Teams all rigged out for racing

Strong breezes at Muri have been ideal for teams racing training on the lagoon ahead of the main race starting on Thursday.

Five sailing teams will battle it out for the South Pacific Teams Racing Champs trophy.

The invitation event has teams from South Australia, the North and South Islands of New Zealand, Rarotonga and a combined Aitutaki/Manihiki team.

The Rarotonga Sailing Club is hosting the 35 sailor and 15 boat regatta.

If the winds continue to blow as it has been over the past few days for training, spectators can expect some thrilling action on the water.

Teams racing is close quarter sailing with each team of three boats attempting to force tactical penalties on the opposition or to hold boats back in the fleet to allow fellow team members to get to the line first.

All races are of short duration at around about ten minutes each and relatively close to shore.

All are invited to the Rarotonga Sailing Club to watch the action which will run from July 21 to 23.

The combined Manihiki and Aitutaki team is expected to be very strong, as is the Rarotonga team which includes some excellent returning high school sailors.

Both teams have won the trophy in the past and will be doing all possible to take it back from the New Zealanders who secured it in 2010.