Auckland to Fiji Update

by Jodie Bakewell-White

17 yachts will set sail this month from Auckland bound for Fiji in New Zealand’s annual offshore race to the Islands. This year RAYC is staging the event and information and updates will be on their website.

At least two will get the jump on the main fleet with the start of the Corinthian division designed so entering cruising yachts arrive in Fiji at a similar time to the racers. The race starts for Corinthian entries one week from now on Wednesday May 19th with 14 yachts entered in the Premier division will start on Saturday 22nd.

As usual there’s a list of line honours contenders rather than one sure bet to be first home to Denerau, Fiji.

O Canada and Wired will likely look stronger in reaching or on the wind conditions, while Ran Tan II and Bare Essentials could be classed as down-wind favourites.

A handful of 40 footers will battle it out on the water with the entry list featuring Pretty Boy Floyd, Revs and Bullrush. Just in the water General Lee are ready to test themselves in the first offshore race for the 36 footer.

One short-handed entry is among the fleet with race regular Bretton Holland once again solo-sailing his yacht Skiddy II to Fiji.

Australian yacht Farrago II [Farr 11.6] is yet to decide whether they will start with the Corinthian or the Premier fleet.

Royal Akarana Yacht Club
Yachting New Zealand