Who would have thought we’d see less than 20 boats make the finish, and an intrepid fleet of the same size slogging it out until the bitter end at 3pm Saturday?

It’s 2020’s favourite expression: unprecedented, and a test of the fine print in the Sailing Instructions that nobody has paid much attention to, until now. For those who continued racing until 3pm, you “will be eligible for separate prizes which may be awarded if finishing in this manner”.

We know some of you are feeling the prizegiving didn’t acknowledge the efforts that the on-water finishers put in, and we agree. We will be honouring the clause above and rest assured that since Saturday, we have been pivoting (the other favourite 2020 word) to create a solution to reward you for your hard work. Stay tuned, we will announce how, when and where shortly.

The NZMYC committee, organizers of the PIC Coastal Classic, have only admiration for the perseverance shown on the water in all divisions. The race saw a true display of sportsmanship and commitment to the race from those who finished in Russell, finished on the water, or decided to retire early only because they knew they couldn’t make it in time.   

To every weekend warrior who put months of preparation into this important event on NZ’s sailing calendar, you are the lifeblood of the PIC Coastal Classic. We are impressed at how many of you turned up for the prizegiving and danced until closing time at the afterparty. You are an inspiring lot, and we reckon if it weren’t for the light winds, this would have been our best race yet.

Thanks for your continued support of the race, and we hope to have you back in 2021!

- Greer Houston, New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club Commodore