Elliott 5.9: Fleet opens Nautilus Braids Southern Circuit at Naval Point Yacht Club
by Dan Meehan 2 Dec 21:05 PST
Elliott 5.9 - Round 1 - Nautilus Braids Southern Circuit - Naval Point Yacht Club on Lyttleton Harbour - 29–30 November, 2025 © Mike Wright
The Elliott 5.9 fleet kicked off the first round of the Nautilus Braids Southern Circuit at Naval Point Yacht Club on Lyttelton Harbour over 29–30 November, delivering exactly what the class is known for—tight, high-intensity one-design racing across the entire fleet.
Day 1 – Glamour Conditions and Close Racing
After an hour’s delay waiting for the breeze to settle, sailors were rewarded with a beautiful 10–15 knot nor’easter. The wind shifts kept tacticians busy and created some thrilling, close-quarters racing.
The biggest surprise of Race 1 came from Spurt, which burst off the line and led around the first lap. A tight downwind leg compressed the fleet, and the finish saw boats only seconds apart—setting the tone for the day.
Retro showed flashes of impressive speed, and it was great to see Erotic and Chop well in the mix. Boat 1 demonstrated excellent height and boatspeed, converting that pace into a win in Race 2. Tekno was also flying, particularly downwind.
But it was Eagle who put together the most consistent day, securing three race wins and holding the overnight advantage.
Day 2 – Tricky Northerly, Then a Surprise Finish
Although the forecast hinted at a stronger breeze, the morning delivered a rare 10-knot light northerly—creating a “snakes and ladders” course around Lyttelton Harbour. The fleet shuffled constantly, producing some tight and aggressive battles. Chop found another gear and climbed steadily through the rankings.
At the front, a match race quickly developed between Boat 1 and Eagle, with the pair trading tacks and exchanging the lead throughout the first two races. Boat 1 handled the tricky shifts slightly better, winning both races and bringing the series level heading into the final showdown.
Then the wind shut off entirely. The race committee earned huge credit, moving marks repeatedly and making three separate start attempts as the breeze swung. After 90 testing minutes, a clean 12-knot easterly filled in from nowhere—and racing was immediately underway.
With the outgoing tide pushing the fleet over the line, the start was hotly contested. The individual recall flag flew, and Spurt was the only boat to return—undoubtedly easing the nerves of several others.
Erotic showed excellent upwind pace, engaging in a tight duel with Tekno, but the spotlight remained on the Boat 1 vs. Eagle battle. The pair exchanged covers, crosses, and even a gybing duel downwind in a fierce fight for the overall win. A split at the gate saw Boat 1 eke out a narrow advantage, which they held to the finish
Congratulations to Shane, Dan, and Mitch on Boat 1 for taking the regatta victory.
A huge thank-you to Naval Point Yacht Club, Phil, and all the volunteers who made the event possible.
Thanks also to Beers Beers Beers beersbeers.co.nz and Bacon Brothers baconbrothers.co.nz/for providing spot prizes.
Taking advantage of the ability to easily tow the Elliott 5.9, the fleet will head to Nelson over the weekend of 17–18 January for Southern Circuit #2.
Full 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
About The Elliott 5.9
The Elliott 5.9 emerged in the early 1980’s as a high performing trailer yacht and continues to deliver competitive one design racing in a welcoming fleet of world-class sailors and novices alike. The boats started a revolution with their well-balanced and cost effective design, and quickly became the boat of choice for top club training schemes and a breeding ground for NZ’s America’s Cup, Ocean Race and Olympic champions.
Sailed by a crew of three, the Elliott 5.9 remains a low maintenance sailboat with an efficient single spreader fractional rig, a well-balanced sail plan and practical deck layout. Whether sailing among mixed trailer yachts, sport boat fleets or in a one design setting, the 5.9 is celebrated for its responsiveness and outstanding value.
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