The forecast for the Barton Marine Brothers Island Offshore Race was an interesting one, with a dying south-easterly and later in the evening a transition into the north east. Five competitive yachts were ready to take on the challenge. The script could not have been better for what unfolded in this race – the close game of chess was on. A downwind start off the Evans Bay Yacht and Motor Boat Club’s start line had some good puffs to get you through the compression zone at Greta Point and slingshot you down the bay, only to go fluky after Shelly…
Author: Deb Williams
Two years ago I had never heard of a Rum Race, let alone a gybe, a jib, a halyard or the many other strange terms used in sailing. But two years ago, four days after retiring, I took the learn to sail course. This was after spending many evenings, over many years, window shopping for a yacht on TradeMe. But never having the time to do anything with one had I bought one. I liked it. Yep I thought there could be some fun to be had sailing, so I joined the Club. I did a few trips out on…
The direction of the tiller remains a mystery to me, still a little going forwards, but totally mind blowing in reverse!! I am that guy… as I frustratingly curse myself for getting it wrong once again!!! The truth be known, I’m no sailor….yet!! I feel privileged, yet somewhat unworthy writing this brief story to members with such impressive sailing and racing pedigrees. However, the breeze appeared to favour us on Friday, so here we are, I humbly bow in all your presence, and will no doubt trail pitifully at the back of the fleet from here on in, so I’d…
In our 140th season the Sailing Committee has introduced a new series – the Gin Series, sponsored by Graham Norton GiN. Here’s 5 reasons to come gin racing: 1. You’re doing rum racing but not quite ready for the Saturday championship racing and you’d like to race a bit more. 2. You’ve won the rum in rum racing already this season and are looking for the next addition to the drinks locker. 3. You don’t have enough crew or experienced crew and are looking to build and train up a crew. 4. You don’t want to do windward leeward races…
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 -…
I’ve been a member of RPNYC for over 10 years. I live out on the wall at the entrance to Clyde Quay – keeping a close watch on comings and goings. I’m almost 45 years young. Doug Peterson designed me back in the 1970’s and I was crafted in the Salthouse Boatyard for Cavalier Yachts in 1978 so I have pedigree! I like nothing more than a run for the Rum on a Friday evening and, finally, last week my crew got it together! Speaking of which they are a varied bunch. With Dave Hasting’s help I love hosting recent…
In October 2020, I bought Steve an Ocean Sports Learn to Sail voucher for his birthday. He then jumped on the Rum Racing with the Zimmerframe Racing Team and eventually joining them for most other series as well. I joined a couple of races and thoroughly enjoyed it. Then came the nights (every night) of him showing me pictures of boats on Trademe. Although knowing nothing about boats, I must admit one boat he showed me piqued my interest. Next thing we were both in Auckland, sailing around the Auckland harbour with Brian Trubovich, previous owner of ZigZag Fullstop (ZigZag).…
RPNYC is proud to launch a Women’s Helm series, as part of the Annual World Sailing Steering the Course Women’s Festival. The first race is scheduled for 7th October, as part of the festival that runs 30th September to 9th October, to encourage our female sailors to take the helm in our regular rum racing A further 5 races are scheduled for Friday night rum racing throughout the 2022/23 season: 4 November, 2 December, 20 January, 3 March and 24 March. All boats racing in the rum race will get a result in the Mount Gay Lola Stays Rum Race…
Leg 1 report Our eight boats started in a very light Southerly on Friday afternoon, which meant a long drift out of Wellington harbour. Satellite Spy unfortunately caught an island of weed around their keel at the start, which slowed them considerably. After their dedicated crew took a quick swim to remove the weed, their performance improved greatly. The Guarantee had a great start, leading the whole fleet as they passed Point Halswell and again further out. But the green machine wasabi managed to get on the right side of the ferry at Barrett’s Reef to lay through and head…
Leg 1 report Our eight boats started in a very light Southerly on Friday afternoon, which meant a long drift out of Wellington harbour. Satellite Spy unfortunately caught an island of weed around their keel at the start, which slowed them considerably. After their dedicated crew took a quick swim to remove the weed, their performance improved greatly. The Guarantee had a great start, leading the whole fleet as they passed Point Halswell and again further out. But the green machine wasabi managed to get on the right side of the ferry at Barrett’s Reef to lay through and head…