This weekend sees Opua turn into a sailing hall of fame as all three of the first Elliott 5.9 trailer boats built are expected to race in the Elliott 5.9 Traveller Series Regatta, hosted by Opua Cruising Club.
Several national champions and award-winning yachtsmen will join in the action, including Northland Sailor of the Year Chris Hornell and Volvo Ocean Race winner Mike Sanderson.
The original three Elliott 5.9s - Zoot Allures, Brzo and Mod (renamed The Blurr) - were built in 1983, and are still strong competitors today. Zoot Allures, owned and raced by Dave Cochran and representing Onerahi Yacht Club, is a multiple national champion along with Brzo, now owned and raced by Gillian Williams and E5.9 class association president Nathan Williams.
The Blurr has been recently refurbished and is expected to be raced by a top crew from Auckland.
The notice of race, entry form and sailing instructions are available on the OCC website at www.opuacruisingclub.co.nz/e59.
