Big Money On Offer - 20th Lindauer Coastal Classic

Big Money On Offer For 20th Lindauer Coastal Classic

From small beginnings in 1982 the Lindauer Coastal Classic, just keeps growing.

The Auckland to Russell yacht race billed as "New Zealand's premier yacht race" is celebrating its 20th anniversary race this year on October 19th with increased prizemoney.

A record purse of $10,000 is on offer for the first monohull to break Greg Elliotts 1996 race record on Primo of 9hr:22:34 and a further $10,000 to the first multihull to break the record set by Split Enz in the same year, of 7hr:20:51.

There are also other significant prizes up for grabs, including $1,000 cash for line honours in each division from 1 - 7, spot prizes including return air tickets and accommodation in Noumea, a holiday in Rotorua and marine and sailing equipment.

The New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club is expecting a record entry of around 250 yachts on the start line. Interest is already high from both regular competitors and it seems thanks to the record purses an unusually large number of yachts from Australia, New Caledonia and the United States will take part.

This year the race will use a PHRF time-on-distance system of handicapping for the monohulls (i.e. seconds per mile).

Along with the NZMYC, Russell business's are striving to improve facilities for the yachties, the ever increasing number of supporters and families in Russell. This year the support is huge. New initiatives are being instituted - for example 'pie and panini' deliveries to finishing yachts.

Activities in Russell will be focussed around The Tavern at York Street which has come on board as a major participant for the 2001 race and will host the prizegiving providing entertainment for the Labour Weekend celebrations.

In honour of the 20th anniversary special prizes will go to every 20th boat to cross the finish line.

Last year fickle winds hampered the fleets progress. Line honours went to the Jim Farmer skippered Georgia which reached Russell at around 2am on the Saturday morning after leaving the Devonport Wharf start line at 10am on Friday morning.

Lindauer Coastal Classic 2001
Start Time; 10am Devonport Wharf
Date; Friday October 19th

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