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The Coastal Classic yacht race - Source: Photosport -
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The 2010 Fitzroy Yachts Solo Tasman Challenge from Port Taranaki, New Plymouth to Mooloolaba, Queensland sets sail on April 4, 2010.
The race was started in the late 1960's and this year's event will be the 11th.
The fastest time ever for the crossing is held by Ian Johnston, who in the 1986 race, sailed the trimaran Bullfrog Sunblock the 1280 nautical miles in 6 days, 8hrs 50mins, an average speed of just over 8 knots.
A fleet of 19 skippers from Australia and New Zealand will set sail on April 4.
Amongst the sailors setting out is Trish Lewis who is aiming to become the first New Zealand woman in 35 years to sail single-handed across the Tasman in a 25 foot yacht.
Trish's yacht Wishbone is a 25 foot (7.6m) Reactor, a small keel boat designed in New Zealand by Paul Whiting. She was built in 1976 and launched in 1977.
