Countdown is on for the RPNYC 2022 Central Triangle Race

Distraction and High Voltage in the 2020 RNI © Deb Williams

The third edition of the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club (RPNYC) Central Triangle is being run as a combined fully-crewed and two-handed event. The approximately 730nm race starts from Wellington on Friday March 4 when boats head south on the 190 nm leg to Akaroa.

After a short stopover and a chance to experience the fabulous local hospitality, boats head north on the longest leg (350 nm) to Napier. With an opportunity to visit the local wineries, complete some repairs or rest up, the boats then complete the triangle with the return 200 nm leg to Wellington.

Boats have entered from Nelson, Waikawa, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. Unfortunately, the international entry Poulpito (Sydney 38) from New Caledonia couldn't make it to New Zealand in time, despite receiving a Covid exemption and working hard with the committee to comply with all other entry requirements.

Wasabi (Sayer 12) and Satellite Spy (Ross 40) will battle it out in the fully crewed division, while an experienced fleet of 6 boats will take up the two-handed challenge. In particular, Distraction (Farr 1020), Arbitare (Farr 38), Am Meer (Bavaria 38), The Guarantee (Ross 1066) and High Voltage (Elliott 1050) all completed the 2020 SSANZ RNI race and are back 2 years later to race closer to home. Rounding out the two-handed fleet is Kokomea (Beneteau 40.7) from Nelson, making this a competitive fleet of 35 - 40 footers.

Armchair sailors can also join in, as Sailonline.org are running a virtual race with Sunfast 3600s at the same time as the real-life event.

Boats will be carrying YB trackers and posting updates to the event website so we can all follow along.

For more information visit centraltriangle.org.nz and www.facebook.com/rpnyc.org.nz.