Pahi and Pelagian Start the 2012 Coastal Classic

A large crowd on North Head braved a biting sou'wester and squalls to watch the start of the annual race from Auckland to Russell

Pahi and Pelagian take an early lead in the last divisional start

Pahi (left foreground) and Pelagian (right foreground) not afraid to use kites in near gale conditions

Pelagian comes in close to North head before a gybe

An arriving car carrier is halted near North Head to make way for the starting fleet

Pelagian and Pahi split gybes

Pelagian surfing

Pelagian heading into the Rangitoto Channel

Pelagian near Rangi

Pelagian near Rangi

Pahi and Pelagian leading the fleet in the Rangitoto Channel

The fleet heading north