Elliott 5.9: Reggae Shark strikes from behind in Whitianga
by Gareth Howard - Elliott 5.9 Association 9 Aug 06:06 PDT
Burnsco Elliott 5.9 Traveller Series, August 1-2, 2026 - Mercury Bay, Whitianga © Elliott 5.9 Assoc
The third round of the Burnsco Elliott 5.9 Traveller Series over the weekend of 1–2 August delivered outstanding one design racing on Mercury Bay, as the fleet gathered in Whitianga for two packed days of competitive sailing.
Sailors were treated to brilliant winter sailing conditions featuring clear skies and flat water throughout the weekend. The breeze built nicely on both days, settling in around a steady 15 knots on Saturday. Sunday brought slightly more offshore and puffy conditions, but eventually built toward a pleasant 8-knot sailing breeze that allowed for tight, tactical racing.
Revelry set the benchmark early on Day 1, taking the lead on the scoresheet after securing consistent low scores, including two race wins. However, Reggae Shark mounted a relentless second-day fightback, and with Revelry stumbling in a couple of races after winning the opening race on Day 2, overcame their points deficit, claiming victory across multiple races to surge past Revelry and secure the overall Whitianga regatta title on 20 points. Revelry finished close behind in second place on 25 points.
Slam Dunk found their rhythm after an earlier slump, picking up a welcome race win in the final race to seal third place overall on 33 points. Zoot Allures also broke through for a race win during the weekend, taking fifth overall on 36 points, just behind Bloodline in fourth on 34 points.
The dramatic finish in Whitianga has completely reframed the overall Traveller Series leaderboard. With their Whitianga triumph, Reggae Shark has climbed into second place overall in the series and now sits just 8.5 points behind series leader Revelry. With two regattas still remaining on the schedule, the fight for the overall Traveller Series crown is well and truly on the line. Bloodline remains firmly in the mix in third overall, positioned just 10 points further back and well within striking distance as the fleet prepares for the final two events.
On and off the water, Philip and his team from the Mercury Bay Yacht Club were once again outstanding hosts. They set up great courses and ran slick races on the bay, while providing seamless launch support and tow-outs from the Whitianga Marina. Crews also enjoyed the hospitality and social events based at the Buffalo Beach Front Club on Whitianga's foreshore.
With tight point margins and momentum shifting across the fleet, all eyes now turn to the upcoming fourth round of the series at Russell 12 - 13 September.
Follow online www.facebook.com/elliott5.9 and for more information on the Elliott 5.9 Class Association visit www.e59.org.nz
Previous results can be found here elliott59.weebly.com/results.html
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 become 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