The Rarotonga - Tahiti Sailing Challenge got underway this week in the Optimist Class, Laser 4.7 Class and Vaka at the Rarotonga Sailing Club (RSC) in Muri.

Regattas between these two clubs date back to at least 1997.

Tahiti’s eight sailors and coaches Jessee Besson and Gillies de Preville arrived on Saturday.

Rarotonga’s nine sailors are coached by the RSC’s Jacobo Miquel.

According to Chris Fenwick, RSC executive member, the focus for both clubs is to provide a competitive regatta for these young sailors and to further develop their racing skills and race regatta experience.

Both clubs are looking ahead to the 2025 Polynesian Championship, hosted by Tahiti, and various New Zealand National Championships.

The last day of sailing will start at 2pm this afternoon (Friday), followed by the prizegiving awards.