The big boat that was to take the teams to Dunk Island this morning broke down yesterday, leaving the organisers to make alternate arrangements at short notice. This meant ferrying competitors across in multiple trips on smaller boats, which then meant that the race didn't start until 11:50 am.
I spoke to all the Kiwi teams before the start, and each one told me that they weren't going to go too hard on the first day, as the advantage gained would be minimal due to the restart tomorrow morning. Then the horn sounded to start the race and they all went off hard.
The first leg consisted of a run up around and over Dunk Island, a kayak round the back of the island, two legs of snorkelling around some pieces of reef that were apparently pretty spectacular, then back to the island. Then paddle back to the mainland. We're waiting back on the beach for the first team to appear.
When we left the island, Orion were in front with Merrill on their heels. Alpineepic were fourth, a few other teams back to Blackheart, then several more Kiwi teams round 8th to 10th including Nga Rakau, Osprey and securify.
None of which is too significant at this stage of the race.
Orion just arrived in first place. And just had word that Merill holed their boat on an oyster-covered pylon, which is going to hold them up somewhat.
securify.co.nz run down the beach on Dunk Island
before the start
Brent in pre-race mode
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