COPPELIA

DesignFarr 38
Length 11.6
Draft 1.96m
Displacement 5500kg
Features / ModificationsOriginal Mast, Original Keel. Fairly makeshift bowsprit. Nice electric toilet.

Nice electronics and Expedition software!

Yacht StrengthsPerseverance, longevity, original gelcoat.
Yacht History1998 Auckland to Denerau. Won 1999 Auckland to Dennarau race, PHRF

1999 RNI

4th overall Round North Island 2011 and 2014

3rd Round New Zealand 2012, PHRF

Various coastal races

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ROB CROFT

NameRob Croft
AgeFlexible
FromNorthcote
Work Rigger
Yacht ClubSSANZ
Why do you want to do the RNZI would like to see the Southern Alps from the sea again. I like mountains with snow. Stewart Island is more interesting than you expect as well.
What are the biggest races you’ve competed inDid a few Etchell races way back when Dennis Connor and John Bertrand used to sail, some things I  remember.
How did you get into sailingThrough the father of friend at school who raced a Townson 32 when they had a class start with the RNZYS! I thought the squadron weekends were just IT.
Sailing backgroundOther peoples yachts in Auckland, some Etchells,

My old Coppelia

How long have you 2 sailed together / how did you meet / what races have you done together in the pastAges/ Sailing/ lots
Funny storiesChris Skinner ? I was really tired.
Scariest yachting moment 
What is your offshore viceSundowners at sunrise ?
What do you hope to get out of doing the RNZ Memories.
What inside tips do you have for others wanting to compete in 2 handed racing at this levelTalk your GP or someone else you trust ! If no one can help… Sail a lot. Don’t give up. Prepare hard. Be safe. Sail more, then do it.
What’s your team mottoWe are finishing.
Biggest yachting achievement 2012 RNZ
FamilyMum and 3 sisters, nieces and nephews.
When you cross the finish line, what will you be most hanging out for?Sleep
Any other information you can think is relevant / funny / inspiring / etc It cracks me up that were doing it in my old boat again. It’s a joke. Sure I could imagine something newer and faster, but I don’t have that at the moment so we’re doing it anyway.

SALLY GARRETT

NameSally Garrett
Age 42
FromDevonport
Work Environmental Scientist
Yacht Club Royal Akarana / Devonport
Why do you want to do the RNZReally enjoyed some of it last time, want to enjoy more of it this time.
What are the biggest races you’ve competed inBiggest in terms of numbers of the start line the 2009 Australian FF nationals – 147 boats on the start line
How did you get into sailingI was born into it – went away in the boat at 5 months old.
Sailing backgroundStarted to race at Wakatere BC in Starling and Sunbursts.

2 years at RNZYS youth scheme.

2 years World Match racing tour and other keelboat adventures.

Brief foray into 470 sailing.

Raced 2005 Flying Fifteen Worlds in Auckland and have raced them ever since. 25th at the last worlds, 1st female helm.

How long have you 2 sailed together / how did you meet / what races have you done together in the pastSince 2009. Rob was my stand-in crew on Nick White’s Young 88 Nijinsky for the SSANZ. We have done 2 x RNI, 1 x RNZ, 9 Coastal Classics together, and lots of other adventures.
Funny storiesNot really we are pretty serious partnership.
Scariest yachting momentThere hasn’t really been any truly scary moments do far, touch wood there won’t be. Being the safety officer for offshore races and talking to people it trouble is pretty scary to me.
What is your offshore ViceMy high density foam seat that I sit on to steer.
What do you hope to get out of doing the RNZ4 weeks of freedom from work!
What inside tips do you have for others wanting to compete in 2 handed racing at this levelGet a psychologist – honestly it is a brain game so get someone to train your brain.
What’s your team mottoIt doesn’t get easier you just get faster.
Biggest yachting achievementFinishing the 2012 RNZ.
FamilyI have the lovely Neil.  
When you cross the finish line, what will you be most hanging out for?Fresh water.