The 5h 13m time was a pleasant surprise to us all, as the conditions remained better than forecast, as the pressure stayed until the finish.

Earlier in the week it had looked like it would be a drifter, with light conditions expected. The prognosis improved all week and by race start looked ok for a reasonable trip, but with a lightning breeze as we got north forecast, we never expected a record time to be on.

4 hours to Cape Brett was a great ride, and it was here that made the real difference over previous rides. With our track even wider than we have taken before and the notorious Cape Brett “hole” almost nonexistent we kept moving well, and beat into the Bay in just over an hour to take 28 minutes of our previous best time.

One of the crew who is a speed kiter and recorded our race on his ISAF approved GPS, showed some great squirts.

Top Speed: 36knts
Fastest Mile (average): 33knts
Best Hour (average): 30knts

Despite a couple of moments when we “stuck it in” across Bream Bay and quick glances at the new rig every time there was a bang or creak, the boat went brilliantly.

With almost two hours to the next boat, as the lead draggers battled it out for their line, we were well ensconced at the Duke with brew in hand to watch Beau Geste and Giacomo come in.

We must also mention a great effort by Dave Robertson on the foiling kite board, coming in front of the big maxi’s, and only a couple hours behind us.

Thanks to NZMYC for organizing another great race and the wind, a nice surprise. Thanks also to vodafone nz, Fineline Marine and our team of sponsors who keep us on the water.

Team vodafone sailing.