1993 a last race in Auckland on REVS (the Ross 1066); 1995 a last stand on the hull that was the growing REVS that we all know here in Wellington (the Ross 12 version.) Two little boys, and a 9 year gap until one day in early 2002 a 1966 Wagstaff skiff Moth was donated to Jo by a departing Church member. Straight down to Paremata Boating Club, Michael into learn-to-sail, me back into racing. One year later, Josh was into learn-to-sail as well.
And in that year, three wrecked Z Class (Zeddy) hulls were dumped onto my lawn – a project to create one race ready Z2 (John Hargreaves gave me an old main from his Grandads Cart Z32 – I peeled off the 3 to save money). Strong Zeddy fleet at Paremata and Plimmerton, and sailed by all these really old fellas. Appropriate name? Zimmerframe Racing Team was born!
Five years later I went to a 50th and discovered I was older than most. Salt air and whiskey is obviously tough on the local’s complexion!
In 2016, an small inheritance and a chance to do something I never dreamed of – Zimmerframe Racing Team II appeared race ready after some Jif, elbow grease and a huge chunk of TLC. Dedicated to Daph & Andy Cook – thanks Mum & Dad!
Who to crew on Fridays? Supposed to only do Rum Races because we raced Meric’s Wedgetain on Saturdays. The Cook lads (now 23 and 21 and ex- youth scheme), Mike from ZRT, Glenis from Jo’s school days, Peter from work, and a couple from Wedgetail. Family and a great bunch of friends – that’s the story. No hot shots, no world champions, no pretentious … just committed to sailing lots. No yelling, laughing at the mistakes, watching the fun meter, enjoying the lies with a beer and cheese and crackers after the racing. Skiing and other activities shared.
And then Wedgetail got sold. Every race now to be sailed. Sorry Jo, but it was your fault in 2002! Still the same now in our 7th season. A few crew changes over the years – Debs, a grad, joined after year 1. Five of us still together; others welcomed and others sadly departed! But all are still family.
Friday night Rum Races – 25 years of them at Port Nic I am told. The best de-stressor from work.
Recovering from COVID this last Friday night – I couldn’t race. With Josh on helm, ZRT2 won the rum (didn’t hear the end of that). We won seven bottles in our first season – guess the rule got changed since. Now we need a sponsor for PHRF – Govt doesn’t like alcohol sponsorship much. Kapiti Cheese perhaps for the next 25 years?
Looking forward already to the sun and 25 boats on the line this Friday.
Roger