Coastal Classic: Start location moved to off Wakatere BC at Narrow Neck
by Coastal Classic/S-W NZ 18 Oct 2023 19:33 PDT
19 October 2023
Wakatere Boiating Club, Narrow Neck Beach, Auckland, New Zealand © Wakatere Boating Club
The start of the PIC Coastal Classic has been moved due to the 'pooblem' caused by discharge of sewerage into the Waitemata Harbour by Auckland Council as an emergency measure.
Due to the wastewater overflows related to the sinkhole in Parnell, and the rahui put in place by Ngati Whatua Orakei for the inner Waitemata Harbour, the race start will relocate from Devonport Wharf to just outside of the Waitemata Harbour. This ensures that all crew and volunteers are safe from any potential contamination.
The new startline will be located off Narrow Neck Beach near Devonport, location of Wakatere Boating Club.
The race start traditionally gathers crowds of spectators on Devonport Wharf and North Head. It’s now recommended they head to Narrow Neck Beach to view the action. The best viewing time will be from 9am-10am.
The coastal sailing marathon is the biggest of its type in New Zealand, and marks the start of the summer boating season for hundreds of Kiwi sailors.
The race finishes off Russell Wharf in the Bay of Islands. Unfortunately the change of startline means that should any boat finish in record time, it can’t be noted as an official record.
Organised by the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club, it is a race designed for speed: except for at the beginning and the end of the race, there are few opportunities to use tactics to overtake, and success can often depend on getting a good tactical start.
As well as welcoming back long term supporter PIC Insurance Brokers, the Coastal Classic is supported by some of New Zealand’s pre-eminent marine brands: B&G, PredictWind.com, 36° Brokers. Line 7 and Doyle Sails.
Full coverage of the racing will be carried on www.sail-world.com/nz