NSRYS in conjunction with Kerikeri RYS held a very successful regatta in primo conditions at Lake Waikere, the nor’western most of the Kai Iwi Lakes.
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As this was not a ranking event we dispensed with registration and measurement formalities on Friday and skippers took to the water for some practice before returning to the clubhouse to meet the rest of the skippers for drinks and nibbles.
Saturday’s racing started when the wind filled in from the south to reasonably steady A rig conditions. Races were run with three fleets of seven skippers – red, white and blue or 1,2 and 3 for those easily confused (there were a few) Red sailed with white, then white sailed with blue, then blue sailed with red – one round completed. Then red sailed with white etc, etc …. take your time, you will figure it out, I’m sure.
Fifteen races were sailed by knock-off time so each skipper had sailed ten races with the usual suspect dominating the scoreboard. This was followed by the now customary all in rum race consisting of one lap of a long distance (almost out of range) course and a swim for the hardy to cool off in the pristine Kai Iwi Lakes water.
A BIG feast was put on by Cloughy along with many helpers at the club house on Saturday night. Definitely one of the many highlights of the regatta.
Racing on Sunday started with the fleet divided into two groups – top eleven in gold, and with one withdrawal the other 10 in silver. Another six races, again in good A rig conditions, rounded off a superb weekend.
Conditions for both race days had plenty of subtle (and not so subtle) wind shifts which gave the observant and the lucky a good chance of making up ground. Other than that, the usual rules applied – get a clean start, stay out of trouble and don’t make dumb mistakes. Only three things but unfortunately two out of three usually wasn’t good enough.
- Fabulous location
- Fantastic sailing conditions
- Great company
- Good food (and drinks)
- Mark it in your calendar for next year.
RO’s – Terry Valder and Graham Cross