SY Celandine confirms NZ Marine Cup entry
by Kate Gordon on 17 Feb 2010
AY Celandine is the second superyacht to enter the NZ Marine Cup on 4 March in Auckland - New Zealand Marine Cup: Kiwi Kawau Challenge SY Celandine
SY Celandine has entered the New Zealand Marine Cup: Kiwi Kawau Challenge, a one-off superyacht race from Auckland to Kawau Island on 4 March.
Captain Pierre-Marie Feuille says the 95 ft (29m) cruising yacht is visiting New Zealand while on a round-the-world cruise in a westerly direction. Celandine arrived in New Zealand in October and, with the assistance of NZ Marine group member Thirty Seven South, yacht management and yacht support agents, has been undergoing some repairs and maintenance after more than a year at sea covering 17,000 nautical miles.
Feuille says they are looking forward to taking part in the NZ Marine Cup.
'It's a great way to meet other superyacht participants and to discover some more of Auckland's Island. We don't often race in this sort of superyacht event, but recently we did the Jongert Cup in Ibiza (and we won in our category),' says Feuille. 'New Zealand is a beautiful country, the Hauraki Gulf islands are very nice; moreover, our boss will be onboard and it is a great opportunity for him to see his boat in a competition, and to sail with her.'
NZ Marine chairman Mark Wightman extends a warm welcome Captain Feuille and Celandine to the NZ Marine Cup.
'We're delighted Celandine will participate in what is sure to be a fun, and quietly competitive superyacht race. We look forward to seeing Celandine join Drumbeat under sail in our day race from Auckland to Kawau Island,' says Wightman.
Wightman expects to announce further entries within the next week.
Celandine was built by Dutch boat-builder Jongert Yachts. A classic design with modern construction, she underwent a comprehensive refit in 2008. Prior to arriving in New Zealand, Celandine spent a year between the Caribbean Islands and the Polynesian Islands. Despite the changeable weather in New Zealand, Feuille says the crew and owners are enjoying the chance to explore the country, either onboard the yacht or travelling by other means to visit inland destinations.
The NZ Marine Cup: Kiwi Kawau Challenge is a one-day race for superyachts on Thursday 4 March. The race starts in Auckland Harbour and takes the yachts to the finish line off Bon Accord Harbour on Kawau Island. After the racing, a prize-giving, BBQ and entertainment will complete the day.
Full details on the event can be found on www.nzmarineevents.com.
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/66542