TITANIUM
| Design | Steve Thompson |
| Length | 11.58m |
| Draft | 2.8m |
| Displacement | 4.1t |
| Features / Modifications | Carbon rig, retracting prod (to be locked for RNZ), square top main |
| Yacht Strengths | Medium Airs up wind/ downwind |
| Yacht History | Boat was built 2006, & was in Aussie – Queensland to Tasmania. Came to NZ approx 2013, I have only recent purchased June 2018 so a big learning curve to get the best out of it |
SHANE BELLINGHAM
| Name | Shane Bellingham |
| Age | 40 |
| From | NZ – Kerikeri/Auckland |
| Work | Reinforcing Supply & Placement manager |
| Yacht Club | RNZYS |
| Why do you want to do the RNZ | Have always enjoyed doing the two handed stuff, 1st SSANZ two handed racing would have been started with dad back 1995-98 on Thunder (Berroca 230’s?), then bit of a gap to 2009 where I have competed regularly since in the SSANZ triple series on my muilti-hulls Attitude & Charleston. However have wanted to do some longer racing so brought a keelboat with the ambition doing these longer races in mind. |
| What are the biggest races you’ve competed in | Local club racing inshore & coastal racing. |
| How did you get into sailing | Brought up sailing. |
| Sailing background | Family spent 2 years offshore cruising the Pacific on a 45 foot yacht Waikiwi 85-87, came back & carried on sailing centreboards at Kerikeri – Flying Ants initially. Did Optis, P’s Northland Tanner Cup Rep, Starlings match race, rep lasers, laser 2’s, 12 Foot Skiffs, Keelboat Thunder 95-98, Multi-hulls Attitude & Charleston last 8 years. |
| How long have you 2 sailed together / how did you meet / what races have you done together in the past | Initially met Chris through the 12ftrs, last sailed with him, before deciding to do the RNZ, on Attitude for the 2009 Tauranga race where we set the record for small multis which still stands. Looking forward to sailing with Chris for this race with the enthusiasm & experience he brings to the team. |
| Funny stories | About anything |
| Scariest yachting moment | Had a scary almost tip over moment doing a delivery trip to Fiji on a multi a few years back, set the top speed for the boat just before hand though. |
| What is your offshore vice | Will find out. |
| What do you hope to get out of doing the RNZ | The experience and training for RNI 2020… |
| Family | Single |
| When you cross the finish line, what will you be most hanging out for? | Most likely Sleep |
CHRIS SKINNER
Chris Skinner
Marine professional
Married to Katrina Skinner with a daughter Storm Skinner
I learnt to sail in a P class but with a need for speed I started sailing Hobie cats and Cherubs in my early teens. This lead to racing 12ft and 18ft skiffs at the highest level. I have competed at many dinghy world championships and still enjoy 12fter racing after close to 20 years in the class.
A few years ago I moved into the big boat scene where I work as a marine professional – racing, delivering and preparing boats for grand prix regattas and ocean races. I have been fortunate enough to sail on some amazing boats from 35 fters to Volvo 70’s and 100 ft canting keel maxis in races all over the globe. Some highlights include Sydney Hobarts, Chicago to Macinaw and Gotland Runt.
Shorthanded sailing has always been a passion. I enjoy the challenges of 2 handed sailing and the extra effort required to keep the boat racing at full speed especially offshore in the longer events. My first real taste of it was with Tony Morgan on Whitebait in the 2008 Round North Island race. Hooked on the challenge I brought my own boat Truxton and went on to compete in 2 more Round North Island races in 2010 and 2014 and the last Round New Zealand race in 2012.
I am looking forward to sailing with Shane round New Zealand on Titanium and hope for fair winds and following seas.