15th March 2009
Another great days sailing with over twenty yachts on the lake. The wind reached 15 knots at times, causes a few spills for some, the direction varied from the southeast through to the north. The zephyrs of breeze often accompanying a change of direction tested sailors’ skill.
Aleisha Ferguson took a couple of narrow wins over Shaun Rumbles. The shift wind tested the juniors sense of direction, great to see them finishing.
Micah Wilkinson fresh from the Auckland Phase 2 Champs last weekend was too good for sister Alex and Jaeden Buxton in the Starling fleet.
The Open Centreboard fleet included a Prindle 16 brought back to the lake by Brian Moorhead who last raced here near 20 years ago. She went well in the top end gusts, Linda Civil now well adapted to the wire. Arthur Ferguson was the best of the six Lasers heading off Ross while Nigel and Evan had a close battle in mid fleet. Phil Gardyne and daughter Giane nudged through in their NS 14 to take the line honours in the final race.
Mike Allison picked their way through the Jokers during the final half of the morning race to take the gun! Trevor Crosbie sailed well in the final race to have a margin of a minute and a half in the afternoon race.
Thanks to Murray Rumbles for the on the water management and the many others who made sure the sailors were fed and watered on shore.
Next weekend Thames Sailing Club is having sailing for youth sailors on Saturday and for all on Sunday. At Ngaroto the Mark Foy series will provide good fun.