Reactor Phocoena shows her speed downwind with her spinnaker.
Reactor racing tests sailing skills in all weathers, from windy to calm. The important start can vary from fast to gentle.
Racing is an important activity within the Association. The RYA has many cruising and racing trophies, many first awarded in the 1970's.
New Reactor owners often find their yacht’s name on a trophy won by a former owner.
If racing is new to you, we would like to help. Crew on another Reactor and see what happens - you’ll be welcome! Races help test your ability and are an excellent way to improve sailing and confidence and this makes cruising safer. Reactors (a unique one-class design) challenge your skills at reading the wind, sail trimming and tactics as the yachts raced are almost identical.
A Reactor’s optimum speed to windward: sq/root of LWL
(waterline length) x 1.3 = 5.8kn.
The RYA has run its own handicap system since 1986. It’s free and easy to join: the system balances the skilled and novice racer. Reactor races show results for the first boat to cross the finishing line, and on handicap.
In Auckland there is the September to March 5-race Summer Series (usually round nearby islands), Autumn races (April) and the May to August Winter Series (in the area south of Rangitoto).
Just ask if you would like to try racing.
“I always thought one went cruising first to get to know your boat and learn to sail before attempting to go up against seasoned sailors in a competitive class race.
I remember clearly what was said to me at my first after-race gathering when we talked about learning to sail:
'One winter series of class racing is equivalent to two years cruising'.