Day 1
Top sailors – Top Venue – Top Team
There is little more to be said about the welcome extended to the 37 sailors who arrived at the “Best Lake” in New Zealand for the last IOM event of 2024.
Best Island is the home of the Nelson Radio Sailing Club – and after 8 races (24 heats) it was truly the best IOM racing many could remember with stunning sunshine and the Tasman Bay sea breeze proving amazing A-rig racing.
It is a testament to the quality of the fleet, and popularity of the event, that the top four sailors were all travelers, with Gulf Harbour, Keri Keri, Pegasus and New Plymouth Clubs in the top four. There were also sailors from Kapiti, Wellington, Otago – and of course a really strong turnout from the local host club in attendance.
At the end of the day the Gold Fleet was topped by some familiar names – Rob Nelson held a comfortable lead from Erle Williams, Phil Pryde and Rick Cassels-Brown all eyeing him up for Day 2.
There was all still plenty to play for in the Silver and Bronze Fleets – with just points separating all the top spots.
Results after Day 1 – and the Fleet splits can be found here.
Day 2
A cooler day – and the promise of some strong wind and rain met the fleet on Sunday morning.
After a quick briefing, the fleet was called to the water with an undertaking from the race management team to ensure quality over quantity…. And to keep an eye on some very ominous clouds!
True to form after four more races were held for all fleets the breeze really started to freshen – so time was called on the day.
In the Bronze Fleet – it was Bruce Edgar (PRSC), sailing a borrowed boat that was plagued by breakdowns on day 1 who had the best day, scoring a 3-2-1-1 to put him in 3rd overall behind fellow Pegasus sailors Owen Henwood and overall Bronze Fleet winner Ian McGregor.
In Silver Fleet, John McPherson (WRYC) overtook Colin Cashmore (KRYS) to win the Silver Fleet but just 1 point. Bob Senior (NSRYS) Rounded out the podium in a hotly contested division.
In the Gold Fleet – the racing was tight and vocal, with turns being done as the sailors pushed each other (and the rules!) to the limit.
The day belonged to Rick Cassels-Brown (PRSC) who posted 3 wins out of 4 races to overtake Rob Nelson (GHRYC) and took home the Top of the South Trophy for 2024 by a 3-point margin. Just one point behind Rob was Erle Williams (KRYS). The top-three opened a solid margin over the rest of the fleet.
Special mention goes to the Team at Nelson – in particular to John Levy (Chief Boat Wrangler) and to Gabriella and Linley (Paperwork Legends) and Judith (Scorer extraordinaire). Basil Hart also gets a special mention for all the work putting the event together – your presence was missed!
It was an awesome trip back to the Top of the South – thanks as always for having me as a part of the Team.
Results after Day 2 and here.
Best wishes to you and yours for the holiday.
Paul Davies aka PJD
The RO