Close racing in the 2011 Farr 727 Nationals

by Jamie McLellan on 20 May 2011
The 2011 Farr 727 Nationals saw some great racing in a wide range of conditions on Auckland Harbour. Whilst the number of entries was lower than previous years, the boats were all very competitive - leads changed frequently and all boats took turns at winning starts and leading around marks.

Breeze on the Saturday saw a few classic wipe outs, but nothing worse than a couple of bent spinnaker poles as a result. Sunday saw conditions easing to a drifting finish in the last race.

Top class boats and arch rivals Quarter Pint and Mumbo Jumbo spent a lot of time very close (see pics!), but alway under constant pressure from the rest of the pack. This year Nathan Bonney's Quarter Pint finally broke the Mumbo Jumbo voodoo curse and took the title, putting an end to Leigh Miller's hopes for a hat-trick and regaining their position as boat to beat. It's interesting to note that the core crew on both of these boats have been sailing together on a Stewart 34 for the past eight years.

A full schedule of winter racing is now planned for the 727s teaming up with other quarter tonners, as well as the Auckland Champs, a two-handed champs and the SSANZ two-handed series, plus some cruising events later in the year too.

The fleet is now looking very tidy, with the class starting to enjoy some renewed interest. Next year we hope to get at least 10 boats on the start line with a few refitted boats due to be relaunched and several new owners in the class yet to get out on the race course.

Thanks to race officer Fendall Halliburton for not only running a great series, but for also being event photographer.