Elliott 5.9: Southern Circuit attracts a seven boat fleet in Lyttleton
by Ellen Palmer 28 Nov 17:00 AEDT
Marine Braid's Elliott 5.9 Southern Circuit starts in Lyttleton © Elliott 5.9
The Nautilus Braids Elliott 5.9 Southern Circuit kicks off at Naval Point Club Lyttelton this weekend.
Seven yachts will line up for eight windward-leeward races. The forecast classic Canterbury nor’wester of hot, shifty, gusty conditions both days could shake up the fleet. Eagle has changed hands, now owned by current Nolex 22 national champion Dan Meehan, who undoubtedly will be challenging other top contenders Boat One, Tekno and Retro. Erotic, Spurt and Chop won’t just be making up the numbers and tight racing will be guaranteed through the fleet.
The Southern Circuit will continue with its second round at Nelson as part of the Tasman Bay Cruising Club regatta in January, followed by the third round at Pigeon Bay on Banks Peninsula on 28th February-1 March. South Island Championship will be a separate regatta this season, scheduled for 7-8 March 2026.
The overall series will also provide the South Island boats with a great warm up to the nationals at Maretai Sailing club that will be held March 12-14 2026. This will see the coming together of the North and South Island fleets with 20 or more Elliott 5.9s likely to be on the start line. After a closely fought North Island Traveller Series, and an ever improving South Island fleet, it is shaping as one of the most competitive one design class nationals to be sailed in NZ.
Results can be found here elliott59.weebly.com/results.html
Follow results and pictures online www.facebook.com/elliott5.9 and for more information on the Elliott 5.9 Class Association visit www.e59.org.nz