Entries open for an evolved 39th PIC Coastal Classic

Arwen - PIC Coastal Classic 2019 - Start - Waitemata Harbour - October 25, 2019 © Richard Gladwell / Sail-World.com

With the iconic PIC Coastal Classic now four months away, the NZ Multihull Yacht Club has published the Notice of Race and opened entries for the 39th Labour-weekend sail from Auckland to Russell.

As NZ’s biggest coastal yacht race and one of the largest of its kind in the world, the PIC Coastal Classic marks the traditional opening of the kiwi boating season. The 2021 event will start on Friday 22nd October and includes a number of changes to ensure it remains a leader for coastal yacht racing and a fun long weekend celebration for the thousands of people involved.

“We’re kicking off this years’ event from a really good place,” says NZMYC Commodore Greer Houston. “With the commitment and support of PIC Insurance Brokers behind us for the next three years, we’ve been able to put time and resource into some exciting upgrades and plans to continually improve the event”.

“First and foremost, we’ve made a commitment to hosting a Clean Regatta” Greer continues. “We are increasingly mindful of our environmental impact and have plans in place to influence our community to do better for the Waitemata, the Bay of Islands, and the coastline from Auckland to Russell”.

Boat owners and crew that plan to participate in this years’ event will notice a few changes in the Notice of Race, including a change to the start time and sequence for some divisions, and modified divisional splits based on the size and speed of the boat sailed.

The Notice of Rally for boats sailing in the non-competitive 36° Brokers Cruising Rally has also been published. In this division, the number of hours where the yacht’s motor is permitted to be used has increased to five hours.

Organizers are making further announcements at the Starry Night Cocktail Gala, launching the 2021 race and raising funds for the Starship Foundation on July 30th at Eden Park. Anybody who has done the race will know the magic of sailing into Russell under the stars and celebrating through the next night at the legendary PIC Coastal Classic afterparty.

The Starry Night Cocktail Gala brings a piece of the afterparty atmosphere to friends and family in Auckland, including a special live band with thanks to PIC Insurance Brokers, who are also celebrating their 10th year as naming rights partner of the PIC Coastal Classic. A sailing-themed silent auction on the night will see 100% of proceeds given back to the Starship Foundation.

The Notice of Race, Notice of Rally, and link for entering online can be found on the PIC Coastal Classic website here.

For more information on the Race, Rally or Gala visit www.coastalclassic.co.nz