Yachting: Quickfire regatta offers double value

The Rotorua Yacht Club's Spring Sprint Series, which features 10 races over a single weekend, will be held on October 15 and 16.

It's a dynamic form of racing which offers the equivalent of two regattas in two days, with all of the races run on a "quickfire" basis.

Organiser Keith Taylor, whose company Carson Taylor Ford is one of the major sponsors, says each race lasts about 20 minutes, with the first-placed yacht in each division triggering the 10-minute gun for the next race.

"This means yachties who have messed up one race can simply regroup and have a good go at the next one," he says. "It's demanding and challenging and, if it's windy, it's really tough on the body. However, because the sailors are getting such good start-line practice, it can really set up their whole season."

If five or more boats of the same class are entered, they will be raced as a separate class, otherwise boats of a similar size and type will race together.

Taylor says this means many sailors will be on a start line surrounded by different classes of boats, with different speeds and different options available to them.

"This gives those taking part a great deal of experience in a short space of time."

Taylor says the club has kept entry fees low to attract boat-owners from throughout the North Island.

Fully crewed boats are charged $60 to enter and singlehanded entries $40.

"There is also a barbecue dinner on Saturday night for only $15, including a drink, and we are planning to organise a television so we can watch the rugby games as well."

Those interested can email bikesnow@ihug.co.nz