Battle of the 50s expected for Round North Island

by Event Media on 8 Nov 2006 With three months to go before the start of the Round North Island Race hosted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the first of as many as eight 50 footers have lodged their entry.

Anatole Masfen has enjoyed plenty of success since launching Pussy Galore, a Cookson 50. With PHRF wins in both the 2006 Auckland Tauranga and 2006 Coastal Classic, and a line honours and IRC win in the 2006 Auckland Fiji race, his record sees him sitting as an early favourite.

Other likely entries in the white hot 50 foot fleet include the brand new Bakewell-White 52 Wired. Co-owned by experienced campaigner Rob Bassett and Brett Paterson, Wired was the line honours victor in the Coastal Classic in its first major outing. Simon Hull and his modified Transpac 52 V5 has also announced his intention to compete. With a new canting keel fitted, V5 is showing flashes of pace as the crew tune up the new configuration.

As many as three Elliot 50s are expected to enter, including a new boat being built in New Zealand for a German owner. This design is proving to be particularly strong offshore and in reaching and running conditions.
At least one Australian entry is expected. A Melbourne 50 footer is planning on crossing the Tasman for this race and other regattas this summer.

Long time campaigner Brian Ward is also a likely starter in Thunder. While struggling in the lighter conditions against the new designs, Thunder enjoys the breezy reaching conditions often found around New Zealand.

With the entries of 2005 Sailor of the year Ray Haslar and his highly successful Jive Talkin’ and rising talent Phil Chisholm with his newly acquired Sydney 38 also received, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is confident of a highly competitive fleet.

Race Spokesman Jonathan Gravit is expecting a fleet of between 15 and 20 boats. 'We are pleased with the level of enquiry and enthusiasm for this race' he stated. We are attracting the cream of the New Zealand keelboat fleet, along with a solid core of regular club and coastal campaigners looking to step up a level in their experience.'

Further details and an entry form are available on the RNZYS web site. Enquiries can also be made to the Squadron race office, sroberts@rnzys.org.nz, phone 09 360 6809