org.nz

There has also been an interactive site set up especially for the event which has a bulletin board, current entrants, crew available list, will contain up to the moment positions and informations of the boats during the race.

Visit the site at www.rayc-live.org.nz/forum

Bula Night – Thursday April 6th at RAYC starting at 7pm

This is the first get together of those entering or who are interested in the race. This is intended to be a fun evening with a definite Fijian flavour and a chance to ask questions and meet others planning on doing the race. $10 at the door, complimentary kiwi kava drink on arrival and finger food. Saftety at Sea Courses

The are three weekends available for you and your crews to do these two day professionally run courses. At least 50% of the crew needs to hold a current certificate but preferably as many as possible should do the course.

The weekends available are:
April 8th and 9th
May 13th and 14th
May 27th and 28th

You can find the program outline on the website or call the RAYC office for advice.

Introduction of IRC
The NZL Yachting Trust is supporting the introduction of IRC into NZ with an incentive offer for boat owners. Owners can receive a subsidy of up to $300.

Yachting New Zealand has been offering IRC since January and so the Auckland – Fiji race is using IRC as one of its handicapping systems. Boats wanting to be measured using this system need to apply to YNZ now – once there are a number of interested parties the date for the measuring will be done.

Go to the YNZ website for more information on IRC system and introduction. www.yachtingnz.org.nz

Accommodation
Accommodation is still available at all the resorts with the Anchorage in particular still having plenty of rooms available. Campsites within the marina perimeter are available for the serious budgeters. Bring your own tent or you may send it up in the container which will be onsite before the fleet arrives. There will be a canvas food hall and refreshments under the palms of the marina.

Flights
Negotiations are still underway with Air Pacific – watch this space

For further information contact Kevin or Penny in the office kevin@rayc.org.nz or penny@rayc.org.nz

Phone 09 524 9945 during office hours

www.rayc.org.nz