Bianca Cook enters her NZ Ocean Racing 65 (ex Volvo) in the Farmer Autovillage Auckland to Tauranga Centennial Yacht Race for March 2021

Bianca writes  –  “Our goal is to reignite New Zealand’s passion for Ocean Racing by creating a pathway for future generations of young sailors who have the ambition to race offshore. Our focus is on developing diverse grass root talent, by providing opportunities for sailors to compete in local racing with the ultimate goal of competing in The Ocean Race.”

Upon arriving in Tauranga, the New Zealand Ocean Racing team, generously invite young sailors to hop on board and see what life is really like living and racing on board these Volvo 65’s at sea. If conditions are right, a potential sail on the Sunday 28^th March, whilst the boat is in port will take place?  Check out Bianca’s remarkable sailing achievements on her website.

The Volvo 65 boat has raced in two Volvo Ocean Races and since hitting the water in September 2020 has taken part in local offshore races. The Auckland to Tauranga race is the perfect opportunity to stretch our legs a little further and will be a great training opportunity for the younger sailors. We are extremely honoured to have incredible offshore sailors here in New Zealand such as Daryl Wislang on board who will helm this race.

If weather conditions are fresh enough, she definitely could easily. Check out Bianca’s remarkable sailing story on her website www.nzoceanracing.com

Ian Cook, Bianca’s Dad, in keeping with the Centennial achievement of the TYPBC, will be racing the mighty champion of yesteryear, “Ranger”, down as well. Ranger was the line honours winner and was 3^rd on hcp in the Auckland to Tauranga Yacht Race in 1939. The original owners the Tercel Bros, were on board that day. It will be a big welcome back to Tauranga for Ranger.

If you are thinking about entering, get a wriggle on and enter in time to be in the draw for the early bird prize. Obtain your Cat 3 safety Cert, your PHRF or Multihull Hcp. Get your $5million min of 3^rd party insurance sorted if you intend to be in a Marina. Get your crew organised.

Andrew Hall from Sail IQ, a very keen sailor in his own right, is promoting the Short Handed and Single Handed Divisions of the race. To all of you that are keen in either of these divisions, please get in touch with him and get enthused. 0221 592 492 andrewh@sailiq.co.nz

Tony Arnold of the Bridge Marina, Mt Maunganui, is very generously offering sponsorship of a rent free berth for yachts and launches entered in the Farmer Autovillage Centennial Yacht Race or Rally for up to a week following the race. There will be a water and power charge of $8 per head per day to a maximum of $16 per boat per day. If no people stay on board, there will be no charge at all for that week. Contact Tony on 0274 923 334 tony@marina.co.nz or his assistants Anna or Julie on 07 575 8264 for a booking. A Farmer Autovillage courtesy van will be available to take sailors to the TYPBC over the harbour bridge and back over the weekend of the race.

Sulphur Point Marina will also be available but a normal charge of $30 per day will apply. Contact Marina Manager Greg Prescott on 021 382 223 manager@taurangamarina.co.nz or assistant Gill on 07 5788 747 for a berth booking.

Great News. The world famous Ponsonby meat pies are back. One free hot Ponsonby Pie per Sailor entered in the race will be available upon arrival at the TYPBC. Many thanks to Gourmet Foods Ltd for their generosity.  Add in a wee drop of Rum, some hot cross buns and a big welcome from the local members and you will all feel right at home.

The Sailing Instructions will be out in about a week. Keep an eye on the TYPBC website www.yacht.org.nz  There are some interesting historical articles being added to the site under the Farmer Autovillage Auckland to Tauranga NOR so check it out. There are only 5 weeks to go.

It is unfortunate that this historic coastal race will clash with the Auckland Regatta planned for the same weekend, 26,27,28^th March, 2021, but for those Owners and Skippers of Yachts and their crews who are looking for a coastal race that is totally challenging and rewarding, with an outstanding destination, then plan ahead, enthuse the crew, have your family stay over and enjoy the Jazz Festival, and together prepare to party and have a good time in Tauranga.

For further details, please contact the TYPBC website; www.yacht.org.nz  or

Club Manager, Lynne Whitaker   office@yacht.org.nz    07 578 5512  or

Race organiser, Roger Rushton    r.rushton@xtra.co.nz   0274 714 715.