The aim will be to achieve three very different races over the three days. However, weather and water conditions will of course play a large part in determining whether this is possible.
Based on what has happened before at previous events, here are some of the options we may choose from.
Flat Water/Mixed Conditions Racing
Kerikeri Inlet, starting/finishing from Stone Store and racing up the inlet
Kerikeri Inlet, short course multi-lap races in front of the Stone Store. (Yes, we hear the groans – but it makes for fabulous spectator sport, and it’s great having a venue with a fantastic bar and restaurant right there!)
Waitangi Inlet, up/to Haruru Falls – always a fun one!
Lake Manuwai – just a few km from Kerikeri, incredibly scenic, and offering the potential to do something very different to the usual racing formats. More on anon…!
Downwinders
In E-W or W-E Winds: the Opito Bay to/from Stone Store route, as raced in 2018 (in 45knot winds!)
In NW/SE winds: Waitangi – Opua. This isn’t the longest course but often sees some pretty sizeable swells rolling in making for some awesome runs.
Technical Racing
Matauri Bay – site of the Technical Race in 2017
Ti Beach, Waitangi, if there is any sort of NE swell running.