HSBC Premier Coastal Classic - two days to go
'Start 2007 Coastal Classic'
Richard Gladwell Click Here to view large photo
FORM GUIDE - who’s who and who’s hotMost stories about the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic start by listing the glamorous record-setting, big budget favourites first. This one is going to talk about them last. Read all about it on our website’s pressroom - www.coastalclassic.co.nzNEW VENUE FOR RACE BRIEFING - Royal New Zealand Yacht SquadronThe official briefing - at 7pm Thursday 23 October, at the NZMYC’s new home in the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, is an opportunity to hear the official race forecast first hand, to collect your Skipper’s Pack, and have a drink with other skippers. Skipper's packs available from 5pm.NOTICE TO MARINERS - new cardinal buoy at Whale RockThe Harbourmaster’s Office have asked us to advise that there is now a new North Cardinal Buoy positioned approx 50 metres north of Whale Rock in position 35 11.36S 174 12.00E.The buoy is yellow and black, with a quick flash white light. A north Cardinal means safe water is to the north of the buoy. WEATHER- the latest from Bob McDavittYou can see the latest Metservice forecast chart for the race start on www.metservice.co.nz/default/index.php?alias=farmrainoutlookRACEWATCH ONLINE - Tell your family and friendsOver race weekend many thousands of viewers go to our race website to see what’s happening out on the course, with photos and commentary posted throughout the race.Please give us a hand by sending phone, txt, pxt or email updates to us so that we can post them on www.coastalclassic.co.nz throughout the weekend. Contact Zoe on 021 273 5070, or email your updates zoe@wildemedia.co.nz. ENTRANT PROFILE - Josh Tucker, Crew Boss, SportivoProbably one of the best known faces at Westhaven Marina, Josh Tucker is a young man with 75,000 ocean racing miles under his belt and a life rich in blue water stories. Raised aboard a boat - his parents opted to turn their 50 foot gaff rigged ketch into a floating schoolroom as they cruised New Zealand and the Pacific for eight years - it’s only natural that Josh should opt for a career on the sea. When it comes to sailing he’s been there and done that - including three Sydney Hobarts, the Transatlantic, the Fastnet, the Transpac and the Cape Town to Rio Race, even being aboard the Open 60 ‘Hugo Boss’ when it dismasted in the middle of the Southern ocean. Usually October is packed full of international racing, in Vietnam, Thailand and the Middle Sea, but this year Josh became father to a baby boy and so he’s staying closer to home. The international circuit’s loss is our gain, and Josh will be racing as crew boss aboard one of the 50 foot favourites, Sportivo. Sportivo is a fifty footer with the works: a lifting canting keel, a rotating wing mast, a tacking canard, and high-tech sails. Launched in 2006, she has spent last season undergoing some modifications and racing with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron as training for the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic, and to test the modifications. Josh’s role involves managing the crew of 12. From making sure the boat is carrying the right sails, to organising accommodation and transport home from the Bay of Islands. While racing he’ll be trimming the mainsheet - one of the most important jobs as far as maintaining boat speed - and calling manoeuvres. At times he will drive the boat. His key role as crew boss is communication, and synchronised team work is essential, especially when the pressure is on. Other members of the team include Richard Bicknell, Chris Maddock, Jamie Logan and Nick Bastow. “It’s a really good team," says Josh, who earlier this year was one of the stand out performers in the two handed Round North Island Race, considered the toughest yacht race in New Zealand, and also became SR26 National Champion aboard his own boat, ‘Jagged Edge’, while taking out line and handicap honours in the gruelling B&G SIMRAD Triple Two-Handed Series. LIGHT UPThe Marine Safety Authority have asked us to remind you that displaying the correct navigation lights at night is not an optional extra for race boats: it’s mandatory under law. Please make sure your nav lights are correctly set up, switched on, and that you have enough battery power to get you through the night. Failure to do so is not only unsafe, but against the racing rules of sailing and can be protested.SAFETY INSPECTIONSPlease be aware that 1 boat out of every 10 boats crossing the finish line in Russell will be subject to a random check of the safety equipment required for a Category Three Safety Certificate. Failing this safety inspection will result in disqualification from the race. So when you are loading the boat make sure you have everything you need for Cat 3 on board.WATER TAXI SERVICEThe Water Taxis will be operating again this year in Russell, from 6pm Friday to 12noon Sunday 26th October. $10 buys you a wrist band which can be used as many times as you need it during the HSBC Premier Coastal Classic, to get you from your boat to the Russell Wharf and back again. The wristbands will be available for sale at the Skipper's Briefing in Auckland. To save hassle when you get to Russell, we recommend that you purchase wrist bands for yourself and your crew at the Briefing.OFFICIAL GEAR FROM LINE7Line7 have come up with some great looking gear for the 2008 HSBC Premier Coastal Classic. You can find it herewww.line7.com/Licensed/Coastal_Classic/Official_Clothing.htm | THE GREAT RACE NORTHTHE DATEFriday 24 October 2008 119nm from Devonport Wharf to Russell Wharf | THE AUTHORITY
Up to 300 of our greatest race yachts
7h20.51 set by Split Enz in 1996MONOHULL RECORD
8h29.50 set by Konica Minolta in 2005
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