COMMODORE’S WELCOME

Welcome to the 2011 NZMYC Coastal Classic. This is the 30th year in a row the NZMYC has run it. I did the first one with my father two handed on a little 24 ft trimaran Gulf Chariot 30 years ago, it was on the nose all the way, but we made it. I am thrilled its remained the classic race to sail over labour weekend, and enjoyed such success as an event for the Club. For a number of years the Club has enjoyed the support of HSBC Premier as sponsor, and their involvement was really appreciated by all of us. Sponsors are harder to come by in the present climate so this year the Club will run the event itself. It does however continue to retain excellent support from its longstanding divisional sponsors for which the Club is very grateful and a huge thanks to them.

This year the Race is over the same weekend as the final of the Rugby World Club. We realise many people will want to watch the final. We have changed the format slightly to ensure that boats will be able to reach a destination on Sunday ( weather permitting) to view the game which has a 2130 kick off. The race will therefore start on Friday morning as usual, and finish latest Saturday afternoon but we will move straight into the prize-giving and Coastal Classic party at the Duke of Marlborough on the Saturday evening. This will give you the chance to leave Russell early on Sunday morning to get back to Auckland, Kawau or one of the good anchorages on the coast where viewing of the final will be a very attractive option. Of course simply staying in Russell for Sunday and watching it in the Bay sounds like a pretty good option as well.

Many of you have raced many times in this race and we welcome you back as always. We also welcome those boats who have decided for the first time to race, and we have no doubt you will thoroughly enjoy the weekend away. Remember safety is the most important aspect of this race, it’s a challenging course in exposed coastal waters. Boats and their crews must be properly prepared.

Matthew Flynn
Commodore
New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club