Wired leads HSBC Premier Coastal Classic

by Richard Gladwell on 24 Oct 2008
The Bakewell-White design 'Wired' (Rob Bassett)led the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic fleet out of the Waitemata Harbour, and was well in control of the race as the 200 plus competitors set course for Cape Brett at the entrance to the Bay of Islands.

Sailing in a 20kts NNE breeze, Wired looked very snug and well in control of the conditions as the fleet moved into a bigger swell, expected to develop to two metres later in the day.

Close to the leaders was the iconic John Spencer design, the 65ft Infidel, or Ragtime, as she is known in USA. Infidel was footing nicely in the conditions with a reefed mainsail and dacron hollow cut leech jib.

The 'Black Box' as she was affectionately known in Auckland sailing circles also seemed to be handling the conditions nicely, as would be expected of the most travelled competitor in the fleet.

Only mishap at the start occurred to Taepeng (Greg Roake), a multihull expected to lead the fleet home. She suffered some minor problems at the start, forcing some repairs, before she set off to chase the fleet some 10 minutes late.

The official website http://www.coastalclassic.co.nz!HSBC_Premier_Coastal_Classic reports that approximately 50 boats have withdrawn from today’s HSBC Premier Coastal Classic because of a difficult weather forecast. With a front due to pass over Northland on Friday evening, boats that race can expect winds of 30-40 knots and big seas.

The remainder of the fleet departed Auckland at 10am, bound for Russell in the Bay of Islands, a 119 nautical mile race.

The skippers are praised for making a safe and sensible decision.

Race spokesperon Jon Vincent says it is expected that a number of boats that started the race will withdraw in the first half. 'It’s the direction of the wind, not the strength, that presents the major issue,' he says. 'Anybody finding the conditions difficult can turn around and sail away from it on the way home, or shelter at Kawau if necessary. It is always the skipper’s decision whether to race or not, and they make that decision based on the skill and experience of their crew, and the perceived ability of their boat to handle the conditions.'

The multihull Sundreamer was early leader when she retired due to broken gear. Line 7 Marine, skippered by Olympic Finn sailor Dan Slater also withdrew in the first miles. Division 1's Wired and Living Doll remain early race leaders.

The first boats are expected to complete the race late on Friday evening.