The 31st Coastal Classic was a thrilling ride for most sailors - amongst them was new record holders with full North racing inventory Elliott 35 Super Sport Crusader, and Orma 60 TeamVodafoneSailing.
The recently launched Crusader had a flying run, with the 120 mile Coastal Classic being her first long race. She broke the previously held 35ft record by a huge margin of two hours. Things are looking good for the new Elliott build, with the new set of North racing sails, designed by former Volvo sail designer for Groupama Gautier Sergent, proving a great success during the sprint up the coast. The dynamic range of headsails and gennakers gave the crew scope for numerous wind angles, and made their run to Russell that much more efficient. The owner Anthony Leighs is now aiming to do the Transpac next year - another test for the small boat with huge potential!
The 60ft trimaran Vodafone, skippered by Simon Hull, also shaved three minutes off their previous record. The crew had an extensive sail
wardrobe to choose from, and as the wind shifted there were plenty of
changes at the front to suit the changing conditions. They arrived in
Russell with ample daylight left, at 15:41:41.
It was a frantic start for the 167-strong fleet headed to Russell, with a 30knot wind squall and an incoming cargo ship creating a few challenges for some. As the breeze shifted further to the west, boats were forced onto a tight reach, and this is where much of the chaos happened through sail changes and broaches.
Of the current record holders, North Sails now dominates the field. Vodafone, Alfa Romeo, Crusader, Overload, and Frantic Drift have all carried North’s to set their records.
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