28th February – 1st March | Nelson Radio Sailing Club
With the much-anticipated IOM Nationals being hosted in Nelson at the end of the year 28 keen IOM sailors from as far North as the Bay of Islands and from the depths of Dunedin gathered at the Nelson Radion Sailing Club’s amazing facility at Best Island for this years (earlier) edition of the “Top of the South” IOM Regatta.
Race Day 1
As is typical in Nelson, sailors were greeted by the morning southerly. Even with a slightly later start, the famous sea breeze had not yet arrived – so there were a couple of quick races held, before a break.
Once the sea breeze arrived – the racing was top notch and exceptionally close. With two fleets in action, the twin launching and retrieval jettys were kept very busy, and the NRSC volunteer team kept busy marshalling the troops and keeping the sailing rolling.
After 16 heats and 8 races it was clear that the battle for top honours would be between Erle Williams (Keri Keri), who led the scoresheet, closely followed by Dean Atkinson (Nelson) and Rick Cassels-Brown (Pegasus). Fleet assignments for Gold and Silver were posted, and sailors studied closely to see what they would need to do on Day 2 to improve (and defend) their standings
An amazing BBQ dinner was laid on by the Nelson Club, with several cool beverages and much banter exchanged.
Race Day 2
The southerly was again present when the fleet assembled on Day 2. While the forecast said it was due to shift the course was laid and racing commenced. Unexpectedly the southerly held in for the most of the day and at times got quite gusty (and shifty!) There were reported sightings of B rigs on the course, and at times they were flying.
Just after 2pm the southerly battle with the seabreeze began with the breeze swinging around the compass. With 6 finals racing in the bag, time was called on the event – and it was time to find out the winners:
In the Silver Fleet it was a Nelson clean-sweep with Peter Jensen, Mike Ballard and Laurie Hope taking out the podium.
In the Gold Fleet Dean Atkinson repeated his efforts from last year taking 2nd place from Erle Williams in 3rd. Rick Cassels-Brown sailed a near perfect Finals Series recording 3 wins, 2 seconds and fourth.
Full results can be found here: https://nzrya.org.nz/2026-top-of-the-south-regatta-results/
In addition to the Fleet racing – the Bruce Edgar InterClub trophy was competed for. The Team from Pegasus were proud and deserving winners of the Trophy
Another excellent weekend of IOM camaraderie hosted amazingly by the Team at Nelson. An awesome team of club members and volunteers a seamless event sailed in great spirits. All the best for those of you who make there for the Nationals
Paul the RO