2011 (Not) Round White Island Race diverts because of Rena
by Suellen Hurling on 25 Nov 2011
Lesley Haslar
In previous years the Round White Island Race would see yachts race, around White Island!
However in 2011 there has been a change of course due to the MV Rena disaster. The number of missing containers was cause for concern and therefore host club, Royal Akarana Yacht Club (RAYC) has opted for a change of course.
The (Not) Round White Island Race is now underway and will see the yachts undertake a 250 mile course which started from at the Orakei Wharf at 1000 hours this morning, Friday 25 November 2011. The fleet of 15 will head to Channel Island (starboard), Cuvier Island (port), Great Barrier Island (port), Poor Knights (port), Sail Rock (port) finishing back at Orakei in Okahu Bay.
RAYC Offshore Committee Chairman and Vice Commodore Mike Wilson said that the race was definitely going to go ahead regardless of the MV Rena interference.
'This race has always been a great chance for boats and crews to build up their offshore experience for other big events such as the short-handed Round North Island race and the upcoming Sail Noumea race which starts on Saturday 2nd June 2012,' said Wilson.
RAYC has long been known for hosting endurance blue water races and will soon be involved with the launch of a new offshore event in New Zealand.
For more information and to view the competitors list visit www.rayc.org.nz
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