July
Don't cry for me, Argentina
30/07/08 13:17
Laguna Chascomus, Argentina; a memorable
sailing experience
Away from the hustle and bustle of yacht racing in Brasilia I had another yachting experience, this time, Argentinean style. Imagine out in a light breeze, quite light so no chance of a capsize, a big open “Lightening” dinghy, a couple of very attractive, intelligent, young local ladies and sharing a “Mate” with them as we picked a path of breeze across the lake and back. The venue was Laguna Chascomus an inland water way covering a thousand or so hectares, but just a few meters deep, (not so different from Lake Ngaroto apart from the size) surrounded on one side by the town and scattered affluent housing and areas for camping around the other shores.
The club house was steeped in tradition dating back to 1905, it had seen better days in the rich Argentinean past, still painted in “pink” the same colour as the “Casa Rosada” the parliamentary house in Buenos Aires (incidentally recently the site of very large protests against the government for their unbelievable taxes (near 50% of gross value) on agricultural exports). The wharf would have been better if the decking was intact, but the restaurant inside with polished tables and chairs and sparkling glassware looked immaculate through the large glassed entrance way.
A couple of guys to help with launching and retrieving the yacht into the waters that were also enjoyed by fishermen and holiday makers from Buenos Aires a hundred kms to the north.
I was in the very good company of three friends from Buenos Aires who made sure my first sailing experience in Argentina would be truly one with character. We started with “Mate” a local tea like drink taken every where by many people, in the car on the trip to the laguna (what could be more Argentine), we took the “Mate and Bombilla” and flask of hot water out on to the lake too along with a little to eat. The light breeze may have been a little cool but a little more “Mate” and the company of my friends (Carolina, Barbara and Federico) warmed the memories of the sail. The yacht was a “Lightening” I understand developed in Britain several decades ago. It carries a main and foresail along with a spinnaker and is about 18ft long. This particular boat was constructed of fibreglass back in 1985 (its forerunners were made of wood) and had experienced many a days sailing in the past. A careful restoration by Federico had made her ready for the water again.
No day would have been complete without an “assado” for lunch. This traditional method of cooking meat over wood ashes, the meat in our case lamb ribs and beef seasoned with rock salt before being cooked to perfection and accompanied with hot chips, a salad and a light local beer from a restaurant over looking our sailing waters.
Ross Wrenn
26th July 2008
Away from the hustle and bustle of yacht racing in Brasilia I had another yachting experience, this time, Argentinean style. Imagine out in a light breeze, quite light so no chance of a capsize, a big open “Lightening” dinghy, a couple of very attractive, intelligent, young local ladies and sharing a “Mate” with them as we picked a path of breeze across the lake and back. The venue was Laguna Chascomus an inland water way covering a thousand or so hectares, but just a few meters deep, (not so different from Lake Ngaroto apart from the size) surrounded on one side by the town and scattered affluent housing and areas for camping around the other shores.
The club house was steeped in tradition dating back to 1905, it had seen better days in the rich Argentinean past, still painted in “pink” the same colour as the “Casa Rosada” the parliamentary house in Buenos Aires (incidentally recently the site of very large protests against the government for their unbelievable taxes (near 50% of gross value) on agricultural exports). The wharf would have been better if the decking was intact, but the restaurant inside with polished tables and chairs and sparkling glassware looked immaculate through the large glassed entrance way.
A couple of guys to help with launching and retrieving the yacht into the waters that were also enjoyed by fishermen and holiday makers from Buenos Aires a hundred kms to the north.
I was in the very good company of three friends from Buenos Aires who made sure my first sailing experience in Argentina would be truly one with character. We started with “Mate” a local tea like drink taken every where by many people, in the car on the trip to the laguna (what could be more Argentine), we took the “Mate and Bombilla” and flask of hot water out on to the lake too along with a little to eat. The light breeze may have been a little cool but a little more “Mate” and the company of my friends (Carolina, Barbara and Federico) warmed the memories of the sail. The yacht was a “Lightening” I understand developed in Britain several decades ago. It carries a main and foresail along with a spinnaker and is about 18ft long. This particular boat was constructed of fibreglass back in 1985 (its forerunners were made of wood) and had experienced many a days sailing in the past. A careful restoration by Federico had made her ready for the water again.
No day would have been complete without an “assado” for lunch. This traditional method of cooking meat over wood ashes, the meat in our case lamb ribs and beef seasoned with rock salt before being cooked to perfection and accompanied with hot chips, a salad and a light local beer from a restaurant over looking our sailing waters.
Ross Wrenn
26th July 2008
John Dixon Memorial Trailer Yacht Winter Series and the Brass Monkey Centreboard Regatta
29/07/07 16:27
15th July
Neil Hodges and crew of Fast Forward stepped up to take two first placings and headed off Ian Horner (and crew) in Bonkers, currently second overall, a previous regular winner of the series in the past. Could there be a new winner of the John Dixon Memorial series this winter? In the morning race the wind lifted later in the race and favoured the slower classes, Phil Skipworth in a Hartley 14 gained the most to finish 2nd on handicap before a quick lunch. John Pease sailing the Nolex 22, Concrete and Steel, finished second on handicap, just 12 seconds behind Fast Forward in the afternoon race. The wind topped out at 15 knots from the east at times before gradually fading (typically 7 to 10 knots over most of the day) later in the afternoon as cloud covered the sun. Thanks to Alex, Danny and Shirley for their help on and off the water.
The final race of the series is on 29th July and is sailed in combination with the Brass Monkey Centerboard Regatta. Briefing is at 10.30 am, prizes, photographs and trophy presentations at the completion of the racing.
29th July 2007
What a day! A new winner of the John Dixon Memorial Trailer Yacht Winter Series was found, Neil Hodges and crew of Fast Forward a Ross 780 from New Plymouth. They also won the Fleet 1 competition from Ian Horner and crew on another Ross 780, Bonkers, a former winner of the trophy on several occasions. Owen and Janice Johnston in the Joker 6.7 "ResiVor" came home third after a series of consistent performances.
John Pease sailing Concrete and Steel (Nolex 22) put in a solid and consistent performance to narrowly head off but just by one point John Rozak (Kestrel 18) and Phil Skipworth (Hartley 14).
The centreboard sailors were challenged by torrential rain during race two, then a little later by a squall of 20 knots or so later in the race. Several capsizes occurred, but the sailors bounced back even if the rescue boat crews were stretched.
The winning Optimist was Zak (fleet of four). Laura took out the honours in the Starling fleet (fleet of four). Gun Caundle and Christine Heady won the Open fleet sailing a Flying Dutchman (three first placings) from John Elliott on his 3.7 "Flat Foot" and four other sailors.
Thanks to all those sailors who traveled considerable distances for the events. To all the people (Danny, Mac, Shirley, Claire and Ross, Owen and John who jumped onto the rescue boat) who helped on this day challenged by the weather, a big, big thank you too.
Neil Hodges and crew of Fast Forward stepped up to take two first placings and headed off Ian Horner (and crew) in Bonkers, currently second overall, a previous regular winner of the series in the past. Could there be a new winner of the John Dixon Memorial series this winter? In the morning race the wind lifted later in the race and favoured the slower classes, Phil Skipworth in a Hartley 14 gained the most to finish 2nd on handicap before a quick lunch. John Pease sailing the Nolex 22, Concrete and Steel, finished second on handicap, just 12 seconds behind Fast Forward in the afternoon race. The wind topped out at 15 knots from the east at times before gradually fading (typically 7 to 10 knots over most of the day) later in the afternoon as cloud covered the sun. Thanks to Alex, Danny and Shirley for their help on and off the water.
The final race of the series is on 29th July and is sailed in combination with the Brass Monkey Centerboard Regatta. Briefing is at 10.30 am, prizes, photographs and trophy presentations at the completion of the racing.
29th July 2007
What a day! A new winner of the John Dixon Memorial Trailer Yacht Winter Series was found, Neil Hodges and crew of Fast Forward a Ross 780 from New Plymouth. They also won the Fleet 1 competition from Ian Horner and crew on another Ross 780, Bonkers, a former winner of the trophy on several occasions. Owen and Janice Johnston in the Joker 6.7 "ResiVor" came home third after a series of consistent performances.
John Pease sailing Concrete and Steel (Nolex 22) put in a solid and consistent performance to narrowly head off but just by one point John Rozak (Kestrel 18) and Phil Skipworth (Hartley 14).
The centreboard sailors were challenged by torrential rain during race two, then a little later by a squall of 20 knots or so later in the race. Several capsizes occurred, but the sailors bounced back even if the rescue boat crews were stretched.
The winning Optimist was Zak (fleet of four). Laura took out the honours in the Starling fleet (fleet of four). Gun Caundle and Christine Heady won the Open fleet sailing a Flying Dutchman (three first placings) from John Elliott on his 3.7 "Flat Foot" and four other sailors.
Thanks to all those sailors who traveled considerable distances for the events. To all the people (Danny, Mac, Shirley, Claire and Ross, Owen and John who jumped onto the rescue boat) who helped on this day challenged by the weather, a big, big thank you too.
John Dixon Memorial Trailer Yacht Winter Series
01/07/07 16:32
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!