PIC Coastal Classic - Navy sailors declare war on Army rivals

by Coastal Classic Media on 14 Oct 2015 Two of New Zealand's most formidable forces are lining up to take part in this year's PIC Coastal Classic. In what's set to be an impressive display of military might, the NZ Navy are going head to head with the NZ Army, in a friendly-fire yacht race to Russell in the Bay of Islands.

Both novice crews will be sailing identical 'Chico 40' Navy training yachts, so it will come down to the sailing skills of each team to decide who will win the race. The victorious team will be awarded the prestigious Con Thode Trophy – presented annually for competition in a night race between sail training craft of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

The Con Thode Trophy was presented to the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1991 by Lieutenant Commander, RNZNVR (Ret) Con Thode, who served as a submarine commander during World War II. Thode was a keen and accomplished yachtsman, and spent many years at the helm of the Spirit of Adventure, introducing young people to sailing. The Con Thode trophy commemorates the exceptional sailing the yachts Iorangi, Aronui and Viking have provided over many years. This year will be the 19th time it has ever been presented.

Navy Adventure Training Centre Manager Phil Bishop commented: 'It's fair to say there will be some friendly rivalry between the boats. We have taken Air Force on before, but I believe this is the first time Army have been involved for a long time. At least one boat has done the race for 23 of the 25 years they have been owned by the Navy.'

The battle between Navy and Army will commence at 0930hrs on Friday 23 October 2015, as the PIC Coastal Classic fleet depart Auckland. Spectators can watch from the shore, with some of the best viewing from the historic defence site at North Head, or close to the Naval Base at Devonport Wharf.