Round three of the Burnsco Elliott 5.9 Traveller Series takes place in Whitianga on 1-2 August, with the fleet racing on Mercury Bay over two days.
The Elliott 5.9 is a three-person trailer yacht, and the class’s mobility is central to how the Traveller Series operates. Crews tow their boats between venues rather than being based permanently at one club, giving the series access to strong sailing locations around the country. Whitianga, with its sheltered water and consistent breezes, is one of those locations.
Revelry leads the overall standings after two regattas, with results that have held up across a range of conditions. Three regattas remain on the calendar after Whitianga, so the series is far from decided.
The battle for second overall is close. Bloodline, Zoot Allures, Reggae Shark and Dirty Circus are separated by three points, with all four still in a position to finish at or near the top of the fleet by season’s end.
Shapeshifter missed the series opener but won round two. Under the Traveller Series points system, a single missed regatta doesn’t carry a heavy penalty, so a strong result in Whitianga would put the crew back into overall contention.
Slam Dunk’s results in the opening rounds have been below their usual standard. Whitianga’s course format and tactical demands suit an experienced crew, and the venue offers an opportunity to turn their series around.
Racing will be sailed as short-course windward-leeward, with tight margins across the fleet meaning results in Whitianga are likely to have a direct bearing on the standings for the remainder of the season. Racing starts Saturday morning, 1 August. Sailing instructions and regatta information, including details of the social programme at the new Buffalo Beach Front Club on Whitianga’s foreshore, are available on the class website.
