Watch out Auckland, Blackout is coming home! But don’t worry, it’s only visiting.

The 9.1m Murray Ross-designed performance keelboat lived here nearly 20 years ago when it was known for being ahead of its time—fast when upright, and a very competitive Division C PIC Coastal Classic racer.

Since then, the boat has lived in Nelson, returned to Auckland briefly, and then headed north to the Bay of Islands, where it is now owned by Kevin Peet and sailed by an all-Northland crew.

It will be delivered from its berth in Opua down to Auckland for the race a few days before the event, and then race home in the 119 nautical mile PIC Coastal Classic.

Kevin, who works for Opua-based NZ Yacht Services, is joined onboard by yachtbroker Robbs Hielkema, marine writer Hana Hielkema, boatbuilder Nathan Bagosi-Cave, dive instructor Jaz Ngaro, and rigger Ollie Sparks.

Because they love tight racing, the crew are looking forward to racing other boats similar to Blackout: the Ross 30 Physical Favours, and the performance racers in a similar size class. They are also looking forward to the party at the end—and the luxury of finishing in their home port, with the ability to relax because the hard work is done.

Follow Blackout, Physical Favours, and the fleet on the PredictWind trackers on race day: www.coastalclassic.co.nz

Photos / Andy Childs