News TOP 420 CLASS TURNOUT AT SIR PETER BLAKE REGATTA

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TOP 420 CLASS TURNOUT AT SIR PETER BLAKE REGATTA

03
Dec 2018

Seventeen 420 teams took to the water to pay tribute to one of sailing's greatest legends, Sir Peter Blake, at the annual regatta named after New Zealand's and the world's sailing hero.

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2018 Sir Peter Blake Regatta
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Turnout across the fleets grows year on year as the Sir Peter Blake Regatta has become renowned the world over and attracted a massive following, making it one of the most biggest regattass in the world.

Saturday saw everyone confident that racing would be abandoned for the day with a forecast of 30-40 knots from the north east, however PRO Harold Bennett opted to wait, on the faint chance that the conditions would ease enough to get out on the three race courses.

“We aren’t giving up just yet,” said Bennett. “Let’s give it a couple of hours to be sure. In the mean time, there will be Starling, Optimist and Laser clinics as well as a photo studio set up on the beach.”

“Volvo Ocean Race sailor and Olympic Gold Medalist Blair Tuke is also here, and will be signing autographs and chatting with the sailors!” continued Bennett.

Sailors mingled and it was a great opportunity to catch up with old and young friends – a regatta is a reunion for sailing friendships! At 1200 hours the call was finally made to pack up and head home for the day.

The final day of the regatta, Sunday 2 December saw four races completed, kicking off at 0900 hours, in a 12-15 knots breeze from the north-north east flowing across the Hauraki Gulf.

In the 420 Class, the 17-boat fleet was packed with star names, including the 2018 420 World Champions Seb Menzies/Blake McGlashan (NZL) and this year's winners of the 420 Junior European Championship Cole Tapper/Tyler Creevey (AUS).

Menzies/McGlashan delivered a repeat of their 420 Worlds win, edging ahead in every race to claim every win, leaving the rest of the pack to chase from behind. Second to Tapper/Creevey who picked up four 2nd place finishes and third went to the team on 55150 after tie break.

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