Sail-World New Zealand: January 27, 2013...

Sail-World New Zealand: January 27, 2013

Day 3 Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2013 Will Calver Ocean Photography NZL
Welcome to Sail-World.com's New Zealand newsletter for January 27, 2013

Plenty of local news in this edition, with several major championships underway over the three day Auckland Anniversary Weekend.

Plus, on Monday the Auckland Anniversary Regatta will be sailed, attracting an additional fleet of 500 boats to the 250 who have been competing in Auckland or National Championships this weekend, which will conclude on Monday.

Promise of conditions this weekend, maybe too strong for sailing, have not eventuated. The winds have been onshore and fresh for sure. But the high temperatures have helped reduced the density of the breeze, making for great sailing conditions.

Jesse Logan - 2013 Mahurangi Regatta Richard Gladwell

In this edition of Sail-World we have coverage of the Starlings, Paper Tigers and Optimist regattas, plus the Access Nationals which concluded today at Royal Akarana Yacht Club.

From Christchurch we have a report from the A-class catamaran Nationals, won in very convincing style by Blair Tuke, 2012 Olympic Silver medallist. Tuke was up against a very classy and experienced field, in the technically challenging single handed 18ft catamaran - and a win in his first A-class Nationals, is a very good effort indeed.

Brendan Toruelle sailing Access Liberty on Day one Suellen Hurling ©

On Saturday, we dove north for an hour to the Mahurangi Regatta, which was our first for a few years.

For sure it is an outstanding sailing event - with the Auckland Classic yacht fleet being seen at its best in the Mahurangi Harbour which has the ideal attributes, of affording shelter for the boats for the start and finish, while allowing them to get a modest bash to windward outside the harbour before making the return leg.

With the staggered start for the various classes, there is literally a parade of sail for several hours. While the sailing is serious, it is not too much, with everyone being there to enjoy themselves.

Jonquil - 2013 Mahurangi Regatta Richard Gladwell

The variation in designs and types of craft is fascinating. No matter where you look there is a talking point. maybe that is why so many newer boats, just anchor and watch..

The Mahurangi has a long historic connections with maritime history - having supplied several shipments of kauri spars for the Royal Navy back in the 1830's. Ironically it's the closest harbour to America's Cup Defender, Oracle Team USA's building facility at Core Builders Composites, located at Warkworth, at the head of the harbour.

In this edition we have three galleries of images from this iconic regatta.

Prize (port) and Ngatira - 2013 Mahurangi Regatta Richard Gladwell

Bay of Islands Sailing Week has concluded for another year. This event just seems to get better and better with each passing year. While the winds were light for the first two days, the competitors got a dusting on the final day. Catch the latest report, video and images in this edition of Sail-World.com's newsletter

Day 3 Bay of Islands Sailing week 2013 Will Calver Ocean Photography NZL

In France, the winner of the Vendee Globe Race a single handed, non stop circumnavigation is expected to cross the finish line about 1300hrs local time. As we write, Francois Gabart (Macif) is just 19nm from the finish line and will finish in just over 78 days - which is a remarkable time. Second will be Armel Le Cleac in Banque Populaire - 80nm from the leader.

In third place will be Alex Thompson (GBR) will be third, and after the euphoria of the finish has died away, all eyes will be on Jean-Pierre Dick (FRA), currently in fourth place, as he attempts to make the finish line without a canting keel, and having only water ballast to maintain stability.

Bowman, Day 3 Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2013 Will Calver Ocean Photography NZL

Follow this story as it unfolds on our website www.sail-world.com.

ENDS

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