2013 E5.9 Traveler Series opener at Opua this weekend
by NZ Elliott 5.9 Class Association on 21 May 2013
The Blurr leads - Elliott 5.9 Nationals - Auckland Cup 2013 Rob Gill
This weekend (May 25-26) sees the first event of the 2013 Elliott 5.9 Traveler Series at Opua.
The largest fleet for several years is expected with at least 15 boats and possibly up to 17. In what is a positive sign, the fleet has had to arrange for an extra shared tow line for 2013 in response to the growth in the class for the 2013 series.
One new crew to join the fray is Lambada, newly purchased by former national champion and Aucklander Brent Mullen - sailing with Kevin Peet and Simon Kidd. Brent won the Nationals in 1993 in Collectors Item - which will also be racing at the event as Hogwarts Express (Opua CC).
Winner of the 2012 Opua event and 2013 NZ Champ boat The Blurr has been borrowed by well known Auckland sailors Rick Hackett and Richard Hulston for the weekend, sailing with Ben Costello.
Former ETNZ Camper VO70 Bowman Daryl Wislang from Wellington is sailing with on the returning Voodoo - Daryl returns to the class for the first time since the 2005 Nationals.
In fact the fleet is stacked with well known sailors, including Mike Sanderson and Will Tiller on Icebreaker.
The regatta will comprise up to 12 sprint races over two days.
The Elliott 5.9 Class and Association
Offering close racing and great social events built around a North Island weekend regatta circuit, the Elliott 5.9 class is the perfect 3-person syndicate boat. The class is relatively low maintenance and is sailed by a crew of 3. No rail meat - everyone has a job! There are active fleets in Opua, Whangarei, Auckland, Wellington, and New Plymouth with boats in other venues like Lyttleton, Nelson and Queenstown.
The Association has undertaken several new initiatives including rule changes designed to improve the competitiveness and longevity of the boats and the supply of standard components as well as commencing a project looking at restarting hull/deck production. It operates a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/elliott5.9) that contains news, details of events, boats for sale and many photos including gear layout shots.
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