Perfect conditions for the 2024 Geoff Smale Memorial Regatta
North Shore Radio Yacht Squadron held the 10th regatta in memory of club stalwart and top New Zealand sailor Geoff Smale on Wednesday 11th December at Quarry Lake, Northcote Rd.
The 5 – 10k NE breeze blowing off Lake Pupuke onto the quarry provided excellent conditions for 25 competitors sailing the International Class 1 metre radio yachts (IOM)
Sailors from outside the North Shore came from Kerikeri to the north, Katikati to the south and a guest appearance of Miguel, a skipper from Spain.
With 21 races sailed from 10am – 3pm, and a rotation system putting 16 boats on the water for each race all skippers sailed 14 races. Racing was virtually non-stop to the delight of the many spectators who were fortunate enough to be wandering passed the quarry on the day. The most frequent comment was “much more exciting to watch than the Americas Cup.”
This year’s event was one of the best regattas ever held in the clubs 36 years. Great camaraderie and very competitive racing was capped off with a bbq and prize giving in the sun beside the quarry. All skippers went home as winners although the final scoreboard gave the honours to Ian Power from North Shore.
Terry Valder
IOM Co-ordinator
