Hawaiian shirts, ETNZ lookalike gear, or Retro Steinlager kit – crew outfits are one of 36° Brokers favourite parts of the PIC Coastal Classic's cruising rally division. After all, the rally is intended to provide a more ‘relaxed’ approach to the 119 nautical mile journey from Auckland to the Bay of Islands.
While the competitive race boats slug it out, changing sails and scouring the weather map for the best wind shifts, the rally fleet can enjoy up to 4 hours motoring, keep the fridges running, and pack their binoculars to watch the spectacle unfold around them.
The 36° Brokers cruising rally division encourages newcomers to the race, giving cruisers a chance to participate while also enjoying all the mod cons available on board their boats. Ideal for families or those who are looking for a 'softer' option, the rally is a perfect solution for your Labour day long weekend get-away on the boat.
“We’re thrilled to be sponsoring this division once more and we see it as a great way of bringing cruisers together and enjoying their boats. At the end of the day not all yachties are competitive sailors, so this gives cruisers a chance to enjoy their creature comforts while still taking part in this great event,” says 36° owner Conrad Gair.
Here’s a brief rundown of the Cruising Rally:
Rally starts prior to the race boats, 8am off Devonport Wharf
PHRF Handicap not required
4 hours motoring allowed
Spinnakers optional
Prizes for best dressed crew, and best moment captured in our photo contest.
Pre-event on 14 September at RNZYS in conjunction with event organisers.
Meet & Greet prior to prizegiving at Hones Beer Garden in Russell on 24 October.
This year we’re adding a pre-event to the mix, which will be hosted by PIC Coastal Classic organisers at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and give cruisers a chance to meet each other along with some of the racing crews on 14 September. Stay tuned for more details to come on this, and we would love to see you there whether you’ve entered, thinking about entering, or just wanting a bit more information.
So spread the word across your cruising friends and family, and get your entries in. Start brainstorming your crew uniform ideas and get ready for another cracker of an event!
For more information on the rally and to enter, please click here.
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