PredictWind Tracker and the Coastal Classic

PredictWind is pleased to announce real time coverage of the 2013 Coastal Classic. For the first time, tracking via the PredictWind Tracker is required on all yachts competing in the race, meaning viewers can follow the action in real time from their computer or mobile phone.

The Coastal Classic Yacht Race from Devonport Wharf to Russell Wharf in the Bay of Islands, is New Zealand's premier fleet yacht race and has been held annually at Labour weekend since 1982. This years race commences at 10am on Friday 24th October and it set to last between 7 and 24 hours depending on the yacht. For 2013 tracking for each boat is mandatory with the PredictWind Tracker. The NOR (Notice of Race) states that:

“12.0 PredictWind Tracker - For the safety of the event, and to allow spectators to view the race in real time competitors are requested to utilise the PredictWind Tracker App.”

Team Vodafone Sailing has a serious competitor for the race this year in the visiting Team Australia. The two extreme 60-ft catamarans are nearly identical and considered to be the fastest race boats in Australasia. The extreme trimarans Team Vodafone and Team Australia are expected to finish in between 7.5 and 8.5 hours. TeamVodafone has finished in less than six hours for the last two years, and holds the race record of five hours and 41 minutes, but due to the wind forecast it is unlikely they will get close to a record this year. Even an AC72, if one was entered, would finish the race just outside of record time, according to our routing models. “The conditions mean the battle for line and handicap honours are going to be fierce amongst a different set of boats than we’d see in a Southerly race,” says race spokesperson Matthew Flynn. “We wish everyone a safe journey and lots of fun.”

Use the PredictWind weather routing to plot the fastest route and see an estimated time of arrival for any boat. Just sign up for a free account at www.predictwind.com

More information and coverage of the Coastal Classic can be found at www.coastalclassic.co.nz