Auckland Fiji Race - Expressions of Interest sought for 2023 race resumption
by Sail-World/RAYC 27 Jul 2022 17:32 NZST
Denerau just after sunset - Fiji - July 2022 © Richard Gladwell / Sail-World.com/nz
There have been a number of obstacles hindering offshore races over the last few years however with the worst now behind us (fingers crossed), it’s time to get back on the offshore bandwagon.
With that, the Royal Akarana Yacht Club is seeking expressions of interest for the the 2023 edition of the Auckland Fiji Yacht Race.
Planning is currently underway for the 1,100nm race to start at 1300 hours on Saturday 3rd June 2023, the annual Queens Birthday long weekend. While a few logistics still need to be put in place, RAYC is keen for an understanding of how many boats are keen to partake in the race.
“We are incredibly keen to get our offshore races back on the schedule after years of being locked away here in New Zealand. We were busy planning for Auckland Fiji 2020 but were forced to cancel due to COVID-19, but now, as we move past lockdowns and the world opens up, sending a fleet of racing yachts back to Fiji is a huge priority for our Sailing Committee,” said Commodore Jason Morgan.
Confirmation on the finishing destination will be known in a few weeks, with discussions underway with key stakeholders in Fiji.
“We know that more information is required for sailors to make a full commitment, but what we can confirm is that we are racing to Fiji on Saturday 3rd June 2023 and the weather in Fiji will be hot, humid and awesome. Please let us know if you’re interested by completing the expressions of interest form so we can keep in touch with progress,” continued Jason.
The Auckland Fiji Yacht Race is a Category 1 offshore race starting off Orakei right in front of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club’s brand new facility based at the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre.
A number of events will precede the start of race including offshore medics, advanced sea survival, weather modelling, and of course a massive party to celebrate the return of this iconic race.
S-W: Having just returned from a week and a bit at Denerau, Fiji - life has returned to near normal.
Its climate is a big contrast to New Zealand. Temperatures are in the high 20's and early 30's. The humidity is quite acceptable and non-existent in a bit of a breeze.
During the pandemic the resorts all ran with a bare minimum of staff, and are only just getting back up to speed. Most of the staff were laid off and had to return to their villages and lead a life of subsistence from agriculture and fishing. As one said "we learned how to share - swap fish for crops, or whatever you had most of."
That lesson in living the simple life seems to have remained post-pandemic.
To say the Fijian people are pleased to see visitors is a massive understatement. Nothing is too much trouble, everyone is super friendly, Fiji is a super destination for a break.
Unlike New Zealand there is a minimal overhang from COVID. Indeed, the virus is not mentioned. The only requirement is that you get tested under supervision within 72hrs of arrival.
The eateries are all opening, with high quality cuisine, sharp friendly service, and good value. No moaning about being understaffed, although it is not easy - they appreciate having a salary instead of subsistence. From what we could tell, and were told, there has been a lot of job swapping as the staff take the opportunity to work closer to their home/village.
Port Denerau was functional and full of boats. The usual day trips - diving and all watersports are back and running. The resorts were in varying stages of capacity, but are expected to be running at normal levels of patronage next year. The pandemic has provided the opportunity for some upgrade work to be done - we visited a different spot each night and they were all in excellent shape, with none of the staff shortages that seem to be endemic in New Zealand.
For those having to work while on holiday, or wanting an extended stay, the internet service seemed to be OK (on both Vodafone and 2degrees) - we could get speeds of over 100MBS on an unlimited NZ data plan.
Everything else seemed to work OK and the temperature was very conducive to sitting outside at night, with a cool drink in hand, and dressed in t-shirt and shorts.
Most pleasant was the escape from the woke NZ bureaucracy and the mainstream media's obsession with all things trivial.
Fiji has recovered from the pandemic much better than New Zealand, and is a fantastic antidote for all that has happened in the past three years.