New Year at Kawhia is becoming a bit of a tradition for the Ngaroto Yacht Club .... convivial company, heaps of food, camp on the lawn or in the boat then a New Years Race according to Kawhia rules ...they get to set the handicaps.
Beaut day, who cares what the result was, but for the record and in tiny type

CHAPPIE BEAT OWEN, BUT IT ISN’T GOING TO MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE TO HIM.

Oh and Gordon and Nigel came second on (Kawhia) handicap in a stolen boat,
More details from Ross next week.
Have a look at the photographs.

20th December 2008

Ken Atkinson (Hamilton) won the Laser class with four first placing from Arthur Giffney (Ngaroto) and Ross Wrenn (Ngaroto) in a fleet of six Lasers. Arthur held first place in all but the last few minutes of race one, Ken picking the best of the northerly wind as the front arrived. There was nothing much between Ken and Arthur in the second and third races, but in the final race Ken managed to finish the first beat well, catch a great breeze in the following reach and then on the first down wind leg too. The gap never closed but a tight race developed for the second (Arthur), third (Ross) and forth placings (Duncan White), just a few seconds between them at the finish line.
The patrol boats were kept busy making rescues when the wind generally strengthened and flicked to the northwest occasionally after the lunch break. The shallowness of the water increased the frequency of the mastheads finding the lakebed, the mud and weed when yachts were capsized.
Fleets included Optimist, Open (NS 14, P Class and Frostply), Starling, Zephyr, Laser and 3.7 Class.

13th December 2008

Sailors were brimming with racing fever, excitement and extra sustaining fuel to keep their bodies running for the six hours to have any chance of winning the most enduring race on the Ngaroto Sailing Club’s calendar. With boats rigged 30 sailors listened carefully to the details given at briefing. The course consisted of four coloured marks, with the start being out in front of the Clubhouse at exactly 11.00 hours. The course was to be interrupted for most sailors by a secondary competition, the throwing of wooden tokens into the target pontoon positioned just off the shore for in full view of the Clubhouse spectators.
The on the water race was a very tightly contested affair between Danny Padman, assisted by his Laser supporting a brand new sail and Ross Wrenn (Laser). They both picked the best of what little wind there was at the start and along with Thomas and Josh in a Frostply, Murray Wall in a 420, and a little further back Peter and Jamie (Joker) all made a break from the rest of the field. Danny and Ross sailed the race as if they were joined by a piece of string; Thomas with Josh along with Murray came and went as if on a bungy cord, that later in the race became a little more stretched. Philip Phillips and crews (Mike Allison) performed better when the wind briefly lifted in places later in the day and remained the only boats not to be lapped by the leaders.
Ross eventually put his bow at the head of the fleet three minutes from the finish time, helped by Danny having the only capsize of the day right in front of the Clubhouse when rounding mark one for the ultimate time while trying to execute a roll tack with just 10 minutes to go. The string shortened, a tacking duel developed in a stuttering breeze with Ross just having the better (luck) of the last few minutes (and an eye on the time).

Owen and Steve (Joker) eventually recovered from a poor start to thread their way through the other Trailer Yachts to win that race on the water. Trevor Crosbie assisted later by Peter van der Stap (Joker) and Rob Greenwood (with David and Gordon) aboard Hamal a Hartley 16 pushed hard at the stern of Johnston’s Joker ResiVor.

While leading on the water may be important, the Trophies are won by the handicap competition (after the laps completed are corrected by boat handicap). Thomas and Josh in the Frostply kept moving well in the conditions and proudly took the Mitchell Plate for the first time.
Rob, David and earlier Gordon in the Hartley 16 took out the Trailer yacht handicap Plate narrowly from last year’s winner John Roszak (Kestral 18) and then back to the Hartley 18 sailed by Micah and Peter Wilkinson.
The winner of the token throwing competition was Ross (18 points) followed by Thomas and Josh (17) and to Danny (16). Many sailors had delighted in stepping off their boats and onto the pontoon to place their tokens (one at a time of course) into the “bulls eye bucket” for maximum points.
The wind during the day was never more than that forecasted, nothing more than a knot or so (unless you got really lucky hiking was not needed), it was from all direction of the compass and one of those days when there were always patches of glass between the zephyrs of breeze.
The famished sailors were treated to a great variety of delicious dishes for the Pot Luck Xmas dinner. Ragina was thanked for all her efforts, as the official lap counter and kitchen manager. The desert that followed was truly mouth watering. Thanks to all, the Christmas spirit in the club is well alive!

Sailing next weekend (Saturday, 20th December) is at Hamilton Lake, the final round of the Waikato Lakes series and the Hamilton Christmas Regatta. Check on www.hyc.org.nz for details.

Coming up in the New Year are:
• Kawhia Regatta, New Years Day. The Ngaroto competitor base for the regatta is at the batch of Chappy and Angela Farrell and family at Kawhia.
• The trip to Lake Tawarewa. From the evening of the 23rd January to Monday the 26th January. Linda Civil’s (ph 07 827 0567, 021 827 095) family batch at Lake Tawarewa is the base for the excursions.
• Club sailing at Ngaroto starts on the 1st February with Sprint racing, 10.30am briefing.
• The New Plymouth Regatta, 7th and 8th February 2009. This is a great club trip, trailer and centreboard yachts sail out into the Tasman Sea from the hospitable New Plymouth Yacht Club www.npyc.org.nz

7th December 2008

The afternoon northerly wind developed around midday as forecasted, Hamish and Evan set the triangle windward leeward course and raised the three lap flag. Arthur Giffney narrowly beat Danny to the top mark and for a while it looked like Arthur would sneak away with the race. Danny exploited a lift on a beat on the second lap to take over the number one position. The final downwind leg was Danny’s undoing, Arthur taking over the lead, rounding mark three and reaching through to the finish. Alas for Danny (and also Alex K) they thought there was another lap so Ross and then Josh slipped through for second and third places on the water. Ross headed the fleet in the second race for the first two laps before Arthur sailed under him on a reach, Arthur eventually sealing another win by stretching the margin on the final downwind leg.
Thomas and Shaun experimented with the club’s new Windrush 12; look for an improvement in the future.
Owen and Janice Johnston won the first Trailer Yacht race from Mike Allison and Micah Wilkinson; but just by a few seconds. Mike Allison won the second race comfortably on handicap after picking the best wind and shifts on the upwind legs. Johnston and Wilkinson dead heated for second place. David Chin who finished both races even had time to pipe a tune over the lake in a quieter spot towards the end of the day’s activity.
Thanks to Hamish and Evan for picking the conditions, setting a great course, and to Claire for the Clubhouse duties.

A Complete Make Over
6th December 2008

A very kind saint (believed to be St Peter) descended upon the Clubhouse during the week and not just for only a few minutes. The tower walls, window frames and deck painting have been completely finished. Surplus paint on the glass scraped off and the windows cleaned. The Clubhouse is now right back to pristine new condition! A huge thanks to all those many people, their enthusiasm, skills and equipment that has set the club up for many years to come.
Members of the Hamilton Marathon Clinic had their Christmas outing at the newly painted Clubhouse on Saturday morning. Nothing like a run/walk around the lake and up Bank Road and back to start the day. Especially before a grand breakfast banquet that included desert in the sunshine streaming in under the veranda and views over the panoramic lake and onto the rowers in training for the next regatta.

Boats came from Hamilton (7) also Torbay (Phase 2) and Manly (3.7 class) to join the nineteen Ngaroto sailors for the Lake Ngaroto round of the Waikato Lakes series regatta. The day started slowly with an attempt to start the first race in the morning abandoned due to lack of wind. The BBQ beckoned in the balmy 28 degrees in the shade of the Clubhouse while the northerly slowly gathered. The four scheduled races were completed, and included the need for hiking in races three and four as the predicted breeze gathered momentum. The breeze that was initially intercepted by softer patches along with some sizable shifts challenged sailors. Visiting sailors took out the junior fleet (Annie Oxborrow, P Class), Intermediate fleet (Nicholas Oxborrow, Starling), Laser fleet (Ken Atchison) and 3.7 class (Phil Ash).
Thomas de Meijer and crewmember Josh White (Ngaroto) headed the Phase 2 fleet, ahead of Aidan and Chris Knight (from Torbay) who sampled the lake conditions ahead of the Phase 2 Nationals to be sailed here at Ngaroto in April 2009. Thanks visitors we appreciate your willingness to travel; you added greatly to interclub sprit in the Waikato. Sailors received a selection of sailing products that included gloves, boots and a starting watch sourced from www.nzsailing.net Thanks to the members who helped run the day (Owen, Gordon, Rob and Nigel on the water; Ragina, Janice, Jackie and Peter for anchoring the Clubhouse duties).
• The Pokeru series starts next Sunday, training from 10.30 am then racing after lunch.
• Then the Six-Hour Race on Saturday the 13th; start at 11.00am, followed by a Pot Luck dinner and on into the night.

Regatta photographs are here

The Clubhouse looks very smart with the roof painted, the exterior walls including the gables, eves, bargeboards, spouting, tower deck, doors and window frames. Not just one coat but two over most of it showed the power of the sprayer, rollers and brushes. The roof was painted a darker shade of green, the spouting and bargeboards to match. The tower’s window frames were repaired and now just need a final coat of paint to wrap the whole job up. Thanks to the great team who helped, more than my fingers and toes could count; they really appreciated the morning tea too.

Mangapiko races 5 and 6 (final)
23rd November 2008

What a great day for a sail, near 15 knots from the north and nice and warm all day. Sailors were put through their paces in the morning; rounding a top mark (developing their technique) and then off to a wing mark making sure that they gybed safely and efficiently. Although the sailors sailed at their own pace they would have been well stretched due to the shortness of the leg and the breeze.
Alex Kraayenhof revelled in the wind aboard his Paper Tiger, Alex enjoys his sailing and this day was about as good as it could get. He finished first on the water in both afternoon races. Alex Wilkinson won both Intermediate races, while Ross Wrenn and Arthur Giffney took the senior centreboard races on handicap. Much to the delight of Gordon Wallis sailing the Hartley 16 “Hamil” he was seen planing at times, to take handicap honours in both Trailer Yacht races.
• Waikato Lakes Regatta is being sailed at Ngaroto next Sunday. Briefing is at 10.00 am.
• Also remember the working bee again this Saturday (29th) to paint the exterior of the Clubhouse. 9.00 am start time. Thanks.

Flag Pole back in full use
22nd November 2008

The flag pole that dates back from last centenary (we think actually in the late 1800s) was thoroughly prepared, repainted, re-rigged and hoisted back into place. The pole will be able to stand proud next to the Clubhouse and be in use for many years to come. The exterior walls and roof were pains takenly prepared (scraped, wire brushed, sanded and water blasted) for their painting next Saturday. Repairs to window and doorframes and also spouting were also completed.
Thanks to the team of near 20 members, their skills and their equipment; the day achieved every thing that was anticipated (even with morning tea thrown in too thanks to Janice, Linda and Alex). Within a few hours from the start time at 9.00 am next Saturday the 29th we should see the Clubhouse completely repainted and looking its very best.

Paper Tiger North Island Grand Prix Regatta
15th and 16th November 2008

Sailors from as far as Auckland, Wellington, New Plymouth and Napier made Lake Ngaroto their base for the weekend’s Paper Tiger North Island Grand Prix series regatta. Terry Valder (Auckland), Mark Bell (Howick), both regular “A” Grade sailors at this regatta were first and second respectively and a relative newcomer to the class Hayden Percy (Napier, “C” Grade) challenged hard for the lead but was pleased with a third place overall. The first “B” Grader was Las Gallagher (Howick) followed by Scott Pederson (Napier). Erik Kraayenhof was the second “C” Grade sailor and the best performed Ngaroto club sailor. Spot prizes were won by Lynley Manning (Wellington) and Cam Mans (Ngaroto).
Prizes included Start Watches, Sailing Boots, Gloves and an Aquafleece sailing jacket thanks to New Zealand Sailing Ltd, www.nzsailing.net (Auckland). The prizes were well appreciated and will certainly make a difference to sailors performance and comfort on the water.
The wind challenged sailors over the weekend; those who could sail well in lighter conditions, picking the shifts and stay in the puffs for the longest were rewarded with good placings. The wind direction varied from the northeast to the northwest, moving frequently during the racing. The highest puff recorded was 12 knots, some lucky sailors were able to raise a hull above the waters but not for too long. Four races were sailed on Saturday, the remaining two sailed back to back on Sunday. The courses were all trapezoid in nature, Sundays course including a “Gate” to add another dimension for sailors to contemplate.
Favourable comments about the venue and the Club’s hospitality make this regatta one of the best on the sailing calendar for Paper Tiger sailors. The venue might be “homely” but the boats are high tech, many control adjustments possible to match the sailing conditions. Eight “A” Grade sailors were amongst the fleet of 17.
The Ngaroto regatta team did another top job. The “kitchen” team can certainly whip up a great meal for the famished sailors (preparation is combined with a lot of kitchen chatter, some under strict embargo to male ears). The race staff got on with the job of race control, course setting in difficult conditions and results collation. (Claire, Linda, Ragina, Janice, Anne, Danny, John, Owen, Ross, Jamie, Thomas, Shane, Alex, Tom and Philip; maybe a few more, many hands made for an enjoyable weekend regatta).

• Next Saturday, starting at 9.00 am we’ll start to clean and paint the exterior of the Clubhouse and flagpole. The following Saturday should see the job finished and the Clubhouse looking like brand new!
• Sail on Sunday, training from 10.30 am and racing from 1300 hours, the final two races of the Mangapiko Series (Anne Byford OD).

What another great day at Lake Ngaroto, 18 yachts racing while another three just went for a cruise. The day started with training in the morning; some seasons in the Clubhouse then out on to the Lake to practice. The topic was sailing the first up wind leg and rounding the top mark. Sail settings for the leg and today’s breeze, picking the shifts, approaching the top mark and your routine before the mark to prepare for the next off wind leg. The breeze was perfect, averaging 10 to 12 knots with gusts a little more from the northeast.
Several younger sailors shone during the racing. Leanne and Melissa Wall aboard their 420 (Leanne has been campaining it at regatta for several months now and it was noticeable that her sailing had improved. She was well up amongst the Laser fleet. So too were Thomas de Miejer and Josh White sailing a Club Phase II, they were well ahead of Jamie and Shaun Rumbles, and Shane and Jaeden Buxton all teamed up in other Phase IIs. Alex Wilkinson put her Starling through its paces, not phased at all by the wind. Brother Micah along with father Peter sailed their Hartley 18 well to take a couple of seconds on corrected time. The Hartley 16 (Hamel) with Gordon Wallis and crew David aboard won both races after handicap correction.
In the Laser fleet Arthur Giffney after trailing for a couple of legs in the first race left the others adrift. Arthur Ferguson, Ross Wrenn and Danny Padman were never too far from each other. Nigel Ball and Kate French were in the good company of several Phase IIs.
Alex Kraayenhof led all races on the water but alas handicap correction relegated him to mid fleet positions (doing a couple of extra legs in race 4 did not help with the placings but knowing Alex he sure would have enjoyed the sail in the strongest wind of the day).

• Next weekend 15th and 16th November sees the Paper Tiger Grand Prix Regatta sailed at Ngaroto. (This is part of a four race series they run Horowhenua, Turangi and Taupo are other venues). Briefing at 10.00 am, dinner Saturday night. Prize giving is on Sunday after racing is completed.
• The final round of the Mangapiko series is set for 23rd November (following the mornings training).
• Club working bees are being held on the 22nd and 29th Nov. to prepare and paint the exterior of the clubhouse. Start time 9.00 am.

Waikato Lakes Regatta, Lake Karapiro
2nd November 2008

What a successful day for Ngaroto sailors. Shaun Rumbles took first place in the Optimist fleet, Jeaden Buxton second. Micah Wilkinson, Alex Wilkinson and Blake Buxton took first, second and third places respectively in the Starling fleet. In the senior open fleet consisting of Lasers and a Phase II, Ross Wrenn placed first, Danny Padman second and Jamie Rumbles third.
The breeze was from the southeast, 10 or 12 knots or so for the first race and then getting a little lighter for the second race. There was some talk as we left the shore about the need to do granny gybes because of the gusts. However the gybe mark was in a more sheltered part of the lake, sailors ultimately really wanting more wind at the mark. The direction was ideal for sailing on Lake Karapiro, with the wind much steadier from this direction than when from the west.
After lunch the third race started in a lighter breeze that half way up the first leg changed through 180 degrees, the upwind leg changed to straight down wind. Jamie Rumbles rounded mark one in first place. Another direction change made the second leg into a beat, also the third leg. Big holes in the breeze developed later in the shortened race, even the current at Karapiro was apparent in the 100-meter leg to the finish line.
Basked in sunshine some of the younger sailors delighted in capsize practice after the finish, a great way to finish off the day.
Ngaroto holds a round of the Lakes Series on the 30th November. Briefing at 10.00 am. It would be great to see sailors from the other local clubs, Hamilton and Cambridge at the regatta.
• Next Sunday (9th November) sees the second round of the Mangapiko Series sailed at Ngaroto. We had a great turn out for the first round; let’s do the same for the next!
• The Paper Tiger Regatta is on the following weekend (15th and 16th November), when there is no club sailing scheduled.

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).

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!



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.

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

27th and 28th September 2008
The victors in Division one were the crew from New Plymouth Ian Horner, Kyle, Charlie and Wayne aboard “Bonkers”. Their five first placings on line and also on handicap could not be beaten. Places behind them however were keenly challenged for. “Espresso” sailed by Peter van der Stap and Evan Ward, who’s tally included a win on handicap, took second place from the ever threatening “ResiVor” and Taiko” respectively. The Jokers had a race within a race, their positions frequently changing with little being certain till the finish line was crossed. (Watch out for the action at the Joker Champs on the 11th and 12th of October at Lake Ngaroto).
John Hansen and Shane Buxton took first place in Division two on their Nolex 22 “Lifestyle”. John had lost no form after a break of many years from sailing at Ngaroto. Phil Skipworth sailing under the Kawhia Boating Club banner (one of three boats from Kawhia) headed off John Roszak the first resident local sailor for second and third places respectively.
The wind blew to 25 knots for the fourth race on Saturday, too strong for some, but certainly finished the day with added excitement. The sailors were still able to enjoy the Saturday evenings Pot Luck dinner (thanks to all for your delicious dishes), even though some bodies felt as though they had played rugby all day! For the stayers desert was served, late it may have been but very well received. Breakfast was devoured by the able bodied on Sunday morning, others not so keen!
Thanks to the many people who helped in the clubhouse with the huge catering task, it all went so smooth and appreciated by all at the regatta. Thanks to all sailors for being great sports making the weekend another one to be remembered.

21st September 2008

What a great day for the club and sailors once again; 20 yachts racing on the lake, an on and off the water crew right up to the mark, this all on top of sunshine and a wind that improved from a stuttering breeze to a 10 plus knot wind from the northwest.
Shaun Rumbles continued his winning way with two more first in the Junior fleet.
In the intermediate fleet Alex Wilkinson shared the wins with Mathew Ward, both now on equal point for the series. Blake Buxton was close to second in the first race of the day but as the wind lifted in the afternoon this caused the mast tip to find the bed of the lake, requiring a little assistance to be extracted.
The Senior fleet saw the come back of John Park and Arthur Giffney and a visitor from Cambridge, Nigel Ball. In the morning race Danny, Ross and Arthur finished within 10 seconds of each other (Arthur suffering from being run down from the then followers as a breeze change from astern came in). Great for Danny! Arthur showed up the other Lasers in the afternoon with a clear-cut win, the Danny and Ross dead heated for second (the sharp eyes of Even (OD) could not split the pair). John and Jamie shared the thirds and fourths.
Chappy Farrell (and crew of Angela) was very pleased to win the first race of the day. Micah Wilkinson on the helm of a Hartley 18 (with father Peter) introduced this fine craft to Ngaroto in the afternoon and finished with a win on handicap! Owen leads the Trailer Yachts overall.

Next Saturday and Sunday is the Ngaroto Trailer Yacht Regatta. Briefing at 10.00am. A Pot Luck dinner is to be enjoyed on Saturday night. Remember the “Underwater” theme for the dinner; spot prizes to be won! Great sailing assured too.

14th September 2008

Thomas assisted by Claire very ably ran the first race series for the summer season. They set a great course into a south to south westerly breeze that reached 12 knots at times. Danny led the Laser fleet early in both races, Jamie also held down second place for a while, both later to be undone by Ross and Arthur. Alex in Southern Comfort revelled in the stronger breeze in the morning to take line honours ahead of John Elliott aboard his 3.7 “Flatfoot”. Mike Allison in a Caribou took the afternoons Trailer Yacht race on handicap by three seconds from “ResiVor”. The new main sail paid dividends!
Micah kept a small margin over the chasing Matthew Ward who has jumped into a Starling this season.
Shaun narrowly headed off Jaeden in the first Opti race and then lengthened the difference in the second race. Full results are on the web.
The second round of the series is next Sunday (21st); the Trailer Yacht Regatta is on the 27th and 28th Sept.

7th September 2008

Perfect spring conditions we enjoyed by the sailors on the sixteen yachts that were at Ngaroto for the fun opening day. The sun shone early on as a light easterly developed. After lunch the wind strengthened to 12 knots or so and moved toward the northeast. Sailors revelled in the planing conditions during the zephyrs that frequently traversed over the lake.
Not only was it the first race day for the summer, we had the first OCS (Ross, too eager), the first penalty turn (Evan, very honest of him), the first capsize (Danny, still sorting out how to gybe when under pressure), the first boat sailing the wrong course (Arthur, a clear leader at the time but did not go through the finish line), the first mast tip to be towed from the lake bed (Thomas and Josh, a sign of a good breeze), the first trapeze in use (John on his 3.7 had a great afternoon) and more that I can’t remember!
The Clubhouse looked great after the working bee. It was good to see Chappy and Angela flying the flag if only on the shore and thanks for all those people who helped run the day. OD was Owen with the help of Janice.
Next Sunday the Paterangi Series starts, open to both centre boarders and Trailer Yachts. Come down and sail, there is a trophy for this series and it could be yours. Briefing is at 10.30.

Club spirit prevailed again, another great turnout of willing and skilled hands and minds to keep the club facilities up to standard. Weed eater guru David Chin had the grounds finely trimmed by the time most arrived. (Thanks for your early start, before attending family things. Earlier in the year David enjoyed time (and a little expense too) at his son’s wedding in Hong Kong, well worth it I’m sure. Two more weddings to go David?).

John and Ross dealt to the weeds and pruning along with changing room and boat cleaning. A boatshed door was re-hung under the eye of Owen with hammer hands Grant and son. Alex fitted another shelf in the kitchen (for those all too important provisions) and brackets in the shop for lifejacket stowage. The grime on the out side of the clubhouse suffered under the brushes and water blaster wheeled by Danny and Jamie. The flag pole was lowered, prepared for painting when drier and re-erected under the hydraulic arm of Gordon with Shane and sons, John, Jamie, Evan, Matt all lending a hand.

Our true craftsman, Philip showed his skills in doing a repair to an ailing front window frame. The kitchen and lounge undertook a reorganisation and major cleansing from the floor to the ceiling, thanks to Claire and Angela. Matt was more interested in stowing the beer in the right place, while Jamie noted that after the BBQ the sausage supply was gutted, and has his eye on a special from Woolworths to replenish the freezer. Chappy re-cut the awning to better protect the BBQ area.

Believe it or not, as Tom and Glen and son cleaned the patrol boats the water tank ran dry; but our Commodore, Danny, to the rescue and he soon had the water tanker there to refill the tank (but only after John removed a bird from it; not a good place to go nest building!). Finally the windows were cleaned inside and out. All set for the summer season now, starting on Sunday the 7th September with some fun races.

The flagpole will need to be lowered again in a few weeks time when hot and dry; for a final sand before painting, refitting the sprit, pulleys and ropes. We will need a few brush hands to paint the outer walls of the clubhouse too. Watch for notice of this.

17th August 2008
What a day! The tide was well in, with the recent rain higher than last week. The areas Raupo out from the Clubhouse and down towards the rowing club looked like islands in the lake. Yachts could easily be launched and landed on the submerged grass just 15 metres in front of the Clubhouse. Eleven keen sailors turned out for this late winter regatta, ready to show that the weather was no deterrent. Race one got away soon after eleven with a reach to the first mark (our OD wanted to stay in the warmth of the tower), a wind from the north of not more than five knots. After the hour long race the sailors enjoyed the warmth from the BBQ at the refuelling break for lunch. The wind shifted to the northwest for the second race; but as the light rain and a little more wind arrived later in the race the temperature dropped too. The OD wisely called the regatta to a close at that point; an early finish while sailors were not quite frozen was appreciated by most (although there were a few who would have braved another race).Shaun Rumbles was the better of the two Optimist sailors with two first placings ahead of Jaeden Buxton. In the Open fleet first on the water and also on handicap was Ross Wrenn, less than one minute ahead of Chris Rayne’s sailing another Laser from the Cambridge club. Micah Wilkinson took third place on handicap. Thanks to Owen and Nigel for setting the course and managing the day.

• The next day at the Club is a WORKING BEE on SATURDAY THE 30TH AUGUST, starting from 9.00 am. The clubhouse needs a big clean inside and out. Please bring tools and materials to help make the job easy. Many hands do make light work! Let’s have the place sparkling for the Opening Day of the “summer season” on the 7th September.

Sixteen skippers registered their comfy sailing cruisers to compete for the John Dixon Memorial Cup Trailer Yacht Winter Series held at Lake Ngaroto. The series proved to be a test of sailing skills, patience and a watchful eye for the wind movement on Ngaroto compared to the ocean waters of a coastal bay….and I’m sure the surrounding houses had spectacular views of the yacht’s heading downwind with their spinnakers in full glory.
Six races were scheduled for the John Dixon Memorial Cup during July and August, including a reserve day which was used due to flooding of the ramp and jetty area. The lake had risen significantly, conveniently adding draft and good sailing water. The weather provided a mixed bag of sailing conditions – from no wind to a good steady breeze, sunshine and rain.

A good frost on Sunday July 6 welcomed the competitors and organisers with clear skies and the promise of the wind getting up. The first round commenced with traditional networking over a morning rum and ginger wine. After the briefing of the course and divisions the jolly sailors headed to out to the water. It was a great day on the water with a variety of displays in sailing techniques and procedures!
Two races were successfully completed with Fast Forward – Ross 780 (Division 1) helmed by Neil Hodges from New Plymouth and Concrete and Steel – Nolex 22 (Division 2) helmed by Dick Newman from New Plymouth crossing the line first for races 1 and 2.
Sunday July 20 was wet with a good breeze destined to stay around for the day. Once the traditional networking and briefing was complete 15 boats headed out to the water, and with one race complete, they headed back in for a hot lunch and warm up before heading back out. The wind stayed around for the afternoon and provided excellent conditions on the lake for a good sail. A ‘little incident’ of a capsize due to broken rudder added some drama and once the skipper , crew and vessel were safely ashore racing commenced. Fast Forward and Concrete and Steel cleaned up for the day crossing the line first for races 3 and 4.
Sunday August 10 the sun was out, the rain had stopped, 12 boats had returned for the final two races 5 and 6. The ramp was marked with pipe rods and the jetty was just visible above the water. Everyone was keen but the wind was not. So the traditional networking and briefing continued through the morning with racing scheduled for the afternoon. With everyone fed and hydrated the happy sailors headed out to the water to battle two more times for a placing or a hand on the Cup! Race 5 was shortened and then the wind conveniently got up for race 6. The finish line was close to the shore and provided a good view of the yachts coming in. A change in positions saw Winsome II –Young 6 (Division 1) helmed by Rob Ebert from Hamilton crossing the line first for races 5 and 6. Nauti-Bouy – Cherry 16 (Division 2) helmed by Don Latimer from Whakatane come in first for Division 2 in race 5 and Concrete and Steel held onto her placing crossing the line first in Division 2 for race 6. The racing was complete and another successful regatta hosted by Ngaroto Sailing Club can be ticked off the calendar.
Prize-giving was the order of the afternoon and the clubhouse was soon hovering with skippers and crew waiting for the formalities of up-stairs to be completed so the prizes could be awarded. The clubhouse horn sounded and everyone gathered for the moments of truth.
The overall winner of the John Dixon Memorial Cup 2008 was awarded to Fast Forward, helmed by Neil Hodges and crew from New Plymouth.


The Division placings are as follows-
Division 1
Nine boats sailed in Division 1 with Neil Hodges, helmsman of Fast Forward taking the honours of 1st place, 2nd was Ian Horner from Bonkers and 3rd Rob Ebert from Winsome II.
Division 2
Seven boat s sailed in Division 2 with Dick Newman, helmsman of Concrete and Steel taking the honour of first place. 2nd was Don Latimer from Nauti-Bouy and 3rd Murray Wall from Bluegrass.
A big thank you to all the sailors that took part, your support has made the John Dixon Memorial Trailer Yacht Winter Series a success. Special thanks to Shirley Wall and her Crew for keeping everyone’s appetites satisfied and holding things together, also to Danny and Ross for showing me the ropes of OD duties. I learnt heaps about race rules, course setting and patrol boat management and got lots of great photos.
Cheers Ann Byford.

Neil Hodges along with his crew of Scott Hodges, Jean Miles and Barry Upson aboard their Ross 780 “Fast Forward” took first place in Division One by taking four first placings and a second place to count. They also claimed the John Dixon Memorial Trophy presented to the winning yacht after combining the times with Division two and recalculating. They had travelled from New Plymouth over three weekends for the series, repeating their winning performance of 2007. Second place in Division One went to Ian Horner and crew K Quickenden and Charlie Quickenden sailing another Ross 780, “Bonkers” also from New Plymouth. The first Waikato sailor Rob Ebert and crew John Barnard and Austin Ebert placed third in their Young 6m “Winsome II”.

Division Two (yachts with a smaller handicap rating) was won by Dick Newman with Ron Bachhouse, John Pease sailing a Nolex 22, “Concrete and Steel” who had five first placings to count in the Division. Second place went to Don Latimer and Ron Shapley (Whakatane) sailing a Cherry 16. Their regatta included a capsize in race four after being hit by a squall combined with a jammed cleat and a broken rudder and later being towed to shore. It was great to have them back for the final days races. Murray Wall and crew Linda Wilkinson and Kate French were pushed into third place on a count back with Latimer.

The day started with a good frost but soon warmed up accompanied by a light breeze. The final race starting mid afternoon saw the best of the wind, hitting ten knots at times. After the recent wet rainy period the lake was full, the water being up to the base of the car park area but did not dampen the spirit of the sailors. Thanks must go to Shirley Wall and Anne Byford for their valued assistance in keeping the regatta running.

The Annual Ngaroto Trailer Yacht Regatta on the 27th and 28th September 2008 is the next major regatta to be held at Lake Ngaroto. Briefing is at 10.30 am. The Pot Luck dinner on Saturday night has an “Under Water” theme; get your thinking caps on and come prepared with your creation!

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