Auckland Noumea Race starts this Saturday with a Very Important Sailor

12:46 AM Thu 25 Jun 2009 GMT

'Lion NZ is the longest yacht in the Auckland Noumea Race' Richard Gladwell

The Auckland to Noumea Ocean Race is scheduled to start at 1400hours, off Orakei Wharf, Waitemata Harbour, Auckland, with a fleet of 13 Premier Division yachts taking part.

It has just been announced that Sarah-Jane Blake, the daughter of the late Sir Peter Blake will be taking part in the race this year as crew on board her father's old yacht Lion New Zealand.

Media Releases will be issued every day, with updated positions and current information on the fleet and the weather.

The Members Stand on Lion NZ - 2009 Auckland Tauranga Race, with Will Goodfellow on the handlebars - Ben Gladwell Click Here to view large photo

The pre-race festivities are as follows:

1. The majority of the fleet are now based in the viaduct and more will be arriving late tonight and tomorrow. They are all based at the Hobson West Marina, with the exception of Limit who is further out on the island and Lion NZ who is in her normal berth.

2. Noumea Race Farewell Party 7pm RAYC Tonight, Thursday 25 June

3. Limit's Dock Sausage Sizzle 8pm Viaduct Friday 26 June

4. Customs and final farewell from 10am Viaduct Saturday 27 June

5. Official Start 1400hours Orakei Saturday 27 June