French Fanfare to farewell Aircalin Auckland to Noumea fleet
by Lesley Grant on 22 May 2002
Anticipation Aircalin Auckland to Noumea race
The large fleet of boats entered in the 2002 Aircalin Auckland to Noumea
Yacht Race are in for a tremendous French orientated send-off from the Amex
Viaduct this Saturday coming.
The boats will all be berthed along the south side of Tewhero Island at the
Amex Viaduct for families, supporters and spectators to visit and wish them
well.
From 10.30 a.m. till 12.00p.m. when the boats leave for the start line it
will be all action with a Jazz Band in full swing throughout the festivities
and Wacky Waiters creating full on havoc.
The Can-Can dancers will be there
again waving good-bye with their legs and skirts and there will be French
food and wine galore.
Before the boats are led to the starting line by the oldest salt in the
fleet, Don St Clair Brown in the legendary yacht Anticipation, the Pitt
Special Bi-plane will fly over performing spectacular French aerobatics.
Fully entering into the French theme of the day will be the specially
‘red-headed’ crew of the big red Elliot speed machine, Hydroflow, skippered
by Ron Britain from Auckland.
As the yachts set off at 12 p.m. in time for the 2 p.m. start off Orakei
Wharf they will be farewelled to the tune of ‘Anchors Away’. The Navy Ship
HMNZS Kahu will be on the start line to sound the starting gun.
A large spectator fleet is expected to be on the water to cheer the New
Zealand, French and Australia challengers as they set off along the Eastern
Bays and through the Rangitoto Channel, full-speed towards Noumea.
Best viewing points to watch the start of this prestigious offshore yacht
race will be in the Orakei Wharf area, North Head, Devonport and along the
Tamaki Drive waterfront.
More information at www.rayc.org.nz and www.sail-world.com/aucklandtonoumea
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