Register now for the OKI 24 Hour Race

MEDIA RELEASE

5 March 2007

Register now for the OKI 24 Hour Race

Keen yachties are being urged to get their entries in for one of New Zealand’s most unique yachting events – the OKI 24 Hour Race, at Lake Pupuke on 17-18 March 2007.

Run by the Murrays Bay Sailing Club (MBSC), the OKI 24 Hour Race requires competing teams to sail non-stop in rotating shifts for a period of 24 hours in laser class boats.

Murrays Bay Sailing Club Vice Commodore, Owen Rutter, said the event is open to anyone and is split into four competitor groups – Open Class, Youth (under 19) , Women’s and Masters (over 35 years).

“There are 40 crews that enter the OKI 24 Hour Race comprising two competitors per boat, with the exception of the Masters and Women’s divisions where they can have three team members.

“While it’s a serious endurance event not intended for the faint hearted, there are some great prizes and a lot of fun to be had,” Owen said.

The Race gets underway with competitors running down the banks of Lake Pupuke in a Le Mans style start and then jumping into their boats. Each team member can sail for a maximum of three hours before resting for a minimum one hour.

“Crew members embark and disembark from a pontoon on the lake, and the winning team is the one that completes the most number of laps within the 24-hour period.”

Owen said that funds raised from the event, which has been running since the 1960s, are used by the Murray’s Bay Sailing Club for youth coaching.

“The Race is for a great cause and we have had excellent support from sponsors this year,” Owen said.

“Teams wishing to enter the race will be aligned with a sponsor on a special ballot night held the week before the race. Competitors must provide their own boat which is then sponsored by a business.”

Owen said race day is also likely to feature some local stars and famous sailors, who will crew a ‘24-Hour Legends’ boat.

“In the past the ‘24-Hour Legends’ boat has been crewed by past winners of the Race, sailors including America’s Cup competitor Dean Barker, and young Murray’s Bay Sailing Club P Class and Starling sailors.

“It’s always been a fantastic event and we look forward to another great race this year.”

Teams wanting to register for the OKI 24 Hour Race should contact Owen Rutter on 021 720 007.

ENDS

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