Spithill’s tactics get trimaran out of hole

Two- time America’s Cup winner Jimmy Spithill has had immediate success in his maiden Coastal Classic appearance, helping Frank Racing take line honours in Russell this afternoon.

Frank Racing crossed the finish line at 4.06pm, completing the 119 nautical mile race in just over six hours.

It was the seventh time in eight years the red and white sails of Simon Hull’s trimaran have taken out the race, but this time they faced one of their tightest races yet, with Frank Racing locking horns with Beau Geste for much of the sprint northwards.

Rounding Cape Brett the two boats were virtually neck and neck, until they sailed into a hole. With the wind pressure dropping to around four knots, it soon became clear Frank Racing’s race record of 5 hours, 13 minutes and 21 seconds would not be threatened, but it set up an intriguing tactical battle to the finish line.

With the highly competitive Spithill, the “token Australian” on board, serving as tactician on board Frank Racing were able to edge Gavin Brady’s Beau Geste crew over the final stages of the race.

The rest of the 150- strong fleet continue to trickle into Russell, with some of the smaller boats not expected to arrive until the early hours of this morning.

Earlier Spithill said the Coastal Classic was an event he’d wanted to do for some time.

“When Simon got in contact I jumped at the idea. It’s a beautiful piece of water on a great coastline which I’ve only flown over previously.

“There will be some watching and learning for me, but at times it can be good to bring someone in from outside to offer a different opinion.”

Before the start Spithill told the Herald he was unsure of his America’s Cup future but had fond memories of being in Auckland as part of the Young Australia team in 2000 and 2003.

There’s no guarantee he will be at the 2021 event, even with talk of a rejuvenated Australian syndicate in the offing.

“I’m not sure. I’m keeping my options open and have to think things through.

“There’s certainly some talk [ about an Australian syndicate]. We’ll just have to wait and see.

“I operate on the facts, and I don’t have any. Kiwis were fantastic looking after us as a young team back then [ in 2000 and 2003] but we’ll just have to see what the future holds.

“Regardless, I think New Zealand will host a great event. It’ll be like hosting the rugby World Cup — people are so passionate about it. You just have to look at the start line today with 150 boats ready for a short coastal race. New Zealanders love the water and their yachting.”