Eighteen sailors from Rarotonga, Aitutaki, and New Zealand’s Picton, Buckland’s Beach, and Mangawhai sailing and yacht clubs raced each other in match racing and fleet racing in perfect conditions earlier this month.

Organised by the “awesome Aitutaki Electron Sailing Club”, led by Thomas Koteka and Ted Tavai with help from many on Aitutaki, the event held earlier this month was hailed as a monumental success.

The Electron radio-controlled class of sailboat is popular worldwide and in 2021 the World Champs was held on Aitutaki Lagoon.

This regatta was an open invitation regatta with some of the best sailors participating including the 2020 World Champion.

Popular sailor Kris Goodwin from Rarotonga Sailing Club sailed a master class to emerge as champion in both match and fleet racing.

According to Tony Heays of the Rarotonga Sailing Club, the internationally recognised radio-controlled Electron class of yacht was initially designed and built by renowned NZ boat designer Des Townson.

“There are well over 1000 identical fibreglass yachts based at a number of clubs in a number of countries and they are also popular with super yachts and Americas Cup teams who are known to use their own small Electron fleets for relaxed regattas and training,” Heays explained.

“The current boat builder, repairer and supplier, champion NZ sailor Greg Stenbeck, is a regular visitor to Rarotonga and a sponsor of both the Aitutaki and Rarotonga International regattas.”

Aitutaki sails regularly with three to seven boats as arranged and Rarotonga sails every Sunday from the sailing club at 1pm with six to 10 yachts on the water.

“Visitors and local of all ages are very welcome to join in and have a go,” Heays said.

“There are currently two boats for sale on Rarotonga for between $2000 and $4000 each depending on condition and all boats are identically built and rigged so age is not an issue.”

The Electron Class was first introduced to Rarotonga in the year 2000.

A major international Electron regatta is planned for Rarotonga in late May 2025 and as this will be the 25^th anniversary. More than 40 visitors are expected.

Results

Match Racing – 1^st Kris Goodwin (RSC), 2^nd Peter Heays (RSC), 3^rd = Steve Parker (NZ) and Rob Carpenter (NZ).

Fleet Racing – 1^st Kris Goodwin (RSC), 2^nd Lyndsay Graves (NZ) reigning World Champ, 3^rd Steve Parker (NZ), 4^th Peter Heays (RSC), 5^th Rob Carpenter (NZ), 6^th Des Eggelton (RSC), 7^th Thomas Koteka (Aitutaki SC).