RNZYS THREE KINGS OFFSHORE RACE – MEET THE ENTRANTS PART 5

In the fifth edition of our RNZYS Three Kings Offshore Race meet the entrants series, we catch up with Ross Chapman from Charmonet. Charmonet has done many years of club racing with the RNZYS and a few trips annually up the coast on Labour Weekend!

What sort of races have you done on your boat so far?

I have tended to do the Winter series races and the PIC Coastal Classic converting the boat to cruising mode for summer cruising. Charmonet has done the Winter Series for the last 12 years, some of which have been more successful than others. I have done about PIC Coastal Classics both as a crew member and more recently as skipper. Charmonet has done 11 Coastals achieving the best result in 2018 with a second on line, 3rd on handicap in division 2, as well as being a member of the winning team entry.

What are your essential food items during offshore races?

It is important to to keep everyone well fed, but at the same time keeping it simple so crew are not spending too much time in the galley. Evening meals will be freeze dried, with cereals and fruits for breakfast. One of our favourites is ‘bacon and egg pie” which is a good filler especially on the first night at sea. Then there will be ample snacks ( muesli, choc bars, scrogen, etc) to keep us fueled during the day.

What excites you about the Three Kings Race this year?

This will be the first time I have been offshore since I did the Auckland/Suva race in 1987 so am looking forward to getting my feet wet again. A number of the crew have offshore experience so it will be a great learning experience for us all and a change from the usual round the cans racing that we usually do. It is not often that you get a chance to travel to destinations like the 3 Kings so we hope to make the most of it. Hopefully we will see the islands in daylight!!

What’s your favourite part of boat and your crew?

A number of us have sailed together for 10 – 15 years and get along very well. We tend to have regular roles but can be flexible as circumstances demand. The boat goes well up wind so hopefully we get get some upwind sailing during the trip. We are all looking forward to the race and will enjoy a few rums at the finish.

RNZYS Three Kings Offshore Race Information HERE