Alfa Romeo sails majestically into Russell after establishing a new course record in the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic 2009. Supplied image.
by Zoe Hawkins
At 4.43pm today, Friday 23 October, the supermaxi Alfa Romeo set HSBC Premier Coastal Classic history when she crossed the finish line to set a new race record of 6 hours, 43 minutes and 32 seconds.
Starting at Devonport Wharf in Auckland, and finishing at Russell Wharf in the romantic Bay of Island township, the boat wiped more than 36 minutes off the 13-year old record held by the pink multihull Split Enz, achieving an average speed of 17.9 knots on the course.
Start of the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic. Image copyright Zoe Hawkins.
The 30m boat owned by New Zealander Neville Crichton, has already accumulated 142 line honours victories, and is visiting New Zealand for the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic.
Apart from a very early challenge put on by the 9m trimaran, Timberwolf, the supermaxi commanded a lead from very early on, taking advantage of the strong South West conditions to stretch her legs and power up the coast, reaching Flat Rock soon after 11am, about 15 minutes inside record time, and the Hen and Chicken Islands at around 1.30pm, 25 minutes inside record time. By the time they rounded Cape Brett the boat was an astonishing predicted 80 minutes ahead of the time she needed to set history.
HSBC Premier Coastal Classic race start. Supplied image.
She reached the last milestone, at approximately 3pm, passing inside the infamous ‘Hole in the Rock’, where she slowed down briefly, dropped from a Jib Top and Staysail down to a Jib, and two-sailed into the Bay doing speeds of around 12 knots.
Taeping was the next boat to Russell, fighting off X-Factor and pushing hard to have her own chance at beating the 1996 record, but finishing just outside the time to beat.
Conditions have been nearly perfect for the fleet of more than 200 boats, most of which will finish overnight, making way for the handicap winners to be determined.
Start of the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic. Image copyright Zoe Hawkins.
“Congratulations to the winners,” says John Barclay, Head of Personal Financial Services HSBC New Zealand. “This is a very difficult event, and the sailors have participated in a long and arduous race. To be able to succeed in the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic demonstrates great seamanship, courage and perseverance, so well done to all who took part this year.”
“My team and I have enjoyed the community spirit here in Russell and the chance to meet participants and supporters of the event.” says John Barclay, Head of Personal Financial Services HSBC New Zealand. “We are delighted to be able to bring the New Zealand yachting community together with this significant event - the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic.”
Just after the start of the 2009 HSBC Premier Coastal Classic race start. Supplied image.
The HSBC Premier Coastal Classic is the biggest coastal yacht race in New Zealand, and one of the biggest in the world. It started life 28 years ago as a drag race between Auckland and Russell for just a few boats, and over the years attracted a bigger and more diverse fleet, consisting of grand prix racers, America’s Cup boats, and small family cruisers.
Organised by the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club, it is a race designed for speed: except for at the beginning and the end of the race, there are few opportunities to use tactics to overtake, and success can often depend on getting a good tactical start.
Alfa Romeo and other competitors at the race start on the Waitemata, Auckland. Supplied image.
As well as welcoming back principal sponsor HSBC, the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic is supported by some of New Zealand’s pre-eminent marine companies: Orb, Jucy Rentals, Safety at Sea, Predictwind.com, Harken, Donaghys Southern Ocean, Southern Pacific Inflatables, Sail NZ, Mount Gay Rum, Steinlager, Sunday Star Times, Yamaha Motors NZ, De Walt, Dirty Dog and Trade a Boat.
Hundreds watched the start from Devonport Wharf, North Head, Orakei Wharf.
HSBC Premier Coastal Classic
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