Press Release
November 15 2013

Historic Win In WineWorks Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Yacht Race

It was all sails and wine in Wellington yesterday as the annual WineWorks Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Yacht Race delivered the latest release of the region’s flagship wine to the capital.

Twenty-four yachts, each carrying one or two bottles of the 2013 vintage of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc had to first battle the Cook Strait before arriving in Wellington’s harbour early in the afternoon.

With perfect sailing conditions the yachts made good time, with the line honours win creating a bit of history of its own.

Wellington based yacht The Guarantee, skippered by Royal Port Nicholson’s Commodore Geoff Herd and carrying bottles of Lake Chalice and Auntsfield was the first to arrive in Wellington Harbour.

What makes the win so memorable is the skipper is the great grandson of David Herd, the man who planted the first grapes in Marlborough back in 1873. The original vineyard was disestablished back in the 1930s, but has recently been replanted by the Cowley Family who sell their wine under the Auntsfield label.

Handicap honours went to Waikawa yacht Imp Zap, skippered by Robb Grigg and carrying Torea Sauvignon Blanc.

While the yachts and sailors had battled the Strait, members of the public and trade had a less difficult task when the wines were released at Martin Bosley’s later in the afternoon. The 2013 Sauvignon Blancs were perfectly matched with gourmet canapés featuring seafood and prepared by the famous chef himself.

Wine Marlborough’s General Manager Marcus Pickens said the event was the perfect way to highlight the stunning 2013 vintage.

“Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is unique in terms of style and this way of releasing the latest vintage is equally unique,” he said. “We couldn’t have asked for a better day. The weather was stunning, the yachts sailed in perfect conditions and the tasting at Martin Bosley’s confirmed why Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is world renowned. We can’t wait for next year.”

The WineWorks Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Yacht Race is loosely based on the traditional Beaujolais Nouveau, where the first Beaujolais wines make their way from France to the UK. Into its 11th year, the race is organised by the Wine Marlborough and Waikawa Boating Club.

Results:

Line Honours: The Guarantee – skippered by Geoff Herd, carrying Auntsfield Sauvignon Blanc and Lake Chalice Sauvignon Blanc

Handicap Placing’s:
1st: Imp Zap – skippered by Robb Grigg - carrying Torea Sauvignon Blanc
2nd: Khamsin – skippered by Dave Kelway - carrying Ara Sauvignon Blanc
3: Oldsmobile – skippered by Aaron Blackmore - carrying Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc
4th: Sirrah – skippered by Gill Painter and carrying - Sileni Sauvignon Blanc

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