Carson Challenge open for entries

by Event Media on 3 Feb 2006 A multisport race with a difference is on the calendar for March 2006.

The Carson Challenge is a two day team event in its tenth year. It attracts elite athletes such as Steve Gurney and Gordon Walker The only multisport event in New Zealand to include yachting.

Both sailors and multisport competitors will be adding new elements to their training in readiness for the tenth Carson Challenge, 18-19 March 2006.

For sailors, it might involve adding road running or cycling to their race preparation program. And for multisport athletes, it’s learning about the intricacies of sail trim, marine navigation and boat handling that will be the most demanding element of this popular multisport race.

The Carson Challenge, in its tenth year, is the only multisport event in New Zealand to include yachting, and expects to see 60 boats and several hundred competitors for the 2006 edition.

‘This race is a challenging one, but it’s fun,’ says organiser Alistair Cory-Wright. ‘It adds a new element to racing for both sailors and multisport athletes.’

Encompassing tough terrain – One Tree Hill, Mt Eden, Rangitoto Island, Motutapu Island and the backroads of Waiheke Island, the race includes three runs, one 45km bike-ride, and four sailing legs, the longest of which is 18 nautical miles, as well as an orienteering expedition at Stony Batter, disused defence tunnels on Waiheke Island.

‘Our teams, racing in pairs, start at One Tree Hill in Auckland, and run the volcanic summits of Auckland – all up around 10km, to Judge’s Bay in Parnell, where they jump in a dinghy and row out to meet their yacht,’ explains organizer Alistair Cory-Wright.

Onboard their boats, they race to Islington Bay, for a 11km run to the peak of Rangitoto Island. Reunited with their vessels once again, the boats race to the bottom end of Waiheke, for an on-shore barbecue and a good night’s sleep. The next morning sees a 45km cycling leg from the bottom end of Waiheke, where the riders meet up with their boats. A racing leg from Waiheke to Motutapu Island where the runners take part in a summit run on the farm-based island, and the final sailing leg is from Motutapu to the finish line on the Waitemata Harbour.

‘It’s a fun event, it’s a chance to try something different. At the competitive end of the spectrum, guys like Steve Gurney regularly take part, and we also have divisions for all-female teams, mixed teams, and not-so-serious cruising teams,’ says Cory-Wright. ‘It’s unlike anything else on the multisport or sailing scene.’

Cory-Wright says that those interested in taking part should visit www.carsongroup.net which will give them information about the event as well helping to match up competitors with boat owners.

The Carson Challenge takes place in Auckland on the weekend of 18-19 March 2005. Sponsors include Carson Group, Adventure Cycles, Bivouac Outdoor, Fullers Ferries, and Aspec Construction.

For more information and entry details visit www.carsongroup.net

Day 1 - Saturday 18 March 2006

Stage 1 Auckland Volcanoes Run - Two crew members run 9km from One Tre Hill Domain to the Auckland Harbour edge vis the peaks of One Tree Hill, Mt Eden, Mt. St. John, Mt. Hobson and the Auckland Domain Band Rotunda. ( Runners may separate on this stage. Each checkpoint need only be visted by one runner). Runners transfer to yacht by yacht's dinghy).

Stage 2 The full crew SAIL Auckland to Rangitoto Island approx 8nm (nautical miles) through designated start line direct to Islington Bay finish Line. Transfer 2 runners to Yankee Wharf Slipway by dinghy.

Stage 3 Rangitoto Mountain Run - Two crew members run 11km from Yankee Wharf Slipway via Coastal track to Summit and return direct to Slipway. Runners are transferred to yacht by dinghy.

Stage 4 The full crew SAIL Rangitoto Island to Orapiu Bay, Waiheke Island approx 18nm from designated start line in Islington Bay direct to Orapiu Bay finish line.

Day 2 - Sunday 19 March 2006

Stage 5 Waiheke MOUNTAIN BIKE - Two crew members bike 45km from Orapiu Wharf to Stony Batter. Bikers dismount to navigate their way on a circuit through the tunnels before pedalling on to Matiatia Bay. Transfer to yacht by dinghy.

Stage 6 The full crew SAIL Waiheke Island to Motutapu island - 3nm from the designated start line in Matiatia Bay direct to designated finish line in Islington Bay . Transfer 2 runners ashore by dinghy.

Stage 7 Motutapu Mountain Run - Two crew members run 5km from Yankee Wharf Slipway to summit and return. Runners are transferred to yacht by dinghy.

Stage 8 The full crew SAIL from Islington Bay to Auckland - 9nm from the designated start line to finsih line apposite the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Westhaven Marina