Clash at the Cove - October 2011 Update

by Paul Shanahan on 18 Oct 2011 You’re invited to the ultimate sailor’s party - 'Clash at the Cove'

It goes something like this; Friday race from Auckland to Whangarei, have a party and prize giving, more races on Saturday then have a bigger party and more prize giving, get up late on Sunday, have breakfast and cruise home. If this sounds like your idea of a great weekend sailing event, read on.

The idea of combining coastal yacht races that culminates in a regatta at the finish line is not an every day occurrence, but that is what has been planned for the 'Clash at the Cove' regatta, scheduled to take place on March 2,3, 4, 2012.

The intention is to create a regatta that has a high level of fun on and off-the water, for crew, supporters, friends and family. In essence, a flotilla of Auckland yachts will race to Whangarei Harbour and then participate in a regatta organized by local Onerahi Yacht Club.

Two well established coastal yacht races, the Lombardini Marine Route 66 starting in Auckland, and the Firewatch 56 from Gulf Harbour, will provide the long races for the racing and cruising divisions respectively The combined race fleet will converge on Marsden Cove Marina, just inside the Whangarei Harbour entrance. With the advantage of Marsden Cove’s large marquee, free step ashore berths, catered meals and parties on both Friday and Saturday evenings, this regatta has all the ingredients for a memorable sailing weekend.

Entertainment is planned for the evenings in the marquee, as well as many daytime activities for support crew and families. So what can you do? Put a crew together, register online and mark out March 2, 3 & 4 on your 2012 calendar. A notice of race has now been published and is available on www.clashathtecove.co.nz

Richmond Yacht Club - planning to set race record The appeal of having a coastal race which is not too long or overnight, nor requires sitting on the 'rail' and feeling like a zombie for mega-hours, yet still challenging seems to have a lot of appeal with Richmond Yacht Club members and Route 66 racers.

The Lombardine Route 66 race is now an established event on the racing calendar. Club representative John Davies said that a large number of skippers have indicated their intention to compete in this new regatta and fun weekend -we’re aiming for a record number of entries!

Gulf Harbour - Firewatch 56. The new race concept designed with the cooperation of the three yacht clubs and Marsden cove marina is an exciting progression from the individual events that were run by each club.. Club representative John Allemann says in the past Gulf Harbour Yacht Club has always appreciated the luxury of being able to berth the race fleet together at the marina and this year we look forward to being able to also sharing the racing and socializing with sailors from other clubs. Bruce Yovich says 'Bring it on'

Onerahi Yacht Club - is looking forward to seeing its Bream Bay Series numbers swell with the visiting coastal race fleet that will be arriving from both Auckland and the Bay of Islands. 'It is a thrill for us to play host along with Marsden Cove, to a regatta which we believe has so much potential. All we can say is, bring it on.'

Accommodation available at Marsden Cove Local One Tree Point motel still has a few rooms left but these will go fast. A number of support crew have booked local holiday homes through www.bookabach.co.nz www.bookabach.co.nz Marsden Cove has 25 powered motorhome sites which may suit a number of the supporters.

Marina details: Visit www.marsdencove.co.nz www.marsdencove.co.nz Notice of Race A notice of race has now been published and is available on. www.clashatthecove.co.nz

Entries for the feeder and regatta races available online from yacht club sites: www.ghyc.co.nz www.richmondyc.org.co.nz www.oyc.co.nz www.clashatthecove.co.nz

 

	Regatta in a nutshell
*	Participating yacht clubs include Richmond, Gulf Harbour and Onerahi
*	2 Divisions: Cruising and Racing yachts.
*	Families and friends are welcome to drive up
*	Competing yachts and support boats may be le?? at Marsden Cove marina free of charge for a limited period
*	Races include: Lombardini Route 66, Firewatch 56,
*	Around the islands race and the Bream Bay series (cruisingfleet), Windward / leeward races (racing fleet)
*	Clash sponsors: Marsden Cove, Lombardini Route 66,Firewatch 56, Cranston Homes, Signature Homes, Thirstyliquor, Agip, Transdiesel.
*	Beverages supplied by Thirsty Liquor
*	Catering supplied by Waterline Café