The ROYAL AKARANA YACHT CLUB (Akarana = Auckland) is running a Southern 600 nm series of offshore races. This first race is around a VERY active volcano White Island, that is continually emitting a large cloud of "WHITE" steam and sulphur fumes. It pays not to pass to close downwind of the island. We don't normally use gas masks, but one never knows! There are approxinately 20 boats in the fleet this year, most of which are very proven ocean racers. RAYC is emailing ALL their members, inviting them to join SoL. They have created a SoL division and there is a prize as part of their "Official Prizegiving" on 6th December. PRIZE: First kiwi boat home a bottle of rum at the real prize giving 6th December, but if you are in Auckland to collect the rum, any international sailor is most welcome! Course and other details are the same as per the Southern 600 Sailing Instructions as applicable and are on RAYC site: http://www.rayc.org.nz/round-white-island-ocean-race/ START: Same as Premier and Multihull, 23.00 Thursday 26th UTC.