Friday was a complete eye-opener with 45 knot gusts howling through the mile-long race camp. Hundreds of RV vehicles and yachts everywhere with the Kiwi's Columbus Line container firmly ensconced in the middle of the group. It stood out brilliantly amidst all the bright sail colours etc and was a focal point for the inbetween-race relaxation (what there was of it it) as well as a sailing reference while out on the desert floor. Very dusty with wind or dust devils (tiny whirlwinds) kicking up trash and dust and turning over yachts every now and then.

New Zealand reaped a heap of trophies with 15 team members picking up 10 trophies for wins and minor placings. A great team effort which must gladden the hearts of our sponsors and supporters.

New Zealand now has three World Cup holders - Richard Pilkington in 1st place in Class 4, Jason Augustin 1st in Class 5 juniors and Alan Elliott 1st in Classic Class.

Outstanding achievements go to Darren Laugesen (Ohope) who had to settle for second place one point behind Chris Wright of England; Ian McLachlan 3rd in Class 5; Matthew Hurley 2nd in Class 5 Juniors; Brent Cannard 2nd in Manta Twin as well as Phil Augustin who was 3rd in Class 4.

Mention must be made of our two female pilots Andie Mitchell, the only lady amidst the large Class 5 fleet, who sailed her orange IMAC YOTT to perfection to secure 7th place overall and little 11-year-old Courtenay Hurley, the youngest competitor at PACRIM who along with fellow pilot 17-year-old Daniel Teeboon made a good fist of 25th in the large Manta Twin fleet.

Results of New Zealanders were:

CLASS 2:
Phil Augustin (Auckland) 4th
Roy Cunningham (Auckland) 8th

CLASS 3:
Richard Pilkington (Auckland) 3rd
Phil Augustin (Auckland) 6th
Roy Cunningham (Auckland) 8th
Bill Nairn (Auckland) 11th

CLASSIC:
Alan Elliott (Auckland) 1st

CLASS 4:
Richard Pilkington (Auckland) 1st
Phil Augustin (Auckland) 3rd
Bill Nairn (Auckland) 5th
Roy Cunningham (Auckland) 6th

MANTA TWIN:
Brent Cannard (Auckland) 2nd
Courtenay Hurley and Daniel Teeboon (Auckland) 25th (great result!)

Manta Twin pilots Courtenay Hurley and Dan Teeboon speed through the start-finish line.

CLASS 5:
Darren Laugesen (Ohope) 2nd
Ian McLachlan (Palmerston North) 3rd
Chris Augustin (Auckland) 5th
Jason Augustin (Auckland) 6th
Andie Mitchell (Palmerston North) 7th
John O'Donnell (Auckland) 13th (didn't sail last day)
Mervyn Hurley (Auckland) 17th
Matthew Hurley (Auckland) 18th (didn't sail in first race and had puncture last race)

FED 5:
Mervyn Hurley (Auckland) 5th equal
Matthew Hurley (Auckland) 8th (would have been 4th had he not punctured out)