Richard Raea

Age at start of race: 62

Yacht Club: Kerikeri Cruising Club

Hull Category: Monohull

Design: Sweden 340

LOA: 10.36m

Race Number: 20

Sailing CV: NZ Ocean Yacht Master, Blue Water Cert. Many offshore miles, Pacific and Atlantic crossings, Tasman and Pacific deliveries
I previously sailed the Solo Tasman in 2007 aboard Nimbus II, a 6.9-metre three-skin kauri sloop designed by John Hakker and built by Alan Hooper. Nimbus is the sister of Crewcut, also a Tasman Veteran, sailed to notoriety by Denis Lobb of New Plymouth—this should ring a bell for the older dock rats! I am hoping to better the 13 days and 20 hours I spent bobbing along in 2007.

Personal Goal / Quote: Personal competitor goal / Personal quote For me, the Solo Tasman is less about being first across the line—why the hurry? Dealing with Border Force, overpriced marinas, exorbitant garbage disposal fees, and insurance demands makes an early arrival feel a little like a self-inflicted poke in the eye. However, this sailing race (regatta) appeals to me on many fronts. It is a true sailing adventure, offering moments of great joy interspersed with great terror, but also providing an opportunity for much-needed time out from the demands that shape our days, weeks, and years. As with my last Solo race, I look forward to meeting excellent people, including fellow sailors, committee members, volunteers, and an interested public. Talking about boats is my happy place.