Tauranga is turning on a sunny day with light northerlies this morning for the final day of the Coombes Johnston BMW Centenary Regatta.

The P Class yachts should be going into the water around noon at Sulphur Point, with the racing starting about half an hour due to tide and wind considerations.

The regatta, which is being held at the Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club at Sulphur Point, included the 84th sailing of the Tanner Cup from January 4-5, followed by the sailing of the Tauranga Cup from January 7-9.

Tauranga is the birthplace of the P Class yacht. Monday was another day with three different skippers winning the three races sailed on Day 2 of the 100th Tauranga Cup.

"Racing was delayed until 1pm on Monday as the sea breeze kicked in late in the day for the second day of sailing in the 2024 Coombes Johnston BMW P Class NZ National Championship," says TYPBC member and P Class Measurer for the last 18 years, Gary Smith.

Racing was very close between the front six boats with the lead changing several times as the fleet completed a two lap course.

Hamish Brown (P308) was leading until a last minute penalty turn allowed Nathan Soper(P373) in for the first win of the day.

Arthur Rebbeck sailed a blinder in Race 6 - P class - 2024 Tauranga Cup, January 8, 2024, Tauranga. Photo: Gary Smith.

In Race 5 Hamish Brown (P308) came out with a point to prove and led the race from start to finish. At one point he was over 40seconds in front. Nathan Soper (P373) was chasing hard, and a great battle was on for third and fourth between Nelsen Meacham(P888) and Arran Begic (P22).

Arthur Rebbeck(P30) sailing Ninja capitalized on a great start, in Race 6 to lead the fleet around the course for a win and Nathan Soper second.

"The girls have been in the lead group around the course in each race with Bella Jenkins (P989) being the first home in each race to lead the Naomi James Trophy," says Gary.

P class - 2024 Tauranga Cup, January 8, 2024, Tauranga. Photo: Gary Smith.

Sailing on Monday was punctuated by General Recalls.

"Initially starting the day on “P” flag, this quickly accelerated to the “U Flag” as it was taking two or three starts to get the fleet away," says Gary.

"By Race 6 first start under “U” being a recall, the Black Flag came out and the race finally got away. A few of the sailors were caught by the tide, and also the PRO."

Tehya Harris on a pit-stop between races - P class - 2024 Tauranga Cup, January 8, 2024, Tauranga. Photo: Gary Smith.

"There was a lucky save for Tehya Harris(P44) (Murrays Bay) as she crossed the finish line for Race 5, her port should broke near the swage at the top.

"Spotted by her coach a quick yell went out and she was directed over to a Wakatere support boat that had a spare set of stays on board. The port stay was swapped out, and she joined back in for the final race."

By the end of the day the boats are safely tucked up in front of the TYPBC, ready for a final day on Tuesday.

Full Results after Day 2: www.sailwave.com/results/TYPBC_Tauranga_Cup_2024.htm

The P Class celebrated their Centenary on Saturday, with a race for the Centenary Trophy sponsored by RAM3D. Sailing legends including ex-P class sailors and Olympians Peter Burling, and Molly and Sam Meech joining in on the action.

P class - 2024 Tauranga Cup, January 8, 2024, Tauranga. Photo: Gary Smith.

P class - 2024 Tauranga Cup, January 8, 2024, Tauranga. Photo: Gary Smith.

P class - 2024 Tauranga Cup, January 8, 2024, Tauranga. Photo: Gary Smith.

P class - 2024 Tauranga Cup, January 8, 2024, Tauranga. Photo: Gary Smith.