According to the Elliott 5.9 Association, the Shapeshifter crew claimed victory at the penultimate round of the Burnsco Elliott 5.9 Traveller Series held in the Bay of Islands over the weekend of September 12–13, 2026. Hosted by the Russell Boating Club with boats launching out of Opua, the 11-boat fleet navigated heavy winds exceeding 30 knots on Saturday before completing five more races in a 15-knot breeze on Sunday to set up a tight championship finale.
High-Adrenaline Drama in Bay of Islands Heavy Air
Opening day action pushed crews to their limits as a rising breeze brought gusts well past 30 knots to the race area off Russell, according to the Elliott 5.9 Association. Heavy gusts forced the Race Officer to halt Saturday’s schedule early after three hard-fought races. Crews aboard Slam Dunk and Zoot Allures faced extreme wipeout risks under kite, while a strong tide at the top mark caught multiple sailors out and resulted in costly contact. Tactical decisions along the left-hand side offered relief from the current but exposed boats to unpredictable wind shifts off the headland.
At the front of the fleet, Shapeshifter and Revelry engaged in a fierce duel. Shapeshifter secured wins in Race 1 and Race 3, though Revelry held a strong lead in the third race before dropping it due to spinnaker troubles. Revelry claimed victory in Race 2, while Bloodline stayed firmly in contention by finishing 2nd in Race 1 and 3rd in Race 3, leaving Shapeshifter with a narrow overnight lead.
Sunday Masterclass Secures Round 4 Victory
Sunday brought a more settled 15-knot breeze with puffy shifts that rewarded consistent boat speed, according to the Elliott 5.9 Association. Shapeshifter mastered the conditions by finding clear air and winning three of Sunday’s five races alongside a 2nd-place finish, locking up the Round 4 title with a 9-point total after drops. Revelry won Race 4 to secure 2nd overall with 15 points, and Reggae Shark took Race 6 to capture 3rd overall with 25 points.
Mid-fleet battles proved exceptionally close, with single points deciding 4th through 6th place. Slam Dunk posted a strong Sunday run of 3-4-4-7-4 to grab 4th overall with 31 points. Zoot Allures followed just one point behind in 5th with 32 points after recording five top-5 finishes on Sunday. Bloodline dropped to 6th overall with 34 points following a tough final race, despite taking 2nd in Race 5. Class Act rebounded from rig issues on Day 1 to finish 9th overall, climbing to 4th in Race 7.
Did You Know?
The Elliott 5.9 was designed in the early 1980s as a high-performing trailer yacht. Sailed by a crew of three, the class has historically served as a key training ground for New Zealand’s top America’s Cup, Ocean Race, and Olympic champions.
Championship Showdown Set for Sandspit
With four rounds and 33 races completed in the 2026 Traveller Series, the overall standings feature intense pressure at the top heading into the final regatta, according to the Elliott 5.9 Association. Revelry leads the title race with 95.5 net points, while Reggae Shark sits 15.5 points behind in 2nd with 111 points. The battle for 3rd overall features Bloodline on 132 points, closely tracked by Zoot Allures with 135 points, and Dirty Circus and Slam Dunk deadlocked at 146 and 146.5 points respectively. Meanwhile, Revelry, Reggae Shark, and Bloodline are locked in a three-way tie on +3 ranking points for the Most Improved Ranking Trophy.
The 2026 Traveller Series Champions and trophy winners will be crowned at the final round in Sandspit on October 17–18, 2026.
Pro Tip: Trailer Yacht Mobility
The Elliott 5.9 class relies on the ease of towing behind modest vehicles, allowing fleets to travel easily to winter regattas across New Zealand’s North Island, combining windward-leeward one-design racing with active club social calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the final round of the Burnsco Elliott 5.9 Traveller Series?
According to the Elliott 5.9 Association, the final round takes place at Sandspit on October 17–18, 2026.
Who won Round 4 of the Traveller Series in the Bay of Islands?
According to the Elliott 5.9 Association, Shapeshifter won Round 4 after dominating Sunday’s races to finish with a 9-point total.
How many crew members sail an Elliott 5.9?
According to the class association, an Elliott 5.9 is sailed by a crew of three.