With interest building in the Barton Marine offshore championship series, and the Cook Strait Classic in particular, the Sailing Committee agreed to run the race with a section for Cat 4 modified yachts. The modifications bought the yachts close to Cat 3, with a weather restriction should the forecast not be suitable.
That modification led to 10 boats entering, but ZigZag Fullstop had to withdraw due to technical issues with their new mainsail. Laissez Faire, a regular offshore boat, opted to start the family cruise on the same day but with Golden Bay their ultimate destination. Joining the offshore fleet for the first time were Zimmerframe Racing II, 88% Proof, Cantilena and Blue Jacaranda.
At the briefing we covered a lot of extra details for safety and getting through Tory Channel entrance to help the newer yachts with the race. There were safety inspections undertaken to make sure everyone was ready to go.
Saturday morning bought a light northerly for the start and 9 boats were on their way racing to the Sounds. Some boats had to tack to get past Halswell light and some managed to slip through. Then it was kites up for the slide out of the harbour. This proved to be a slow exit, with boats working hard to keep as much pace on as possible. Gucci was being slippery and Masterpiece was holding a good position, not letting anyone away. Sliver and Zimmerframe were pushing to keep in touch with Gucci, with 88% Proof, Cantilena, Blue Jacaranda and Pork Chop at the back of the fleet.
The Guarantee was first to Barretts Reef buoy as they changed from the masthead kite to the fractional zero. They started to open up on Gucci, who held the kite with the pole forward to keep in touch. Masterpiece was holding on as well, while Sliver went for a gennaker and worked closer to the coast.
As the boats got close to Sinclair Head the extras came off and it was back to two sail reaching. The rip was very tame and the wind factory not too gusty, with the breeze building to 12-15 knots on the beam. Most boats had good power, but not enough for the planing boats to get up and pull away. Masterpiece was coming into her own with waterline length and good power. Closer to Tory Channel the wind freed a little so it was back to kites and zeros for a few miles but it all changed again at Perano Head. From there to the finish it was the usual gusty Sounds conditions, keeping the trimmers busy.
Once through the entrance, The Guarantee opted for the code zero again and Masterpiece was chasing hard, having closed the gap considerably across the Strait but they ran out of runway to take the lead. The Guarantee crossed the finish line in a time of 4 hours, 48 minutes and Masterpiece less than 2 minutes behind them. Next came a rush of boats that were competitive against each other all the way to the finish. Gucci, Sliver and Zimmerframe pushed each other across the Strait, with Blue Jacaranda and 88% Proof just a little further back. Cantilena and Porkchop missed the tide unfortunately and they struggled to the finish as it turned to go against them.
After the finish boats made their way to Ngaruru Bay for the traditional post-race raft-up., with the exception of Blue Jacaranda who had motor issues and made their way through to Waikawa. An afternoon of stories and debriefs with great company ensued, until the rain set in and most snuck away to get an early night for an early start to get the tide the next morning.
All in all, it was a quick race, with a great fleet in ideal conditions. A great introduction for the newbies to offshore racing at Port Nic, with a blow on the delivery home for those that came back later on Sunday!