Blowy conditions on Race Day 2 saw a few fun kite and gennaker moments for some yachts during their short, first windward-leeward race. There were a few ripped sails and a lot of Chinese gybes. Haumuri lost a protest to Illusions about their start, which made a small difference to final results.
The wind continued to build and shift during the morning, and with gusts of 38 knots the second race was abandoned. Yacht crews headed back to the boat harbour and marina for a welcome respite from the wind, before racing resumed after 1430.
The last race of the day was another short windward-leeward for both divisions. Wind shifted to the east and boats enjoyed another short blast to Somes. Crews enjoyed their steak dinner after a solid day’s work on the water.
At the end of Race Day 2 Satellite Spy is leading Blink for the Div A PHRF title amd it’s a close race between Gucci and Flying Machine for Div B.
Race Results
Race four – Division A
BIG THANKS to Evolution Sails – www.evolutionsails.com – https://www.facebook.com/evolutionsailsnz/ – for being the naming sponsor and for supporting our Yacht Club. We appreciate your contribution and the awesome prizes and are looking forward to having you back for a visit to Welli soon.
The 1st of July did not look promising, so the start for the Winter Series 2018 and the Navy cup got delayed and moved to the 8th of July. The weather gods were not in sailing mode the following weekend either, and again the racing had to be cancelled. 3rd time lucky one thinks, but not this time; no racing again on the 22nd July.
Finally a window of opportunity opened up, and the race management team got two races sorted on the 5th August, getting this series under way. With one race each the following weekends 5 races were sailed in various conditions. Needless to say that every other weekend – when Evans Bay and Lowry Bay held their races – was pretty good sailing weather.
Congratulations to Loco, taking out the overall win for the fully crewed series – on line, handicap and PHRF! See here for the results.
Only two races were sailed in the two-handed series, and we congratulate three different winners: Blink for on line, After Midnight for PHRF and Outrageous for general handicap. Check out the results here.
Below are some photos from our Facebook page – thanks to the Caniwi crew and everyone else who shared their pictures with us!
5 Aug Race 1+2
19 Aug Race 3
26 Aug Race 4
2 Sep Race 5 was simply too wet for taking photos!
Thanks to all volunteers and sailors who made this happen. See you all soon at the club, we got lots on during the break:
- Pre-Season Briefing – 14 September @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Working Bee – 15 September @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Investec Championship – All Blacks – 15 September @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
- Race Management 101 & 201 – 21 September @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- GFNZ Clyde Quay Clean up II – 23 September @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
]]>Race Officer Ken Burt and his race team for the day decisively located the committee boat in the top of Evans Bay and announced that racing would indeed start on time. A long W/L course was set and the fleet got underway in somewhere between 7-8 knots of northerly, with plenty of chances for hero to zero moves during the race as the breeze eased, swung left and right, and the forecast 10 knots S eventually arriving before almost evaporating before all competitors had finished.
With a full afternoon’s racing, the fleet were back into the warmth of the wardroom for results and prize giving. Seaview Sails & Rigging were the race day sponsor and Dave Molen and Todd Olsen were on hand with a range of Norths Sails t-shirts, duffel bags and bosun’s chairs for those competitors who made the most of the flukey conditions.
Congratulations to Helter Skelter who cleaned up in Div A. The podium in Div B was dominated by CU, Whistler and the Youth Scheme.
A big thank-you to our sponsors for the series, Moore Wilson’s, Bud Nalder Sails, Seaview Sails & Rigging and Chris Coad Photography for their continued support of our racing, please show your support to them in return. Also thanks very much to our race committee team for both days of racing. Thanks to to Deb Williams for the above photos of the on the water action!
On behalf of the members our best wishes to Campbell Fleury from Helter Skelter on a speedy recovery. We look forward to seeing you in the club and on the water again soon. Well done our on-water Caniwi and Race Management team for their efficient and graceful retrieval of Campbell from the water for medical attention.
Division A results:
Division B results:
Two-handed results:
Classic yacht results:
The breeze freshened with some reports of puff’s in the high 30’s, which made for some spectacular rides and even more spectacular slides as the crews reveled in the conditions.
With just the one race for the day, everyone was back in the wardroom early for the prize giving and the hot pies, which went down a treat.
In his first official duty as VC, Paul Atkins announced the days results which saw Blink take Line, PHRF, Club and IRC for Div A, and Div B was led by Westy taking Line and PHRF on Whistler III, with Bob on Montego Bay III taking Club.
On Saturday Conditions were much gentler with Lizzie winning Club and Thelma taking Line Honours in the Nalder Sails Classic Series.
Division A results:
Division B results:
Two-handed results:
Classic yacht results:
With a weather pattern that made sailors feel like they were actors in the movie of the same name, the third weekend of the 2014 RPNYC Moore Wilson’s Winter Series turned out to be a “mix, stir and repeat” of the conditions experienced in the series so far.
Eight classics and a dozen or so 2 Handed competitors again congregated at a millpond start line on Saturday morning. The 10 knot NE, forecast to rise to 20 knots in the course of the morning, remained characteristically shy. RPNYC’s Caniwi Te Ruru was sent on a series of reconnaissance tours of the harbour, to report what was palpable from the waiting boats, that there were some perceptible air currents in the vicinity of Somes Island.
Both fleets had their planned courses shortened to almost a sprint race (minus the breeze) from the club – to the vicinity of Somes Island – and back to club, with the race eventually starting a mere 90 minutes after the scheduled start time (1030) at 12:15pm. The 2 Handed fleet headed to Somes via a laid mark in Evans Bay.
In the classics fleet, Wakarere, and Marangi made a bee line for the south end of Somes, while Galatea, Lizzie, and Loloma took a deeper track across Oriental Bay. Mabel sailed an intermediate course. Meantime, Thelma overhauled Nanette, earning ungallant reflections on their respective displacements. Lizzie abandoned Loloma, to take up behind Thelma.
At the top mark it was Wakarere who had earned a well-deserved lead from Marangi with the former making smart decisions in what breeze there was to be had.
Behind them, Thelma, Lizzie and Loloma were trading blows as their various tactical decisions were coming to fruition.
The downhill run to home was in ever increasing wind. Galatea had called it quits, but her passage across the finish line was briefly recorded as her win of the race. A few minutes later, Marangi crossed the line a mere 10 seconds ahead of Wakarere. After a forceful journey back to the inner harbour, Thelma overhauled Loloma to cross 30 seconds ahead, 10 minutes behind the first vessels. Lizzie was 7 minutes back again; 12 minutes later, Mabel; and Nanette another 10 minutes later.
On corrected time: (1) Lizzie (again!); (2) Mabel; and (3) Wakarere.
The PHRF fleet saw similarly contested battles within the fleet. Testarossa (Grant Reid) and Black Diamond (with guest helmsman Matt Stechmann) showed the fleet a clean pair of transoms, with the former charging down the final run to over take the gun by the slimmest of margins – 2 seconds.
Behind them the fleet was bringing down the building northerly – with Whistler III (Mike West/Josh Haytor), After Midnight (John Floyd) and Eraser (Chris Hargreaves) filling the next three positions on line.
On corrected time nothing separated After Midnight and Testarossa who recorded a first equal, with Whistler III taking third place on the podium.
Sunday Fully Crewed Series
In what is now becoming the standard, Sunday morning saw a fresh northerly greet the fleet as sailors converged in Evans Bay under the guidance of Ken Burt and his RM team aboard Bloody Mary.
The fleets were set a shorter course than the previous weeks, and with the rain coming across in patches many of the crews were welcoming a shorter race day on a chilly day!
This was cut short when it was relayed the course was to be a mere 2nm beat – plenty of time for boats to stretch their legs, and plenty of decisions to be made by the navi-guessers!
The Division A start line was a hotly contested affair, with the added challenge of a wayward crewmember off Rocket Science who departed the boat right on the gun.
Wedgetail (Meric Davies) again showed the fleet around the course, working a handy lead on the upwind beats – only to be chased down by the ‘teenagers’ on Magic Trick (Mike Calkoen, Shaw 650) who revelled on the off wind legs in a healthy breeze.
Wedgetail took line honours from Magic Trick, with REVS (Mark Gordon) in third.
Magic Trick took the honours on both PHRF and General Handicap, with Wedgetail, Magic Trick and The Guarantee (Geoff Herd) filling the other podium places.
The front of Division B saw Black Diamond and Testarossa were again at the forefront of the fleet – this week joined by a Wellington Ocean Sports Centre charted MRX again with Matt Stevens on the helm. Close behind them was Gucci with Brent Dewhurst back from holiday and charging hard.
Testarossa seems to be the boat to beat this series, taking Line and PHRF honours and a second on General Handicap. It was Floating Free (Denis Foot) took General handicap honours from Testarossa and Gucci in third.
Other podium places on PHRF were filled by Gucci in second, with Black Diamond third and Saucy Sausage (Herve le Goff) fourth.
Gucci returned to the top of the IRC results from Black Diamond and Whistler III.
Back at the Club, Race Day Sponsor Bud Nalder was on hand to give away three of his handmade sailing bags worth $150 each, and two lucky skippers received vouchers generously provided by series sponsors Moore Wilson.
]]>“I am totally blown away by the number of entries we have received for the series this year. 50 boats is just sensational and a testament to the state of keelboat racing in Wellington.”
What makes the series so special this year is the addition of a dedicated Classic Yacht Series. “We have over 11 classic yachts ranging in age from 120 years old (the yacht Thelma – launched in 1984) to the ‘young upstart’ of the fleet, Reremai a veritable whipper-snapper at only 57 years old!” says Paul.
Here is a round up of all the action and the results for the weekend:
Classic Yacht Series
10 Classic Yachts took the water. All you needed was sepia-toned glasses and you really could have been back sailing in Wellington any time from the 1890’s to the early 1960’s. Traffic heading in to the city along the Hutt motorway really could be forgiven for thinking the had travelled back in time!
It was Marangi (Carl Jackson) – the sprightly 104 year old Le Huquet who soon showed the fleet a clean transom as she powered along to the top mark as the breeze started to freshen.
She was followed home by the elder states-woman of the fleet Thelma (Matt Price) showing that age really does equal experience.
It was Thelma who took ratings victory on the day, followed by Loloma (Phillipa Durkin) and Mabel (Gavin Pascoe).
The combined age of the top three boats is 344 years – an impressive feat in an age where most sailors swoon at the sight of carbon fibre. One glance at any of the classics sailing on Saturday would make the big techno-sailing-freak just a little envious!
Two Handed PHRF Series
Sharing the racing waters on Saturday were the 2 handed PHRF fleet. Badonkadonk (Quinn Wright), Black Diamond (Jamie McDowell) and Testarossa (Grant Reid) quickly established themselves at the front end of the fleet, closely followed by lights-flyer After Midnight (John Floyd) and the fleet close behind.
As they fleet made their way towards the harbour entrance the breeze died, and the following fleet charged up with the Northerly breeze.
Whistler III (Mike West/Josh Haytor) looked dangerous for a while, but as the breeze settle in – it was business as usual as the fleet made their way around the track.
Eventually it was Black Diamond who took the gun, but it was the smaller boats who benefited from bringing the breeze with them who took the day. White Cavalier (Chris Rutledge) and Jigsaw (Judy Lymbery/Paul Davies) were first equal on corrected time.
Sunday Fully Crewed Series
Sunday dawned with a fresh 25-30 knots across the harbour – Winter was in the air!
36 Boats made their way to the starting area, where RO Ken Burt had set himself up at the bottom of a 1.5nm windward/leeward course. Division A would do 3 laps – with Division B doing 2 before finishing above the top mark.
Division A saw Wedgetail (Meric Davies) lead the 8boat fleet from start to finish to take the win on Line, PHRF and General handicap from REVS (Mark Gordon) and The Guarantee (Geoff Herd).
Division B was a much more tightly contested affair – with a mixed fleet of keelboats, trailer yachts and Elliott 6’s crewed by the RPNYC Youth Scheme battling it out around the course.
At the top mark the breeze died – turning a 20knot battle into light airs tactical warfare. Black Diamond repeated their line honours win from the ever dangerous Testarossa, with third place going to a Wellington Ocean Sports Centre team on MRX Red filling the podium.
General Handicap winners however were Adam Middleton from the Youth Scheme who worked their way through the fleet, with Black Diamond second, and another of the Youth Scheme Elliott 6’s, helmed by local starling sailor George Gautrey taking third.
Black Diamond won the PHRF battle from Testarossa, with Mark Waters and the team on Illusions taking third place.
IRC honours were again taken by Black Diamond, with Gucci (Brent Dewhurst) and Whistler III (Mike West) chasing hot on his heels.
The Moore Wilson’s Winter Series runs every second weekend from June – August.
]]>Racing was completed over the two days with the first of the two-handed races on Saturday and picture-perfect conditions for the fully-crewed races on Sunday.
]]>13 boats lined up for the start off the club under the control of Race Officer Dave Roberts, ably assisted by Deb Dewhurst and Jess Wana.
A 20nm course had been set taking the boats around the harbour. A few boats were a little too eager with an individual recall requiring some quick manoeuvres to get back around the start mark. At least one or two boats sailed outside the laid start mark, but they quickly recognised the error of their ways and restarted swiftly.
By the first top mark REVS had stretched her legs and was never headed – taking line honours for the day. The chasing pack had some great battles, with Testarossa, Gucci, 88% Proof and Eat My Shorts in close contact around the track.
Grant & Jamie Reid on Testarossa took second on line, but it was the fast-finishing crew of Eat My Shorts who took out overall honours on PHRF for the day as well as finishing 3rd over the line.
The team on 88% Proof lamented as they watch James and Shorts do the “buffalo girl” – sailing around them on the last leg from Ngauranga to the finish line – but were consoled with a well-deserved victory on IRC, with Gucci 2nd and Whistler III third.
Results for the race can be found on the website here. With the series being decided on total elapsed time over the three races there are still huge opportunities for all the boat to take out the series!
Fully Crewed – Race Day 3
All eyes were on the weather maps as Sunday dawned sunny and light. The forecasts all pointed towards and light and dying breeze – but luckily for the fleet, and Race Officer Ken Burt, reality was vastly different!
A northerly of 13-18knots, coupled with a relatively short course laid in Evans Bay lead to some tight racing and GREAT views for the spectators that lined the Bay.
Picking the shifts and some great crew work saw Wedgetail claim line honours in Division A from Ran Tan II and REVS. However it was Herdy and team on The Guarantee who used their masthead runner to great effect to take home the wins on Handicap and PHRF.
Division B was always going to be a close run race, but again it was Testarossa from Lowry Bay who managed to out manoeuvre the fleet to take the gun by two minutes. The team on Eat My Shorts also revelled in the breeze taking second on line from the ever consistent Gucci.
PHRF results saw Eat My Shorts, Testarossa and Saucy Sausage fill the top three spots, with Shorts also taking the win on General Handicap from Testarossa and Incantare.
Gucci was the best of the IRC fleet.
Full race results for Div A and B for the day are posted on the web here
With all the boats off the water – it was back to the bar where PaulJD gave away the goodies for the day – with RUM going to Whistler III and Rocket Science, a set of NORTH SAILS crew t-shirts to Rosschild – and Moore Wilsons Vouchers going to Ran Tan II.
A special thanks goes to all of the club members who supported Rose in her efforts doing ‘Dry July’. PaulJD challenged the club to raise $100.00 for Rose who was blown away by the generousity of the members – who donated over $250.00 on the day!
Photos from the weekend come courtesy of Doug Thomas – who was just one of the Race Management volunteers who made the weekend racing happen. A huge thanks to him as well as Ian Dewhurst, Jess Wana, Nicci Wood, Carol Love, Ken Burt, Deb Dewhurst, Carole Inkster and Dave Roberts – we couldn’t have done it without you!
What a day – what a weekend!!!!!
]]>Two hours after the scheduled start time a slight breeze came and everyone jumped into action to get a race underway. But as soon as the course was set and the race started the rain came bucketing down and sucked away the breeze.
Once again Ken Burt and the race management team were forced to abandon racing … lets try again next weekend!
Race Officer Ken Burt set up the start line to north of Point Jerningham and laid a trinagle windward-leeward course for the first time in the series. Racing got underway in around ten knots which garadually built as the day went on and ended up in the late teens. A tight second reach added to the challenge for all and led to few tall tales about passing manoeuvres in the wardroom after sailing.
Photos available from Chris Coad Photography here.
]]>
Photos available from Chris Coad Photography here.
]]>
Race four – Division B
BIG THANKS to Evolution Sails – www.evolutionsails.com – https://www.facebook.com/evolutionsailsnz/ – for being the naming sponsor and for supporting our Yacht Club. We appreciate your contribution and the awesome prizes and are looking forward to having you back for a visit to Welli soon.
The 1st of July did not look promising, so the start for the Winter Series 2018 and the Navy cup got delayed and moved to the 8th of July. The weather gods were not in sailing mode the following weekend either, and again the racing had to be cancelled. 3rd time lucky one thinks, but not this time; no racing again on the 22nd July.
Finally a window of opportunity opened up, and the race management team got two races sorted on the 5th August, getting this series under way. With one race each the following weekends 5 races were sailed in various conditions. Needless to say that every other weekend – when Evans Bay and Lowry Bay held their races – was pretty good sailing weather.
Congratulations to Loco, taking out the overall win for the fully crewed series – on line, handicap and PHRF! See here for the results.
Only two races were sailed in the two-handed series, and we congratulate three different winners: Blink for on line, After Midnight for PHRF and Outrageous for general handicap. Check out the results here.
Below are some photos from our Facebook page – thanks to the Caniwi crew and everyone else who shared their pictures with us!
5 Aug Race 1+2
19 Aug Race 3
26 Aug Race 4
2 Sep Race 5 was simply too wet for taking photos!
Thanks to all volunteers and sailors who made this happen. See you all soon at the club, we got lots on during the break:
- Pre-Season Briefing – 14 September @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Working Bee – 15 September @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Investec Championship – All Blacks – 15 September @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
- Race Management 101 & 201 – 21 September @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- GFNZ Clyde Quay Clean up II – 23 September @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
]]>Race Officer Ken Burt and his race team for the day decisively located the committee boat in the top of Evans Bay and announced that racing would indeed start on time. A long W/L course was set and the fleet got underway in somewhere between 7-8 knots of northerly, with plenty of chances for hero to zero moves during the race as the breeze eased, swung left and right, and the forecast 10 knots S eventually arriving before almost evaporating before all competitors had finished.
With a full afternoon’s racing, the fleet were back into the warmth of the wardroom for results and prize giving. Seaview Sails & Rigging were the race day sponsor and Dave Molen and Todd Olsen were on hand with a range of Norths Sails t-shirts, duffel bags and bosun’s chairs for those competitors who made the most of the flukey conditions.
Congratulations to Helter Skelter who cleaned up in Div A. The podium in Div B was dominated by CU, Whistler and the Youth Scheme.
A big thank-you to our sponsors for the series, Moore Wilson’s, Bud Nalder Sails, Seaview Sails & Rigging and Chris Coad Photography for their continued support of our racing, please show your support to them in return. Also thanks very much to our race committee team for both days of racing. Thanks to to Deb Williams for the above photos of the on the water action!
On behalf of the members our best wishes to Campbell Fleury from Helter Skelter on a speedy recovery. We look forward to seeing you in the club and on the water again soon. Well done our on-water Caniwi and Race Management team for their efficient and graceful retrieval of Campbell from the water for medical attention.
Division A results:
Division B results:
Two-handed results:
Classic yacht results:
The breeze freshened with some reports of puff’s in the high 30’s, which made for some spectacular rides and even more spectacular slides as the crews reveled in the conditions.
With just the one race for the day, everyone was back in the wardroom early for the prize giving and the hot pies, which went down a treat.
In his first official duty as VC, Paul Atkins announced the days results which saw Blink take Line, PHRF, Club and IRC for Div A, and Div B was led by Westy taking Line and PHRF on Whistler III, with Bob on Montego Bay III taking Club.
On Saturday Conditions were much gentler with Lizzie winning Club and Thelma taking Line Honours in the Nalder Sails Classic Series.
Division A results:
Division B results:
Two-handed results:
Classic yacht results:
With a weather pattern that made sailors feel like they were actors in the movie of the same name, the third weekend of the 2014 RPNYC Moore Wilson’s Winter Series turned out to be a “mix, stir and repeat” of the conditions experienced in the series so far.
Eight classics and a dozen or so 2 Handed competitors again congregated at a millpond start line on Saturday morning. The 10 knot NE, forecast to rise to 20 knots in the course of the morning, remained characteristically shy. RPNYC’s Caniwi Te Ruru was sent on a series of reconnaissance tours of the harbour, to report what was palpable from the waiting boats, that there were some perceptible air currents in the vicinity of Somes Island.
Both fleets had their planned courses shortened to almost a sprint race (minus the breeze) from the club – to the vicinity of Somes Island – and back to club, with the race eventually starting a mere 90 minutes after the scheduled start time (1030) at 12:15pm. The 2 Handed fleet headed to Somes via a laid mark in Evans Bay.
In the classics fleet, Wakarere, and Marangi made a bee line for the south end of Somes, while Galatea, Lizzie, and Loloma took a deeper track across Oriental Bay. Mabel sailed an intermediate course. Meantime, Thelma overhauled Nanette, earning ungallant reflections on their respective displacements. Lizzie abandoned Loloma, to take up behind Thelma.
At the top mark it was Wakarere who had earned a well-deserved lead from Marangi with the former making smart decisions in what breeze there was to be had.
Behind them, Thelma, Lizzie and Loloma were trading blows as their various tactical decisions were coming to fruition.
The downhill run to home was in ever increasing wind. Galatea had called it quits, but her passage across the finish line was briefly recorded as her win of the race. A few minutes later, Marangi crossed the line a mere 10 seconds ahead of Wakarere. After a forceful journey back to the inner harbour, Thelma overhauled Loloma to cross 30 seconds ahead, 10 minutes behind the first vessels. Lizzie was 7 minutes back again; 12 minutes later, Mabel; and Nanette another 10 minutes later.
On corrected time: (1) Lizzie (again!); (2) Mabel; and (3) Wakarere.
The PHRF fleet saw similarly contested battles within the fleet. Testarossa (Grant Reid) and Black Diamond (with guest helmsman Matt Stechmann) showed the fleet a clean pair of transoms, with the former charging down the final run to over take the gun by the slimmest of margins – 2 seconds.
Behind them the fleet was bringing down the building northerly – with Whistler III (Mike West/Josh Haytor), After Midnight (John Floyd) and Eraser (Chris Hargreaves) filling the next three positions on line.
On corrected time nothing separated After Midnight and Testarossa who recorded a first equal, with Whistler III taking third place on the podium.
Sunday Fully Crewed Series
In what is now becoming the standard, Sunday morning saw a fresh northerly greet the fleet as sailors converged in Evans Bay under the guidance of Ken Burt and his RM team aboard Bloody Mary.
The fleets were set a shorter course than the previous weeks, and with the rain coming across in patches many of the crews were welcoming a shorter race day on a chilly day!
This was cut short when it was relayed the course was to be a mere 2nm beat – plenty of time for boats to stretch their legs, and plenty of decisions to be made by the navi-guessers!
The Division A start line was a hotly contested affair, with the added challenge of a wayward crewmember off Rocket Science who departed the boat right on the gun.
Wedgetail (Meric Davies) again showed the fleet around the course, working a handy lead on the upwind beats – only to be chased down by the ‘teenagers’ on Magic Trick (Mike Calkoen, Shaw 650) who revelled on the off wind legs in a healthy breeze.
Wedgetail took line honours from Magic Trick, with REVS (Mark Gordon) in third.
Magic Trick took the honours on both PHRF and General Handicap, with Wedgetail, Magic Trick and The Guarantee (Geoff Herd) filling the other podium places.
The front of Division B saw Black Diamond and Testarossa were again at the forefront of the fleet – this week joined by a Wellington Ocean Sports Centre charted MRX again with Matt Stevens on the helm. Close behind them was Gucci with Brent Dewhurst back from holiday and charging hard.
Testarossa seems to be the boat to beat this series, taking Line and PHRF honours and a second on General Handicap. It was Floating Free (Denis Foot) took General handicap honours from Testarossa and Gucci in third.
Other podium places on PHRF were filled by Gucci in second, with Black Diamond third and Saucy Sausage (Herve le Goff) fourth.
Gucci returned to the top of the IRC results from Black Diamond and Whistler III.
Back at the Club, Race Day Sponsor Bud Nalder was on hand to give away three of his handmade sailing bags worth $150 each, and two lucky skippers received vouchers generously provided by series sponsors Moore Wilson.
]]>“I am totally blown away by the number of entries we have received for the series this year. 50 boats is just sensational and a testament to the state of keelboat racing in Wellington.”
What makes the series so special this year is the addition of a dedicated Classic Yacht Series. “We have over 11 classic yachts ranging in age from 120 years old (the yacht Thelma – launched in 1984) to the ‘young upstart’ of the fleet, Reremai a veritable whipper-snapper at only 57 years old!” says Paul.
Here is a round up of all the action and the results for the weekend:
Classic Yacht Series
10 Classic Yachts took the water. All you needed was sepia-toned glasses and you really could have been back sailing in Wellington any time from the 1890’s to the early 1960’s. Traffic heading in to the city along the Hutt motorway really could be forgiven for thinking the had travelled back in time!
It was Marangi (Carl Jackson) – the sprightly 104 year old Le Huquet who soon showed the fleet a clean transom as she powered along to the top mark as the breeze started to freshen.
She was followed home by the elder states-woman of the fleet Thelma (Matt Price) showing that age really does equal experience.
It was Thelma who took ratings victory on the day, followed by Loloma (Phillipa Durkin) and Mabel (Gavin Pascoe).
The combined age of the top three boats is 344 years – an impressive feat in an age where most sailors swoon at the sight of carbon fibre. One glance at any of the classics sailing on Saturday would make the big techno-sailing-freak just a little envious!
Two Handed PHRF Series
Sharing the racing waters on Saturday were the 2 handed PHRF fleet. Badonkadonk (Quinn Wright), Black Diamond (Jamie McDowell) and Testarossa (Grant Reid) quickly established themselves at the front end of the fleet, closely followed by lights-flyer After Midnight (John Floyd) and the fleet close behind.
As they fleet made their way towards the harbour entrance the breeze died, and the following fleet charged up with the Northerly breeze.
Whistler III (Mike West/Josh Haytor) looked dangerous for a while, but as the breeze settle in – it was business as usual as the fleet made their way around the track.
Eventually it was Black Diamond who took the gun, but it was the smaller boats who benefited from bringing the breeze with them who took the day. White Cavalier (Chris Rutledge) and Jigsaw (Judy Lymbery/Paul Davies) were first equal on corrected time.
Sunday Fully Crewed Series
Sunday dawned with a fresh 25-30 knots across the harbour – Winter was in the air!
36 Boats made their way to the starting area, where RO Ken Burt had set himself up at the bottom of a 1.5nm windward/leeward course. Division A would do 3 laps – with Division B doing 2 before finishing above the top mark.
Division A saw Wedgetail (Meric Davies) lead the 8boat fleet from start to finish to take the win on Line, PHRF and General handicap from REVS (Mark Gordon) and The Guarantee (Geoff Herd).
Division B was a much more tightly contested affair – with a mixed fleet of keelboats, trailer yachts and Elliott 6’s crewed by the RPNYC Youth Scheme battling it out around the course.
At the top mark the breeze died – turning a 20knot battle into light airs tactical warfare. Black Diamond repeated their line honours win from the ever dangerous Testarossa, with third place going to a Wellington Ocean Sports Centre team on MRX Red filling the podium.
General Handicap winners however were Adam Middleton from the Youth Scheme who worked their way through the fleet, with Black Diamond second, and another of the Youth Scheme Elliott 6’s, helmed by local starling sailor George Gautrey taking third.
Black Diamond won the PHRF battle from Testarossa, with Mark Waters and the team on Illusions taking third place.
IRC honours were again taken by Black Diamond, with Gucci (Brent Dewhurst) and Whistler III (Mike West) chasing hot on his heels.
The Moore Wilson’s Winter Series runs every second weekend from June – August.
]]>Racing was completed over the two days with the first of the two-handed races on Saturday and picture-perfect conditions for the fully-crewed races on Sunday.
]]>13 boats lined up for the start off the club under the control of Race Officer Dave Roberts, ably assisted by Deb Dewhurst and Jess Wana.
A 20nm course had been set taking the boats around the harbour. A few boats were a little too eager with an individual recall requiring some quick manoeuvres to get back around the start mark. At least one or two boats sailed outside the laid start mark, but they quickly recognised the error of their ways and restarted swiftly.
By the first top mark REVS had stretched her legs and was never headed – taking line honours for the day. The chasing pack had some great battles, with Testarossa, Gucci, 88% Proof and Eat My Shorts in close contact around the track.
Grant & Jamie Reid on Testarossa took second on line, but it was the fast-finishing crew of Eat My Shorts who took out overall honours on PHRF for the day as well as finishing 3rd over the line.
The team on 88% Proof lamented as they watch James and Shorts do the “buffalo girl” – sailing around them on the last leg from Ngauranga to the finish line – but were consoled with a well-deserved victory on IRC, with Gucci 2nd and Whistler III third.
Results for the race can be found on the website here. With the series being decided on total elapsed time over the three races there are still huge opportunities for all the boat to take out the series!
Fully Crewed – Race Day 3
All eyes were on the weather maps as Sunday dawned sunny and light. The forecasts all pointed towards and light and dying breeze – but luckily for the fleet, and Race Officer Ken Burt, reality was vastly different!
A northerly of 13-18knots, coupled with a relatively short course laid in Evans Bay lead to some tight racing and GREAT views for the spectators that lined the Bay.
Picking the shifts and some great crew work saw Wedgetail claim line honours in Division A from Ran Tan II and REVS. However it was Herdy and team on The Guarantee who used their masthead runner to great effect to take home the wins on Handicap and PHRF.
Division B was always going to be a close run race, but again it was Testarossa from Lowry Bay who managed to out manoeuvre the fleet to take the gun by two minutes. The team on Eat My Shorts also revelled in the breeze taking second on line from the ever consistent Gucci.
PHRF results saw Eat My Shorts, Testarossa and Saucy Sausage fill the top three spots, with Shorts also taking the win on General Handicap from Testarossa and Incantare.
Gucci was the best of the IRC fleet.
Full race results for Div A and B for the day are posted on the web here
With all the boats off the water – it was back to the bar where PaulJD gave away the goodies for the day – with RUM going to Whistler III and Rocket Science, a set of NORTH SAILS crew t-shirts to Rosschild – and Moore Wilsons Vouchers going to Ran Tan II.
A special thanks goes to all of the club members who supported Rose in her efforts doing ‘Dry July’. PaulJD challenged the club to raise $100.00 for Rose who was blown away by the generousity of the members – who donated over $250.00 on the day!
Photos from the weekend come courtesy of Doug Thomas – who was just one of the Race Management volunteers who made the weekend racing happen. A huge thanks to him as well as Ian Dewhurst, Jess Wana, Nicci Wood, Carol Love, Ken Burt, Deb Dewhurst, Carole Inkster and Dave Roberts – we couldn’t have done it without you!
What a day – what a weekend!!!!!
]]>Two hours after the scheduled start time a slight breeze came and everyone jumped into action to get a race underway. But as soon as the course was set and the race started the rain came bucketing down and sucked away the breeze.
Once again Ken Burt and the race management team were forced to abandon racing … lets try again next weekend!
Race Officer Ken Burt set up the start line to north of Point Jerningham and laid a trinagle windward-leeward course for the first time in the series. Racing got underway in around ten knots which garadually built as the day went on and ended up in the late teens. A tight second reach added to the challenge for all and led to few tall tales about passing manoeuvres in the wardroom after sailing.
Photos available from Chris Coad Photography here.
]]>
Photos available from Chris Coad Photography here.
]]>
Race five – Division A
BIG THANKS to Evolution Sails – www.evolutionsails.com – https://www.facebook.com/evolutionsailsnz/ – for being the naming sponsor and for supporting our Yacht Club. We appreciate your contribution and the awesome prizes and are looking forward to having you back for a visit to Welli soon.
The 1st of July did not look promising, so the start for the Winter Series 2018 and the Navy cup got delayed and moved to the 8th of July. The weather gods were not in sailing mode the following weekend either, and again the racing had to be cancelled. 3rd time lucky one thinks, but not this time; no racing again on the 22nd July.
Finally a window of opportunity opened up, and the race management team got two races sorted on the 5th August, getting this series under way. With one race each the following weekends 5 races were sailed in various conditions. Needless to say that every other weekend – when Evans Bay and Lowry Bay held their races – was pretty good sailing weather.
Congratulations to Loco, taking out the overall win for the fully crewed series – on line, handicap and PHRF! See here for the results.
Only two races were sailed in the two-handed series, and we congratulate three different winners: Blink for on line, After Midnight for PHRF and Outrageous for general handicap. Check out the results here.
Below are some photos from our Facebook page – thanks to the Caniwi crew and everyone else who shared their pictures with us!
5 Aug Race 1+2
19 Aug Race 3
26 Aug Race 4
2 Sep Race 5 was simply too wet for taking photos!
Thanks to all volunteers and sailors who made this happen. See you all soon at the club, we got lots on during the break:
- Pre-Season Briefing – 14 September @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Working Bee – 15 September @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Investec Championship – All Blacks – 15 September @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
- Race Management 101 & 201 – 21 September @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- GFNZ Clyde Quay Clean up II – 23 September @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
]]>Race Officer Ken Burt and his race team for the day decisively located the committee boat in the top of Evans Bay and announced that racing would indeed start on time. A long W/L course was set and the fleet got underway in somewhere between 7-8 knots of northerly, with plenty of chances for hero to zero moves during the race as the breeze eased, swung left and right, and the forecast 10 knots S eventually arriving before almost evaporating before all competitors had finished.
With a full afternoon’s racing, the fleet were back into the warmth of the wardroom for results and prize giving. Seaview Sails & Rigging were the race day sponsor and Dave Molen and Todd Olsen were on hand with a range of Norths Sails t-shirts, duffel bags and bosun’s chairs for those competitors who made the most of the flukey conditions.
Congratulations to Helter Skelter who cleaned up in Div A. The podium in Div B was dominated by CU, Whistler and the Youth Scheme.
A big thank-you to our sponsors for the series, Moore Wilson’s, Bud Nalder Sails, Seaview Sails & Rigging and Chris Coad Photography for their continued support of our racing, please show your support to them in return. Also thanks very much to our race committee team for both days of racing. Thanks to to Deb Williams for the above photos of the on the water action!
On behalf of the members our best wishes to Campbell Fleury from Helter Skelter on a speedy recovery. We look forward to seeing you in the club and on the water again soon. Well done our on-water Caniwi and Race Management team for their efficient and graceful retrieval of Campbell from the water for medical attention.
Division A results:
Division B results:
Two-handed results:
Classic yacht results:
The breeze freshened with some reports of puff’s in the high 30’s, which made for some spectacular rides and even more spectacular slides as the crews reveled in the conditions.
With just the one race for the day, everyone was back in the wardroom early for the prize giving and the hot pies, which went down a treat.
In his first official duty as VC, Paul Atkins announced the days results which saw Blink take Line, PHRF, Club and IRC for Div A, and Div B was led by Westy taking Line and PHRF on Whistler III, with Bob on Montego Bay III taking Club.
On Saturday Conditions were much gentler with Lizzie winning Club and Thelma taking Line Honours in the Nalder Sails Classic Series.
Division A results:
Division B results:
Two-handed results:
Classic yacht results:
With a weather pattern that made sailors feel like they were actors in the movie of the same name, the third weekend of the 2014 RPNYC Moore Wilson’s Winter Series turned out to be a “mix, stir and repeat” of the conditions experienced in the series so far.
Eight classics and a dozen or so 2 Handed competitors again congregated at a millpond start line on Saturday morning. The 10 knot NE, forecast to rise to 20 knots in the course of the morning, remained characteristically shy. RPNYC’s Caniwi Te Ruru was sent on a series of reconnaissance tours of the harbour, to report what was palpable from the waiting boats, that there were some perceptible air currents in the vicinity of Somes Island.
Both fleets had their planned courses shortened to almost a sprint race (minus the breeze) from the club – to the vicinity of Somes Island – and back to club, with the race eventually starting a mere 90 minutes after the scheduled start time (1030) at 12:15pm. The 2 Handed fleet headed to Somes via a laid mark in Evans Bay.
In the classics fleet, Wakarere, and Marangi made a bee line for the south end of Somes, while Galatea, Lizzie, and Loloma took a deeper track across Oriental Bay. Mabel sailed an intermediate course. Meantime, Thelma overhauled Nanette, earning ungallant reflections on their respective displacements. Lizzie abandoned Loloma, to take up behind Thelma.
At the top mark it was Wakarere who had earned a well-deserved lead from Marangi with the former making smart decisions in what breeze there was to be had.
Behind them, Thelma, Lizzie and Loloma were trading blows as their various tactical decisions were coming to fruition.
The downhill run to home was in ever increasing wind. Galatea had called it quits, but her passage across the finish line was briefly recorded as her win of the race. A few minutes later, Marangi crossed the line a mere 10 seconds ahead of Wakarere. After a forceful journey back to the inner harbour, Thelma overhauled Loloma to cross 30 seconds ahead, 10 minutes behind the first vessels. Lizzie was 7 minutes back again; 12 minutes later, Mabel; and Nanette another 10 minutes later.
On corrected time: (1) Lizzie (again!); (2) Mabel; and (3) Wakarere.
The PHRF fleet saw similarly contested battles within the fleet. Testarossa (Grant Reid) and Black Diamond (with guest helmsman Matt Stechmann) showed the fleet a clean pair of transoms, with the former charging down the final run to over take the gun by the slimmest of margins – 2 seconds.
Behind them the fleet was bringing down the building northerly – with Whistler III (Mike West/Josh Haytor), After Midnight (John Floyd) and Eraser (Chris Hargreaves) filling the next three positions on line.
On corrected time nothing separated After Midnight and Testarossa who recorded a first equal, with Whistler III taking third place on the podium.
Sunday Fully Crewed Series
In what is now becoming the standard, Sunday morning saw a fresh northerly greet the fleet as sailors converged in Evans Bay under the guidance of Ken Burt and his RM team aboard Bloody Mary.
The fleets were set a shorter course than the previous weeks, and with the rain coming across in patches many of the crews were welcoming a shorter race day on a chilly day!
This was cut short when it was relayed the course was to be a mere 2nm beat – plenty of time for boats to stretch their legs, and plenty of decisions to be made by the navi-guessers!
The Division A start line was a hotly contested affair, with the added challenge of a wayward crewmember off Rocket Science who departed the boat right on the gun.
Wedgetail (Meric Davies) again showed the fleet around the course, working a handy lead on the upwind beats – only to be chased down by the ‘teenagers’ on Magic Trick (Mike Calkoen, Shaw 650) who revelled on the off wind legs in a healthy breeze.
Wedgetail took line honours from Magic Trick, with REVS (Mark Gordon) in third.
Magic Trick took the honours on both PHRF and General Handicap, with Wedgetail, Magic Trick and The Guarantee (Geoff Herd) filling the other podium places.
The front of Division B saw Black Diamond and Testarossa were again at the forefront of the fleet – this week joined by a Wellington Ocean Sports Centre charted MRX again with Matt Stevens on the helm. Close behind them was Gucci with Brent Dewhurst back from holiday and charging hard.
Testarossa seems to be the boat to beat this series, taking Line and PHRF honours and a second on General Handicap. It was Floating Free (Denis Foot) took General handicap honours from Testarossa and Gucci in third.
Other podium places on PHRF were filled by Gucci in second, with Black Diamond third and Saucy Sausage (Herve le Goff) fourth.
Gucci returned to the top of the IRC results from Black Diamond and Whistler III.
Back at the Club, Race Day Sponsor Bud Nalder was on hand to give away three of his handmade sailing bags worth $150 each, and two lucky skippers received vouchers generously provided by series sponsors Moore Wilson.
]]>“I am totally blown away by the number of entries we have received for the series this year. 50 boats is just sensational and a testament to the state of keelboat racing in Wellington.”
What makes the series so special this year is the addition of a dedicated Classic Yacht Series. “We have over 11 classic yachts ranging in age from 120 years old (the yacht Thelma – launched in 1984) to the ‘young upstart’ of the fleet, Reremai a veritable whipper-snapper at only 57 years old!” says Paul.
Here is a round up of all the action and the results for the weekend:
Classic Yacht Series
10 Classic Yachts took the water. All you needed was sepia-toned glasses and you really could have been back sailing in Wellington any time from the 1890’s to the early 1960’s. Traffic heading in to the city along the Hutt motorway really could be forgiven for thinking the had travelled back in time!
It was Marangi (Carl Jackson) – the sprightly 104 year old Le Huquet who soon showed the fleet a clean transom as she powered along to the top mark as the breeze started to freshen.
She was followed home by the elder states-woman of the fleet Thelma (Matt Price) showing that age really does equal experience.
It was Thelma who took ratings victory on the day, followed by Loloma (Phillipa Durkin) and Mabel (Gavin Pascoe).
The combined age of the top three boats is 344 years – an impressive feat in an age where most sailors swoon at the sight of carbon fibre. One glance at any of the classics sailing on Saturday would make the big techno-sailing-freak just a little envious!
Two Handed PHRF Series
Sharing the racing waters on Saturday were the 2 handed PHRF fleet. Badonkadonk (Quinn Wright), Black Diamond (Jamie McDowell) and Testarossa (Grant Reid) quickly established themselves at the front end of the fleet, closely followed by lights-flyer After Midnight (John Floyd) and the fleet close behind.
As they fleet made their way towards the harbour entrance the breeze died, and the following fleet charged up with the Northerly breeze.
Whistler III (Mike West/Josh Haytor) looked dangerous for a while, but as the breeze settle in – it was business as usual as the fleet made their way around the track.
Eventually it was Black Diamond who took the gun, but it was the smaller boats who benefited from bringing the breeze with them who took the day. White Cavalier (Chris Rutledge) and Jigsaw (Judy Lymbery/Paul Davies) were first equal on corrected time.
Sunday Fully Crewed Series
Sunday dawned with a fresh 25-30 knots across the harbour – Winter was in the air!
36 Boats made their way to the starting area, where RO Ken Burt had set himself up at the bottom of a 1.5nm windward/leeward course. Division A would do 3 laps – with Division B doing 2 before finishing above the top mark.
Division A saw Wedgetail (Meric Davies) lead the 8boat fleet from start to finish to take the win on Line, PHRF and General handicap from REVS (Mark Gordon) and The Guarantee (Geoff Herd).
Division B was a much more tightly contested affair – with a mixed fleet of keelboats, trailer yachts and Elliott 6’s crewed by the RPNYC Youth Scheme battling it out around the course.
At the top mark the breeze died – turning a 20knot battle into light airs tactical warfare. Black Diamond repeated their line honours win from the ever dangerous Testarossa, with third place going to a Wellington Ocean Sports Centre team on MRX Red filling the podium.
General Handicap winners however were Adam Middleton from the Youth Scheme who worked their way through the fleet, with Black Diamond second, and another of the Youth Scheme Elliott 6’s, helmed by local starling sailor George Gautrey taking third.
Black Diamond won the PHRF battle from Testarossa, with Mark Waters and the team on Illusions taking third place.
IRC honours were again taken by Black Diamond, with Gucci (Brent Dewhurst) and Whistler III (Mike West) chasing hot on his heels.
The Moore Wilson’s Winter Series runs every second weekend from June – August.
]]>Racing was completed over the two days with the first of the two-handed races on Saturday and picture-perfect conditions for the fully-crewed races on Sunday.
]]>13 boats lined up for the start off the club under the control of Race Officer Dave Roberts, ably assisted by Deb Dewhurst and Jess Wana.
A 20nm course had been set taking the boats around the harbour. A few boats were a little too eager with an individual recall requiring some quick manoeuvres to get back around the start mark. At least one or two boats sailed outside the laid start mark, but they quickly recognised the error of their ways and restarted swiftly.
By the first top mark REVS had stretched her legs and was never headed – taking line honours for the day. The chasing pack had some great battles, with Testarossa, Gucci, 88% Proof and Eat My Shorts in close contact around the track.
Grant & Jamie Reid on Testarossa took second on line, but it was the fast-finishing crew of Eat My Shorts who took out overall honours on PHRF for the day as well as finishing 3rd over the line.
The team on 88% Proof lamented as they watch James and Shorts do the “buffalo girl” – sailing around them on the last leg from Ngauranga to the finish line – but were consoled with a well-deserved victory on IRC, with Gucci 2nd and Whistler III third.
Results for the race can be found on the website here. With the series being decided on total elapsed time over the three races there are still huge opportunities for all the boat to take out the series!
Fully Crewed – Race Day 3
All eyes were on the weather maps as Sunday dawned sunny and light. The forecasts all pointed towards and light and dying breeze – but luckily for the fleet, and Race Officer Ken Burt, reality was vastly different!
A northerly of 13-18knots, coupled with a relatively short course laid in Evans Bay lead to some tight racing and GREAT views for the spectators that lined the Bay.
Picking the shifts and some great crew work saw Wedgetail claim line honours in Division A from Ran Tan II and REVS. However it was Herdy and team on The Guarantee who used their masthead runner to great effect to take home the wins on Handicap and PHRF.
Division B was always going to be a close run race, but again it was Testarossa from Lowry Bay who managed to out manoeuvre the fleet to take the gun by two minutes. The team on Eat My Shorts also revelled in the breeze taking second on line from the ever consistent Gucci.
PHRF results saw Eat My Shorts, Testarossa and Saucy Sausage fill the top three spots, with Shorts also taking the win on General Handicap from Testarossa and Incantare.
Gucci was the best of the IRC fleet.
Full race results for Div A and B for the day are posted on the web here
With all the boats off the water – it was back to the bar where PaulJD gave away the goodies for the day – with RUM going to Whistler III and Rocket Science, a set of NORTH SAILS crew t-shirts to Rosschild – and Moore Wilsons Vouchers going to Ran Tan II.
A special thanks goes to all of the club members who supported Rose in her efforts doing ‘Dry July’. PaulJD challenged the club to raise $100.00 for Rose who was blown away by the generousity of the members – who donated over $250.00 on the day!
Photos from the weekend come courtesy of Doug Thomas – who was just one of the Race Management volunteers who made the weekend racing happen. A huge thanks to him as well as Ian Dewhurst, Jess Wana, Nicci Wood, Carol Love, Ken Burt, Deb Dewhurst, Carole Inkster and Dave Roberts – we couldn’t have done it without you!
What a day – what a weekend!!!!!
]]>Two hours after the scheduled start time a slight breeze came and everyone jumped into action to get a race underway. But as soon as the course was set and the race started the rain came bucketing down and sucked away the breeze.
Once again Ken Burt and the race management team were forced to abandon racing … lets try again next weekend!
Race Officer Ken Burt set up the start line to north of Point Jerningham and laid a trinagle windward-leeward course for the first time in the series. Racing got underway in around ten knots which garadually built as the day went on and ended up in the late teens. A tight second reach added to the challenge for all and led to few tall tales about passing manoeuvres in the wardroom after sailing.
Photos available from Chris Coad Photography here.
]]>
Photos available from Chris Coad Photography here.
]]>
Race five – Division B
BIG THANKS to Evolution Sails – www.evolutionsails.com – https://www.facebook.com/evolutionsailsnz/ – for being the naming sponsor and for supporting our Yacht Club. We appreciate your contribution and the awesome prizes and are looking forward to having you back for a visit to Welli soon.
The 1st of July did not look promising, so the start for the Winter Series 2018 and the Navy cup got delayed and moved to the 8th of July. The weather gods were not in sailing mode the following weekend either, and again the racing had to be cancelled. 3rd time lucky one thinks, but not this time; no racing again on the 22nd July.
Finally a window of opportunity opened up, and the race management team got two races sorted on the 5th August, getting this series under way. With one race each the following weekends 5 races were sailed in various conditions. Needless to say that every other weekend – when Evans Bay and Lowry Bay held their races – was pretty good sailing weather.
Congratulations to Loco, taking out the overall win for the fully crewed series – on line, handicap and PHRF! See here for the results.
Only two races were sailed in the two-handed series, and we congratulate three different winners: Blink for on line, After Midnight for PHRF and Outrageous for general handicap. Check out the results here.
Below are some photos from our Facebook page – thanks to the Caniwi crew and everyone else who shared their pictures with us!
5 Aug Race 1+2
19 Aug Race 3
26 Aug Race 4
2 Sep Race 5 was simply too wet for taking photos!
Thanks to all volunteers and sailors who made this happen. See you all soon at the club, we got lots on during the break:
- Pre-Season Briefing – 14 September @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Working Bee – 15 September @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Investec Championship – All Blacks – 15 September @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
- Race Management 101 & 201 – 21 September @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- GFNZ Clyde Quay Clean up II – 23 September @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
]]>Race Officer Ken Burt and his race team for the day decisively located the committee boat in the top of Evans Bay and announced that racing would indeed start on time. A long W/L course was set and the fleet got underway in somewhere between 7-8 knots of northerly, with plenty of chances for hero to zero moves during the race as the breeze eased, swung left and right, and the forecast 10 knots S eventually arriving before almost evaporating before all competitors had finished.
With a full afternoon’s racing, the fleet were back into the warmth of the wardroom for results and prize giving. Seaview Sails & Rigging were the race day sponsor and Dave Molen and Todd Olsen were on hand with a range of Norths Sails t-shirts, duffel bags and bosun’s chairs for those competitors who made the most of the flukey conditions.
Congratulations to Helter Skelter who cleaned up in Div A. The podium in Div B was dominated by CU, Whistler and the Youth Scheme.
A big thank-you to our sponsors for the series, Moore Wilson’s, Bud Nalder Sails, Seaview Sails & Rigging and Chris Coad Photography for their continued support of our racing, please show your support to them in return. Also thanks very much to our race committee team for both days of racing. Thanks to to Deb Williams for the above photos of the on the water action!
On behalf of the members our best wishes to Campbell Fleury from Helter Skelter on a speedy recovery. We look forward to seeing you in the club and on the water again soon. Well done our on-water Caniwi and Race Management team for their efficient and graceful retrieval of Campbell from the water for medical attention.
Division A results:
Division B results:
Two-handed results:
Classic yacht results:
The breeze freshened with some reports of puff’s in the high 30’s, which made for some spectacular rides and even more spectacular slides as the crews reveled in the conditions.
With just the one race for the day, everyone was back in the wardroom early for the prize giving and the hot pies, which went down a treat.
In his first official duty as VC, Paul Atkins announced the days results which saw Blink take Line, PHRF, Club and IRC for Div A, and Div B was led by Westy taking Line and PHRF on Whistler III, with Bob on Montego Bay III taking Club.
On Saturday Conditions were much gentler with Lizzie winning Club and Thelma taking Line Honours in the Nalder Sails Classic Series.
Division A results:
Division B results:
Two-handed results:
Classic yacht results:
With a weather pattern that made sailors feel like they were actors in the movie of the same name, the third weekend of the 2014 RPNYC Moore Wilson’s Winter Series turned out to be a “mix, stir and repeat” of the conditions experienced in the series so far.
Eight classics and a dozen or so 2 Handed competitors again congregated at a millpond start line on Saturday morning. The 10 knot NE, forecast to rise to 20 knots in the course of the morning, remained characteristically shy. RPNYC’s Caniwi Te Ruru was sent on a series of reconnaissance tours of the harbour, to report what was palpable from the waiting boats, that there were some perceptible air currents in the vicinity of Somes Island.
Both fleets had their planned courses shortened to almost a sprint race (minus the breeze) from the club – to the vicinity of Somes Island – and back to club, with the race eventually starting a mere 90 minutes after the scheduled start time (1030) at 12:15pm. The 2 Handed fleet headed to Somes via a laid mark in Evans Bay.
In the classics fleet, Wakarere, and Marangi made a bee line for the south end of Somes, while Galatea, Lizzie, and Loloma took a deeper track across Oriental Bay. Mabel sailed an intermediate course. Meantime, Thelma overhauled Nanette, earning ungallant reflections on their respective displacements. Lizzie abandoned Loloma, to take up behind Thelma.
At the top mark it was Wakarere who had earned a well-deserved lead from Marangi with the former making smart decisions in what breeze there was to be had.
Behind them, Thelma, Lizzie and Loloma were trading blows as their various tactical decisions were coming to fruition.
The downhill run to home was in ever increasing wind. Galatea had called it quits, but her passage across the finish line was briefly recorded as her win of the race. A few minutes later, Marangi crossed the line a mere 10 seconds ahead of Wakarere. After a forceful journey back to the inner harbour, Thelma overhauled Loloma to cross 30 seconds ahead, 10 minutes behind the first vessels. Lizzie was 7 minutes back again; 12 minutes later, Mabel; and Nanette another 10 minutes later.
On corrected time: (1) Lizzie (again!); (2) Mabel; and (3) Wakarere.
The PHRF fleet saw similarly contested battles within the fleet. Testarossa (Grant Reid) and Black Diamond (with guest helmsman Matt Stechmann) showed the fleet a clean pair of transoms, with the former charging down the final run to over take the gun by the slimmest of margins – 2 seconds.
Behind them the fleet was bringing down the building northerly – with Whistler III (Mike West/Josh Haytor), After Midnight (John Floyd) and Eraser (Chris Hargreaves) filling the next three positions on line.
On corrected time nothing separated After Midnight and Testarossa who recorded a first equal, with Whistler III taking third place on the podium.
Sunday Fully Crewed Series
In what is now becoming the standard, Sunday morning saw a fresh northerly greet the fleet as sailors converged in Evans Bay under the guidance of Ken Burt and his RM team aboard Bloody Mary.
The fleets were set a shorter course than the previous weeks, and with the rain coming across in patches many of the crews were welcoming a shorter race day on a chilly day!
This was cut short when it was relayed the course was to be a mere 2nm beat – plenty of time for boats to stretch their legs, and plenty of decisions to be made by the navi-guessers!
The Division A start line was a hotly contested affair, with the added challenge of a wayward crewmember off Rocket Science who departed the boat right on the gun.
Wedgetail (Meric Davies) again showed the fleet around the course, working a handy lead on the upwind beats – only to be chased down by the ‘teenagers’ on Magic Trick (Mike Calkoen, Shaw 650) who revelled on the off wind legs in a healthy breeze.
Wedgetail took line honours from Magic Trick, with REVS (Mark Gordon) in third.
Magic Trick took the honours on both PHRF and General Handicap, with Wedgetail, Magic Trick and The Guarantee (Geoff Herd) filling the other podium places.
The front of Division B saw Black Diamond and Testarossa were again at the forefront of the fleet – this week joined by a Wellington Ocean Sports Centre charted MRX again with Matt Stevens on the helm. Close behind them was Gucci with Brent Dewhurst back from holiday and charging hard.
Testarossa seems to be the boat to beat this series, taking Line and PHRF honours and a second on General Handicap. It was Floating Free (Denis Foot) took General handicap honours from Testarossa and Gucci in third.
Other podium places on PHRF were filled by Gucci in second, with Black Diamond third and Saucy Sausage (Herve le Goff) fourth.
Gucci returned to the top of the IRC results from Black Diamond and Whistler III.
Back at the Club, Race Day Sponsor Bud Nalder was on hand to give away three of his handmade sailing bags worth $150 each, and two lucky skippers received vouchers generously provided by series sponsors Moore Wilson.
]]>“I am totally blown away by the number of entries we have received for the series this year. 50 boats is just sensational and a testament to the state of keelboat racing in Wellington.”
What makes the series so special this year is the addition of a dedicated Classic Yacht Series. “We have over 11 classic yachts ranging in age from 120 years old (the yacht Thelma – launched in 1984) to the ‘young upstart’ of the fleet, Reremai a veritable whipper-snapper at only 57 years old!” says Paul.
Here is a round up of all the action and the results for the weekend:
Classic Yacht Series
10 Classic Yachts took the water. All you needed was sepia-toned glasses and you really could have been back sailing in Wellington any time from the 1890’s to the early 1960’s. Traffic heading in to the city along the Hutt motorway really could be forgiven for thinking the had travelled back in time!
It was Marangi (Carl Jackson) – the sprightly 104 year old Le Huquet who soon showed the fleet a clean transom as she powered along to the top mark as the breeze started to freshen.
She was followed home by the elder states-woman of the fleet Thelma (Matt Price) showing that age really does equal experience.
It was Thelma who took ratings victory on the day, followed by Loloma (Phillipa Durkin) and Mabel (Gavin Pascoe).
The combined age of the top three boats is 344 years – an impressive feat in an age where most sailors swoon at the sight of carbon fibre. One glance at any of the classics sailing on Saturday would make the big techno-sailing-freak just a little envious!
Two Handed PHRF Series
Sharing the racing waters on Saturday were the 2 handed PHRF fleet. Badonkadonk (Quinn Wright), Black Diamond (Jamie McDowell) and Testarossa (Grant Reid) quickly established themselves at the front end of the fleet, closely followed by lights-flyer After Midnight (John Floyd) and the fleet close behind.
As they fleet made their way towards the harbour entrance the breeze died, and the following fleet charged up with the Northerly breeze.
Whistler III (Mike West/Josh Haytor) looked dangerous for a while, but as the breeze settle in – it was business as usual as the fleet made their way around the track.
Eventually it was Black Diamond who took the gun, but it was the smaller boats who benefited from bringing the breeze with them who took the day. White Cavalier (Chris Rutledge) and Jigsaw (Judy Lymbery/Paul Davies) were first equal on corrected time.
Sunday Fully Crewed Series
Sunday dawned with a fresh 25-30 knots across the harbour – Winter was in the air!
36 Boats made their way to the starting area, where RO Ken Burt had set himself up at the bottom of a 1.5nm windward/leeward course. Division A would do 3 laps – with Division B doing 2 before finishing above the top mark.
Division A saw Wedgetail (Meric Davies) lead the 8boat fleet from start to finish to take the win on Line, PHRF and General handicap from REVS (Mark Gordon) and The Guarantee (Geoff Herd).
Division B was a much more tightly contested affair – with a mixed fleet of keelboats, trailer yachts and Elliott 6’s crewed by the RPNYC Youth Scheme battling it out around the course.
At the top mark the breeze died – turning a 20knot battle into light airs tactical warfare. Black Diamond repeated their line honours win from the ever dangerous Testarossa, with third place going to a Wellington Ocean Sports Centre team on MRX Red filling the podium.
General Handicap winners however were Adam Middleton from the Youth Scheme who worked their way through the fleet, with Black Diamond second, and another of the Youth Scheme Elliott 6’s, helmed by local starling sailor George Gautrey taking third.
Black Diamond won the PHRF battle from Testarossa, with Mark Waters and the team on Illusions taking third place.
IRC honours were again taken by Black Diamond, with Gucci (Brent Dewhurst) and Whistler III (Mike West) chasing hot on his heels.
The Moore Wilson’s Winter Series runs every second weekend from June – August.
]]>Racing was completed over the two days with the first of the two-handed races on Saturday and picture-perfect conditions for the fully-crewed races on Sunday.
]]>13 boats lined up for the start off the club under the control of Race Officer Dave Roberts, ably assisted by Deb Dewhurst and Jess Wana.
A 20nm course had been set taking the boats around the harbour. A few boats were a little too eager with an individual recall requiring some quick manoeuvres to get back around the start mark. At least one or two boats sailed outside the laid start mark, but they quickly recognised the error of their ways and restarted swiftly.
By the first top mark REVS had stretched her legs and was never headed – taking line honours for the day. The chasing pack had some great battles, with Testarossa, Gucci, 88% Proof and Eat My Shorts in close contact around the track.
Grant & Jamie Reid on Testarossa took second on line, but it was the fast-finishing crew of Eat My Shorts who took out overall honours on PHRF for the day as well as finishing 3rd over the line.
The team on 88% Proof lamented as they watch James and Shorts do the “buffalo girl” – sailing around them on the last leg from Ngauranga to the finish line – but were consoled with a well-deserved victory on IRC, with Gucci 2nd and Whistler III third.
Results for the race can be found on the website here. With the series being decided on total elapsed time over the three races there are still huge opportunities for all the boat to take out the series!
Fully Crewed – Race Day 3
All eyes were on the weather maps as Sunday dawned sunny and light. The forecasts all pointed towards and light and dying breeze – but luckily for the fleet, and Race Officer Ken Burt, reality was vastly different!
A northerly of 13-18knots, coupled with a relatively short course laid in Evans Bay lead to some tight racing and GREAT views for the spectators that lined the Bay.
Picking the shifts and some great crew work saw Wedgetail claim line honours in Division A from Ran Tan II and REVS. However it was Herdy and team on The Guarantee who used their masthead runner to great effect to take home the wins on Handicap and PHRF.
Division B was always going to be a close run race, but again it was Testarossa from Lowry Bay who managed to out manoeuvre the fleet to take the gun by two minutes. The team on Eat My Shorts also revelled in the breeze taking second on line from the ever consistent Gucci.
PHRF results saw Eat My Shorts, Testarossa and Saucy Sausage fill the top three spots, with Shorts also taking the win on General Handicap from Testarossa and Incantare.
Gucci was the best of the IRC fleet.
Full race results for Div A and B for the day are posted on the web here
With all the boats off the water – it was back to the bar where PaulJD gave away the goodies for the day – with RUM going to Whistler III and Rocket Science, a set of NORTH SAILS crew t-shirts to Rosschild – and Moore Wilsons Vouchers going to Ran Tan II.
A special thanks goes to all of the club members who supported Rose in her efforts doing ‘Dry July’. PaulJD challenged the club to raise $100.00 for Rose who was blown away by the generousity of the members – who donated over $250.00 on the day!
Photos from the weekend come courtesy of Doug Thomas – who was just one of the Race Management volunteers who made the weekend racing happen. A huge thanks to him as well as Ian Dewhurst, Jess Wana, Nicci Wood, Carol Love, Ken Burt, Deb Dewhurst, Carole Inkster and Dave Roberts – we couldn’t have done it without you!
What a day – what a weekend!!!!!
]]>Two hours after the scheduled start time a slight breeze came and everyone jumped into action to get a race underway. But as soon as the course was set and the race started the rain came bucketing down and sucked away the breeze.
Once again Ken Burt and the race management team were forced to abandon racing … lets try again next weekend!
Race Officer Ken Burt set up the start line to north of Point Jerningham and laid a trinagle windward-leeward course for the first time in the series. Racing got underway in around ten knots which garadually built as the day went on and ended up in the late teens. A tight second reach added to the challenge for all and led to few tall tales about passing manoeuvres in the wardroom after sailing.
Photos available from Chris Coad Photography here.
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Photos available from Chris Coad Photography here.
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