October

Magapiko Series

19th October 2008

The days started with a nice southerly breeze, albeit with a little rain. While the rain passed a session in the Clubhouse on starting strategies was held. Where to start, wind direction, other yacht positions, what are the risks, how long does it take to travel the start line, time and distance. Skills certainly increased as the sailors completed four starts on a short course before the lunch break.
It was time to put the skills into practise in the two races of the series sailed (the third scheduled race did not start due to lack of wind). As the wind from the south dropped and tended to shift to the east those sailors with a good sense of wind direction and observation over the lake were rewarded.
Race two was certainly up in the air. Ross (Laser), Rob Greenwood (Hartley 18) and Thomas crewed with Josh (Phase II) made the most of the first two legs. Then came a run from those further back, Linda and Claire hitting the lead on the third leg, then Danny taking over before Ross regained the lead by the third mark. The sixth and final leg after starting as a beat turned into a run for most. Danny swept pass Ross to take first over the line. The battle between the Phase IIs was won by Linda and Claire putting their bow just in front of Thomas and Josh just a meter before the finish line.
Alex made no race of the Intermediate fleet propelling her Starling too two first placings from Blake.
Shaun Rumbles had a good lead over Jaeden in both Optimist races.
Thanks to Alex Kraayenhof for the OD duties, Mary for taking the results in the tower and those who had the BBQ fired up at lunchtime.
A reminder to sailors to sign in correctly with correct sail numbers, boat names etc. (The results collation becomes unnecessarily difficult if this is not done).
Try Sailing is being run by Yachting NZ at Ngaroto from Monday. Three schools are participating. Thanks to YNZ and club members who are also helping, we look forward to the children enjoying the experience and see at least some of them take up sailing at the Ngaroto Sailing Club.
There is no Club sailing at the Lake over Labour Weekend, but resumes the following Sunday (starting with more training at 10.30 am).

Joker Championship Regatta

11th and 12th October 2008


Joker class yacht enthusiasts, those seeking to show their short course racing skills assembled at Lake Ngaroto for the 2008 Championship Regatta. The fleet may not have been numerically the strongest, but by briefing at 10.00 am on Saturday (in true Joker fashion just a little late) the atmosphere in and around the Clubhouse was full of anticipation of a great regatta. The forecast was looking perfect, south westerlies developing, starting near 10 knots and reaching 15 to 18 knots (some gusts to 25) by mid afternoon. Past Champions were present, could the Johnston combination aboard “ResiVor” keep the “6.7” crown; could John Klinkhamer retain the 820 title? Would it be time for some new blood to forge ahead, there was certainly a lot of talk about the changing of the guard!

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The Ngaroto Sailing Club team are champions at running the Joker Regatta, the regatta would have their well honed race organisation crew to ensure the racing program of eight races would fit into the weekend around the hospitality and culinary delights exuded from the famed Ngaroto rural kitchen.
Joker sailors assembled for the briefing wondering about the complexity of the courses, a simple lot they were, but under the direction of the OD they agreed that they understood how the course was shaped. (On the water a few whistles, a wave of the hands kept the boats on course (it’s best to have the sailors feeling good and having finished the course), but a radio call about which side of the finishing line to sail was a bit much to respond too, thankfully Fantasia made the correct choice when after a DNF in race one they were then positioned at sharp end of the fleet in the next race!
Most unfortunately, later in the day “Fantasia” felt the stainless steel bow of another competitor, a solid not so glancing blow to the amidships and was forced to retire from the competition. The injury to “Fantasia” was more than the shore crew could tackle and she limped back to Mac’s place to be accessed for more major surgery.
The combination of the experienced hands and new blood aboard “Espresso” (and there was a rumour she might be up for sale) saw her at the head of the “6.7” fleet on more than one occasion. Despite some uncertainty with the course she knew where the finishing line was and could very proudly look back at the rest of the fleet three times on Saturday!

True to the weather forecast, winds were more variable on Sunday, light and between the south at the days start and finishing from the northeast. An interesting windward leeward course incorporating a “Gate” added interest and challenged some skippers. Starting in the light and somewhat changeable winds favoured crews with good awareness of the current conditions and those travelling across the lake. Being on the start line on time was troublesome for some, greatly favouring those who were and moving. With a cool and patient head the Johnston’s aboard “ResiVor” prevailed with three firsts for the day.

“ResiVor” (Owen and Janice Johnston) took the Joker 6.7 class trophy from “Bojangles (Trevor Crosbie and Hoel Kruse). “Aperitif” (John Klinkhamer and Barry Kemps) retained the Joker 820 Class trophy (all first placings to count) from “Keeladen” (Peter Stark and John Bennett).

Thanks to the Clubhouse crew (including Claire, Linda, Alex, Liz, Jo and Regina) for tending the BBQ and the wonderful meal on Saturday night. Also to Jamie and Shaun for getting the patrol boats on to the water, to Evan for assisting on the water both days and Danny and Nigel on Sunday, also with putting everything back shipshape ready for next weekend. Damien skippered the video boat and helped so ably over the radio and around the course.

Paterangi 5&6

5th October 2008
What a way to wrap up the first race series of the summer. A north west blow peaking at 25knot in the mornings contest. Skippers were pleased to have the lunch break, very well earnt by some. A light rain developed in the afternoon and the wind abated to the 10 to 12 knot range.
The Lasers using Radial rigs of Arthur Giffney (1st) and Arthur Ferguson (2nd) powered around the course in the morning. Thomas and Josh skilfully navigated the course in a Phase II (3rd). The full rig Laser sailed by Danny Padman (4th) proved a handful but he was still there to sail in the afternoon. Evan (Laser Radial), Matt and Alex W (Starlings), Jaeden (Opti) all failed to finish the morning race along with the Trailer Yachts of Mike Allison and David Chin.
In the afternoon race and after a dunking on the first leg Ross took his Laser over the finish line ahead of Danny (also a brief capsize) and back to Arthur G (using the Radial sail in the lighter wind). Jaeden, Micah and Blake all went on to finish too.
No Trailer Yacht started in the afternoon race.
The series winners are: Junior-Shaun Rumbles; Intermediate Matthew Ward on count back from Alex W; Senior-Ross Wrenn and Trailer Yacht Mike Allison.
• The Joker Champs 2008 are being sailed at Lake Ngaroto next Saturday and Sunday (11th and 12th October). Briefing is at 10.00 am on Saturday. There is no other club sailing at the lake so come down and help, watch or be a crew member.

The following Sunday (19th Oct) sees a small change in the daily organisation at the club. The morning will consist of training for all yachties especially the Junior and Intermediate sailors. This will be great for up skilling, learning all sorts of things (boat set up, sail settings, where to start, routines at marks etc) from others. Watch for more news on this