PIC commit to sponsor Coastal Classic for three more years

by Sail-World.com NZL on 22 Jul 2015 The future of New Zealand's biggest yacht race has been secured for the next three years, thanks to naming sponsor PIC Insurance Brokers. In a generous move, the NZ-owned insurance brokerage has committed to supporting the Coastal Classic until at least 2017.

PIC Insurance Brokers will once again be part of this year's race, from Auckland to Russell in the Bay of Islands. Marine insurance is a core part of PIC’s business, and by sponsoring one of the biggest events in NZ’s yacht racing calendar, they’re keen to give back to the Kiwi boating community that supports them.

Just as they have in recent years, PIC have kindly provided the financial backing necessary to ensure the Coastal Classic continues to be a fantastic event for sailors and spectators and alike.

What's more, this year the team at PIC are also making special plans to bring an exciting new major spot prize to the table. In doing so, PIC hope to give sailors yet another great reason to enter this epic race.

This year, the PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic will start on Friday 23rd October. As the starting gun sounds over the Waitemata, it signals the beginning of Labour Weekend - just as it has for over three decades. The Coastal Classic is considered by many as the ice breaker that marks the start of the summer sailing season. And what better destination for the long weekend than the stunning Bay of Islands.

Race Director Matthew Flynn has been involved in the race since its inception, as both a competitor and organiser. He has the same enthusiasm for the race today as he had back in 1982, when he sailed the very first Coastal Classic aboard his 24-foot trimaran Gulf Chariot. He had this message for competitors:

'Welcome back to all our regular competitors for NZ’s most popular coastal race. We are again hoping for classic racing conditions, the last few races have been epic, with finish times getting earlier all the time.

'If you have never done the race, we are keen to help you enjoy a truly classic sail, and event in Russell, so make sure you enter this year and watch for details of the pre-race clinic. The NZMYC are especially pleased to have the on going support of PIC Insurance Brokers as the major race sponsor. They are big supporters of sailing and are great sponsors for this event so a big thanks to them. See you all on the start line.'