1st July 2007
Around 40 sailors and 15 yachts enjoyed 7 to 10 knot northerly winds, along with a little light rain at the start of the Trailer Yacht Winter Series for 2007. Several yachts traveled up on Saturday from New Plymouth, in time to see the All Blacks and the Americas Cup live on TV. (Unfortunately second placings were the order of the night). As the day dawned Ian and Wayne and crew produced another scrumptious Kiwi breakfast, the sailors were certainly not put their tucker following the night's performances.
The Ross 780s, Bonkers (Ian Horner a premature starter in race one, but recovered), Tatra Lass (Paul Tippett) and Fast Forward (Neil Hodges) lead the other yachts on the water. Fast Forward went onto win race one on handicap and on the water. John Roszak (Y Not, Kestrel 18) took out first place in Fleet 2 ahead of Phil Skipworth (Hartley 14, Kawhia) and John Pease (Nolex 22, New Plymouth).
Overall (for the trophy) Bonkers and Fast Forward are tied for first and ResiVor (Owen and Janice Johnston, Joker 6.7) third after the two races sailed.
Thanks to all the sailors, especially several new to racing at Lake Ngaroto, and to the people who helped on the water and in the clubhouse. The next race day is the 15th July, briefing at 10.30 am.

The Dio sailing team had an hour or two in those rather crampt little Optis, honing their skills for regattas later this season. Well done girls we will be watching your progress throughout the season. Cam has recently bought a Paper Tiger, (Stiletto), and put her through her paces. The wind got up to around 15 knots and saw the cat up on one hull on several times during the early afternoon. The Tauranga winter series is on again next weekend and the PT is to be there, watch out for the performance machine in a great sea breeze!