After about a week back in New Zealand following my return from Fiji, we set sail in one of the most prestigious south pacific races, the PIC Coastal Classic race from Auckland to Russell in the Bay of Islands. This is a 119NM (straight line) race in which many top line racing machines compete in. We entered Thistle into this race and what you are about to watch is some of the action that took place on this grueling upwind overnight race.