Chance to race yacht maestro

Brad Butterworth. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Boaties will have their chance to beat one of the best in the business in an Auckland fundraising regatta that will see Alinghi skipper Brad Butterworth return to the city for charity next month.

The former Team NZ skipper, who now lives in the Middle East, will race his 15m classic yacht Rainbow against anyone brave enough to battle him on Friday, November 13, to raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Those not game enough to put their skipper skills to the test can still get in on the action, with spots available to race alongside the world-class yachtsman and his Chopper Cup crew up for grabs on the Trade Me auction website.

Michelle Boag, trustee for the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, said Butterworth wanted to show his support for the service because he was building a home on Waiheke Island and 40 per cent of the helicopter's missions went there.

Butterworth issued a rare statement to the Weekend Herald which revealed another reason for his support.

"I am looking forward to sailing Rainbow again on the Waitemata Harbour ... it's a great way for a bunch of keen yachties to have some fun while raising much-needed funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

"Yachties never know when we might need them, so it is great that we can give something back."

Hamish Ross, one of Rainbow's co-owners and Alinghi legal counsel, said Butterworth was coming home for a "very busy long weekend" and was also involved in a regatta in Wellington and other charity events.

Butterworth was delighted at the rare opportunity to race Rainbow but the team remained uncertain how they would go in the Chopper Cup.

"It all depends on the day," Mr Ross said. "In the right conditions we'll do particularly well and on the wrong day and the wrong conditions, we won't."

He said the boat was beautiful to sail on. "She can be a little bit damp at times but you're closer to the action."

Eighteen boats have already entered the race but anyone with a vessel who wants to join the regatta can do so at a cost of $200 per person.

The racing will be followed up with a charity auction.