The Waikato Champs (Hamilton Lake) I think our fourth event this year and to say the least “bloody great” and even Bruce Edgar made a guest appearance from the South Island.
Mark Jenkins as Race Officer all is in good hands. Day one ” A” rig and we are all stoked, pumped and warm ready to go. A few minor course changes by our man Nigel and the event is underway.
People coming from everywhere to have a look at these model boats worth a fortune !!!!
After a very good day we all head down to Speights Ale House for some lies and give Ian Vickers a hard time for nearly winning every race again !!!. Leon, Bruce, and Alan telling stories of the past and some the conditions we might expect tomorrow .
Day 2 started so well…. But then the “ B” rig was needed the gazebo still in one place, but now the rain starts, yes a few more guests arrive in the tent. Room a little squeezed and rain and wind starting to get out of control.
“B” rig lasted about 3-4 races then we moved to this “C” rig which looks like something designed for a bath tub !!! Getting some great advice “Give it full vang” “Plenty of Rake” say’s another. Oh my god the bloody gazebo takes off, all the chairs 5k boats everywhere and we didn’t hit one . To this day I don’t know how that was possible.
I catch up with Leon as we are launching and he looks at me as says “ now this will be fun ‘’ we now have white caps and a good sea . Throw the boat in mud every where, soaking wet, cold and really not sure what’s going to happen . Well last in all races couldn’t go about !!! too much main , not enough rake !!! Everything slides on the booms, finally the day is done !!!
I look around and here is Bruce and Leon having a ball you think they had won lotto !!! Laughing their heads off and having a great time the old buggers !!!
Overall a weekend that we learnt so much and if you asked me what the racing was like I can’t remember. The real eye opener is that you have to be totally organised and ready to go with all rigs setup and know that the step down is as important as sailing with “A” Rig .
After sailing these boats for 9 months with so much more to learn and meeting guys from all over NZ and travelling from Auckland to Pegasus, Auckland to Otaki, and Auckland to Hamilton twice it’s been great fun.
Next Trip Kerikeri see you there guys.
Cheers
Mark Frankham