2005-2007 Archive
Centerboard Winter Series, Tauranga
24th June 2007
Gun, Ben, Robyn and Ross were all looking forward to sailing in a good blow from the sou-west; I can say that now, after racing was canned at 10.30am due to the cool temperature (10OC) and wind up to around 30 knots with more forecasted. Next round is on the 8th July.
* Next Sunday the 1st July is the start of the John Dixon Memorial Trailer Yacht Winter Series at Lake Ngaroto. Briefing is at 10.30am, hot drinks; soup and BBQ will be all in addition to some good sailing!
Annual General Meeting, Trophy Presentations and Dinner
15th June 2007
Several members were recognized for services to the Ngaroto Sailing Club. Gun Caundle received special recognition for his input into Learn to Sail programs, giving many youngsters the opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing. Shirley Wall deservedly was presented with the Sports Person of the Year award for her untiring organization of on shore activities at regattas, the largest regatta this season was the NI Secondary Schools Teams Racing Regatta having well over a one hundred guests for a three-day period. Life Membership awards were presented to Janice and Owen Johnston (jointly), Owen currently secretary has given over 20 years of service (management of the shop, building maintenance, committee positions including Commodore and a great attitude on the water) and Ross Wrenn (a variety of committee positions, Newsletter, Website, regatta organization and a regular Laser sailor). Murray Wall received sincere thanks from the floor for his leadership of the Club over his three-year period as Commodore. A marked growth in youth sailing has occurred under his tenure.
Danny Padman was elected as the Commodore, Owen Johnston (with assistance from Claire Gardiner) secretary, Tom Davies Treasurer, Murray Rumbles Club Captain, Ross Wrenn interim Vice Commodore and Peter van der Stap Patron.
John Rosak took the Trailer Yacht Club Champion title, Ross Wrenn (senior centerboard), Alex Kraayenhof (catamaran), Jamie Rumbles (Intermediate centerboard). Full details are posted on the website.
Over forty people attended the evening at Whitby Farm that also included a presentation from several younger sailors of their "away" sailing experiences, a continuous slide show, good company and a delicious dinner.
* The Trailer Yacht Winter Series starts at Ngaroto on the 1st July (then the15th and 29th). Briefing at 10.30. (Ross and Danny will officiate).
* We might see some 420's sailing too; contact Claire Gardiner 07 871 9674 for details.
* The Brass Monkey Centreboard regatta is on the 29th July, 10.30 am briefing.
Centerboard Winter Series, Tauranga
10th June 2007
In a cool southeasterly breeze of mostly 10 to12 knots and in flat water Gun and Christine aboard a Flying Dutchman (FD 100) honed their sailing skills. Gun plans to sail the magnificent beast at the FD Worlds in Napier. At times they really went well, while at other times she proved challenging, never the less a very good day was had. Robyn (Starling) and Ben (Optimist) dressed in warm sailing attire finished the day still all-dry. Ross fort over second place succeeding twice in a fleet of just 4 Lasers. Optis, Ps and Starlings were all well represented; Topaz, Splash's, 3.7s and 420s challenged the Laser numbers. Three races were completed around a triangle windward leeward course, each race taking around 35-40 minutes. The second reaching leg was particularly well set, most enjoyable in the gusts. Next sailing day is on the 24th June, 10.30 briefing.
Port Ohope Regatta
2nd and 3rd June 2007
Robyn Caundle won the Starling Class in the annual Queens Birthday regatta. Brother Ben took out the Optimist fleet, Ross Wrenn just missed out on a top three placing in the Laser fleet, but managed a first in race 5, (and a second in race 6) to prevent the eventual winner Graham Tee from a clean sweep from the seven race regatta. Ian (Canon) Wallace (and still sailing with Ngaroto Sailing Club stickers on his Laser) placed as high as 3rd, never being too far from the front throughout the weekend. Sailing on Saturday was in the harbour when a northerly of 10 to 20 knots and an out going tide gave the sailors plenty to consider. The final two races were sailed out in the ocean on Sunday, firstly in a light southerly (frustrating for some) and then after a northwesterly kicked in the final race in 10 to 15 knots, a great way to finish this the day. Courses were triangle-windward-leeward, with exhilarating sailing to be found on the reaches particularly on Saturday. Robyn, Ben and Ross also featured in the spot prize draw!
Thanks to Derrick (OD) and helpers who certainly were kept busy assisting sailors on Saturday and to Mark Mac (Commodore) and the Port Ohope Yacht Club for once again putting on a great weekend.
Ngaroto sailor wins Traveller Series in Starling class
The Traveller series, which is for sailors in the Waikato/Thames and Bay of Plenty region, is collated from regattas held in the region.
Although fourteen-year-old Robyn Caundle never made it to the place getters rostrum at any of the regattas, her participation and improvement over the series built enough points for her to take the silverware. Hungry for improvement, Robyn took advantage of the training and twilight series each Wednesday evening at Hamilton Yacht Club as well as the Raglan Sailing Camp. She also sailed every regatta she could get to including Winter Champs, N I Champs, Sir Peter Blake, Sail Auckland and the DirtyDog/Auckland Champs.
Robyn is feeling overwhelmed however. "Winning the series is good but the trophy is so big and ugly".
Other Traveler series winners were: Green Fleet, Coral Heady - Thames; Optimist, Nicholas Turney - Tauranga; P Class, Oscar Rorvik - Tauranga; 3.7 Lance O'Connell - Rotorua.
Centerboard Winter Series, Tauranga
27th May 2007
Gale force southwesterly winds were forecasted, but luckily did not eventuate. The 20 to 25 knots blowing mid morning abated to around 15 knots by the time racing started after midday. NSC was represented by Robyn (Starling), Ben (Optimist) Gun (Flying Dutchman, yes he has bought one!) and Ross who left his Laser on the trailer and assisted on a rescue boat. The rescue boat tended several capsizes but no one from Ngaroto during the three races that were sailed. Ben was seen in fine surfing form down wind, Gun along with Christine (Thames SC) gave the FD a shake down run or two. They looked in fine form even if they were on a steep learning curve (what can't be adjusted on the FD I can't imagine). Fleets consisted of Optis, Ps Starlings, Lasers, 3.7s, Zephyrs, a 420 plus a few others. The next centerboard race day at Tauranga is on the 10th June.
Update
26th May 2007
Hi Sailors
* Just a reminder of the AGM and dinner coming up on the 15th June at Whitby's Homestead. Bookings are essential (to Owen, Ross or Murray) by 8th June (don't delay).
* The Tauranga winter centreboard series starts tomorrow, 10.30 briefing.
* The Port Ohope Centreboard Regatta is on the 2-3 June (Queens Birthday weekend). I'm off there and could transport another small yacht if required. Accommodation, just bunk down in the clubhouse.
* The Trailer Yacht Winter Series starts at Ngaroto on the 1st July (then the15th and 29th). Briefing at 10.30. (Ross and Cam will officiate). We might see some 420's sailing too; contact Claire Gardiner 07 871 9674 for details.
* A Newsletter was posted to all members earlier this month, if you have not received one please reply to me and include your postal address.
Fun Day
29th April 2007
What a great day to end the summer sailing season. Twenty yachts were on the lake including PT, Laser, 420, Topper (times three classes), Feva RS, Phase Two and Firebug. There was plenty of sailing on different classes, yacht swapping so everyone had fun sailing classes they would not normally sail. The wind was from the southeast in the morning, then shifting to the northeast for a two-lap triangle windward leeward race sailed later in the afternoon. The 420s of the WTYA some now supporting full rigs were put to very good use (they looked like a whole regatta themselves), Alex's PT had many takers for the mornings session. The Toppers, sporting coloured mains and gennekas were a very popular choice too. The sun shone, the race lead changed between Arthur and Anita Ferguson sailing a 420 with Sunburst sails, Danny Padman and Ross Wrenn sailing their swapped lasers. Thanks to all those people who helped make the day, a fun sailing day may well become a part of the club's sailing program!
The AGM is next event (15th June) on the program, then onto the John Dixon Memorial Winter Trailer Yacht series (1st, 15th and 29th July), the Centreboard Brass Monkey Regatta (29th July) and the start of the summer sailing season on the first Sunday of September (2nd). A big issue newsletter, packed with articles and results will be sent to members in early May.
Mark Foy
22nd April 2007
Danny Padman was the fastest boat on the Lake, coming from a handicap of seven minutes down to win the only Mark Foy races today. No wind registered on the wind meter this morning, but in the afternoon Danny managed to find a breeze of 5 knots when out for a practise. The afternoon race consisted of a Le Mans start from the clubhouse, then to "sail" a triangular course around the lake using what ever non-motorised sailing equipment and action that could be found. Oars from the rescue boat were commandeered, sculling, ooching, paddling were all tried. The winner, a very tired Ross Wrenn used the top section from his Laser to paddle the hull around.
The day concluded with a Raupo pull and the kids floating the raft, made large enough to stand on, out into the Lake and away. Their activities concluded with a swim of 100 meters or so back to shore and a hot shower. Thanks to Jamie and Cam for making a fun day of the "Valencia" like conditions.
Chappy, Angela, Owen, Janice and Trevor the Joker sailors, Cam, Jamie, Shaun, Thomas, Danny, Linda, Evan, Matt, Claire, Linda, Micah, Ian, Alex and Ross all settled into the Clubhouse after a beautiful late summers day.
Club Championships
15th April 2007
Eighteen yachts raced in the final round of the Club Champs, enjoying an 8 to 12 or so knot westerly breeze. Shaun Rumbles is the Optimist champ for the 2006-7 season, Jamie Rumbles the Starling champ, Ross Wrenn the Open centreboard champ (sailing a Laser) and John Roszak the Trailer Yacht champ (sailing a Kestrel 18).
Four Phase II's, a Frostply and an RS Feva, all double-handed yachts boosted sailor numbers and the healthy competitions in the Open Fleet. Close racing amongst the five Trailer Yachts, the most we have seen on the Lake for some time, had very close racing, not more than a few minutes separating them after nearly one hours racing.
Tom Davies (OD) did a great job getting the racing underway, a Phase II with its mast buried in the mud (at a gybe mark) provided a challenging recovery (but all in a days work). Thanks also to Linda who's culinary skills satisfied the appetites of the many hungry sailors.
Look out next Sunday for the final races in the Mark Foy series. Jamie and Cam are the official handicappers and ODs.
Committee Meeting
5th April 2007
* The Annual General Meeting and Trophy Presentation dinner is now on the 15th June 2007. The venue is Whitbys Homestead, State Highway 3 just north of Te Awamutu. Watch for details.
* A substantial contribution to the funding of the Waikato representative high school 420 Teams Racing Team (Waikato Dio Girls School) has been made by the committee. The donation was made following the successful running of the Teams Regatta earlier in February at Lake Ngaroto. Good luck girls for the regatta at New Plymouth 16th to 21st April.
* A newsletter is due to be posted to Club members in early May. Email your contributions to Ross Wrenn by the end of April.
* Club Champs conclude this Sunday the 15th April, let's have a good showing trophies are at steak! (Murray Rumbles OD). Then on the 22nd the final round of the fun Mark Foy series (OD Tom Davies and to be assisted by Jamie and Cam (who love driving the patrol boat and of course are highly skilled at race starting duties too).
* An extra sailing day on the 29th April for the 420s fitted with spinnakers is planned. Contact Murray Wall to confirm your place, youth and adults welcome for a small fee!
* We will cater for the 420s during the John Dixon Memorial Winter Trailer Yacht Series. Come on schools and enjoy some winter fleet racing, contact Claire Gardner phone 07 8719674 to book your place.
* A working bee on Saturday the 25th August is planned to give the Clubhouse a good clean in and outside before the start of the 2007-08 summer season.
Ngaroto Centreboard Regatta
1st April 2007
Twenty eight sailors sailing in 21 yachts enjoyed a light (3 to 7 knot) north to north westerly breeze, sunshine interrupted by a couple of drops of rain as the front passed over. Melissa and Monique won all three 420 Class races from the four other competing yachts. Murray and Mathew placed second overall (3, 2, 2). Tim Griffith and Ben Borland (Hamilton) placed third.
The Lasers of Arthur Giffney, Ross Wrenn and Danny Padman place 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Open fleet of 10 yachts that included a PT, a 3.7, and Phase 2's.
Thomas de Meijer sailing the Club Firebug headed of the three starlings in the "Starling" Open Fleet (A firebug, a Micron and 2 Starlings).
Shaun Rumbles beat Floris de Meijer in the Optimist Fleet.
Lunch was all upmarket, gourmet hamburgers, followed by Hotcross buns and banana cake. Thanks to our resident caters.
The OD's Gordon and Chappy did a fine job in the shifty wind conditions, thanks.
Lake Taupo Regatta
24th and 25th March 2007
Melissa sailed very well to take 3rd place in the 10 strong Starling fleet. Robyn, Lianne and Jamie fort for places in the middle of the fleet in the light and challenging wind conditions that prevailed over the weekend. Sailing with Philip in the Flying Dutchman, our weatherman Gun with a wind speed indicator measured a maximum gust of just 7 knots on Saturday when the wind was from the south. The direction changed to the north on Sunday morning then to the south again in the early afternoon, in between the two flows some big holes.
Ross placed third in the Laser fleet with second and third places to count in the fleet of six. Ben sailing in the large Optimist open fleet sailed well but missed out on the top three placing. Our non-sailing management team of Adelle and Shirley performed at the highest level keeping the sailors organised, fed and watered.
Thanks to the Lake Taupo Yacht Club (and Mighty River Power) for a fine and sunny weekend, your hospitality that all made for an enjoyable weekend away.
The next Club sailing day at Lake Ngaroto is Sunday the 1st April, the Annual Ngaroto Centreboard Regatta. Sailors from throughout the region are welcome. Briefing is at 10.00 am. The NOR is on the web site.
Club Champs, races 3 and 4
18th March 2007
The full force of the front passed over the Lake during mid to late morning. All sailors apart from Arthur Ferguson and Melissa Wall were showing no enthusiasm to get onto the water. Melissa rigged the Starling and graceful left the shore in the 20-knot plus wind, locking down the rudder proved to be her undoing, splat and the masthead driven into the sediment in the Lake bed. To the rescue the patrol boat, all blown ashore to be greeted to eager helpers who witnessed and saved the Starling that popped out of the water and stood vertically on its centreboard on the foreshore. No damage done. Arthur rigged his Laser and shot out for a spin, tacks, gybes and multiple laps with just one brief capsize. Unfortunately Arthur had to go elsewhere before the racing started, Arthur Giffney also came at the height of the breeze and went early.
Jamie Rumbles stuck to his guns in race one sailing the correct course, despite seeing two other Starling sailors (Lianne and Evan) round the final mark on the wrong side. Good on you Jamie you knew you were right and the win was yours. Shaun Rumbles looked a real pro, the conditions were no problem for his Opti, finishing in real good time, just wetted by the rain but in high spirits.
Ross kept ahead of Danny in the Lasers, Hamish assisted by Claire in the Phase IIs ahead of Ann and Thomas. Linda and Micah put a flashy RS through its paces. Where are you Trailer Yacht sailors? The breeze was great and the sun even came out later in the day!
Thanks to the ODs for braving the conditions and the BBQ chef for the optimally cooked sausages, then there was the salad, muffins and chocolate cake.
Most of the centreboard fleet will sail at the Lake Taupo Regatta next weekend. The Caundles, Walls, Danny, Ross, Philip will all be flying the club flag.
The WTYA Salt Water Regatta, for Trailer Yachts and Keelers is also on the 24-25th March. The venue is out from Maraetai. There is no organised club sailing at Lake Ngaroto this Sunday.
The next Club sailing day at Lake Ngaroto is Sunday the 1st April, the Annual Ngaroto Centreboard Regatta. Sailors from throughout the region are welcome. Briefing is at 10.00 am. The NOR is on the web site.
NZ Teams Racing Regatta
9th to 11th March 2007
Mahurangi High School (mixed sex team) sailing with a revamped team (from this regatta last year) won the Upper North Island Secondary Schools teams regatta from 11 other contenders. David Hazard the team captain was very pleased with the result winning all 11 races and said the next challenge was for the team to gain selection for the mid-northern area for the national teams Racing Regatta to be held at New Plymouth in April. Lindisfarne College (Hastings) gained second place narrowly (on count back) from Whangarei Boys High School, each winning eight races. Lindisfarne captain Jake Brownlie said that they would soon be sailing in their regional teams racing regatta to earn an entry to the Nationals. Francis Douglas was just one point further back.
The regatta finished on a high note after the wind finally filled in from the northeast at 11.00 am on the final day allowing the 66 race program to be completed. The ideal breeze of 5 to 8 knots filled the sails and allowed the sailors still time to apply tactics and the sailing rules to maximum effect. The patchy wind earlier in the regatta only allowed 20 races to be sailed late on Friday and six on Saturday morning while a southerly breeze persisted. Just 4 races were sailed from 9 am on Sunday when the light southerly faded before finally a good wind prevailed.
The first all girls team was Waikato Diocesan fending off new Plymouth Girls High School on a count back. Melissa Wall said team Dio were team over-joyed at their wins late in the regatta and are also looking forward to the trip to New Plymouth.
The Ngaroto catering team did an absolutely fantastic job of keeping the sailors and their management teams fed and watered. Volleyball and soccer came to the fore in the windless hours with no more than a few ice packs being required for the minor bumps. Thanks to all the people for the on the water help, for the results collation, the umpiring, starting, finishing and for the provision of the 420 Class yachts and patrol boats that were required for the fun rapid fire regatta format to run. To the sailors thanks for being such good sports both off and on the water in some trying conditions at times.
Results:
Team Name
Total Points
Place
Mahurangi
11
1
Lindisfarne
8
2
Whangarei Boys High
8
3
Francis Douglas
7
4
Long Bay
6
5
Otomotai
5
6
Palmerston North Boys
5
7
Bethleham
5
8
Parparumu
4
9
Kerikeri
3
10
Waikato Diocesan
2
11
New Plymouth Girls High
2
12
Mark Foy Series, races 1, 2 and 3
4th March 2007
The start of the fun series attracted a dozen centreboard yachts and their skippers and crews enjoyed a northerly breeze that rose to 12 knots or so by mid afternoon. Our young ODs Cam and Jamie officiated with distinction on the complicated starts and on-shore Murray Rumbles saw that the start handicaps were adjusted for each race. Yachts converged towards the finish of each race to the satisfaction of the officials and challenged the sailors to gain (or not lose) another place. Look for the results in the results section on this web site.
The Dio and Hamilton Boys High 420 teams racing teams were getting in some practice time (on Saturday and Sunday) before the Schools Regatta starting on Friday (9th March) at Lake Ngaroto. The white board, debriefing, enthusiasm and on the water coaching are all a part of their preparation program. The WTYA 420 fleet is being put to very good use to prepare the team sailors. Best of luck to all sailors for the regatta.
Club Champs Rounds 1 and 2
25th February 2007
Fifteen yachts eagerly sort to compete in their fleets in the Club Champs series. The days was trying with little wind, a few patches rippled across the lake, the direction mainly from the south through to the east, punctuated by areas of glassy water. Both races were shortened with the patrol boat offering tows back to the shore in the afternoon. Never the less a very pleasant start to the sailing back at the lake, 27 degrees C out on the water but cooler under the veranda of the clubhouse. Thanks to Claire, Murray, Shirley and Gordon for on the water and clubhouse duties.
Youngsters tested out the stability of the pontoon, it passed with flying colours and will be put to good use at the 420 teams regatta on the 9th to 11th March. Volunteers are needed for this large regatta (shore and clubhouse crews), it starts on Friday, please contact Murray Wall on 07 854 6225, your assistance is sort. This was truly an amazing regatta when the Club hosted it last year, a hundred plus high school aged sailors and their adult management teams. Many camped on the reserve (one of the big attractions of the venue) and were fed and watered by the Ngaroto catering team.
The Waikato Thames Yachting Association will have its 6 new 420s being used at the regatta, Dio has confirmed its entry, Hamilton Boys High is anticipated to have a team along with a composite Waikato team, plus schools from throughout the upper and central North Island. The NOR is on the NSC web site.
Sailing next Sunday 4th March sees the start of the Mark Foy series. Come along and have some fun in this reverse handicap (slowest boats start first) race series.
The algal counts have declined significantly when last counted on the 16th February. Check through the link on this web site to the Environment Waikato site.
Waikato Thames Yachting Association Centreboard Regatta
Te Puru, Thames
17th and 18th February 2007
Day one finished well for sailors from Lake Ngaroto with Melissa Wall and crew Fran Deane in first place in the 420's (Cam Mans finished with a first in the last race), Ben Caundle (although sailing under the Tauranga flag has his roots at Ngaroto) was the second placed Optimist and his tally included a couple of firsts and Ross Wrenn sailing a Laser in the Intermediate Open Class (3.7's and Lasers) was places second overall behind Craig Briggs from Hamilton.
Ideal conditions prevailed on Saturday morning for the first of the 4 races on Saturday, around 15 knots from the south, waves had built up that were great to catch on the reaching legs and the water flying off the bow was warm. For race two the wind had dropped a little but planing on the reaches was still possible.
Alas the wind continued to drop over the lunch break but two lighter air and flatter water races were completed before a late finish and a BBQ dinner put on by the Thames Sailing Club. Sailors swapped a few stories during the evening before retiring to their tents in the shelter of the pohotakawa trees in the school grounds or for the less hardy a cabin in the Camping Ground just down the road.
The wind rustled through the leaves of the trees all night, it sounded promising for a good finish to the regatta on Sunday. Our hopes were not realised as the wind of any strength and direction failed to materialise so for the racing fleets the final results were those from Saturday only.
Thanks must go to the Thames Sailing Club for the organisation of the regatta, to the many people in the six patrol boats, to the meal providers and to the racing and on shore officials.
The six 420s belonging to the WTYA (Youth Development) and under the helm of Gordon Wallis were in big demand at the regatta. The racing was thrilling on Saturday while the light winds on Sunday allowed a steady stream of enthusiastic youngsters to have a sail too. All looks very good for the future of this venture to increase the standing of sailing as a sport, through school and club participation, in the province.
Lake Weaver
11th February 2007
Around 20 club members ventured to Lake Weaver for a sail with the Huntly Boating Club. Four 420's (from the WTYA) were christened while supporting the red and blue club sails (a real splash of colour on the Lake) thanks to Murray, Shirley and girls, Phase IIs of Hamish and Ann (plus children), Lasers of Ross and Danny, a couple of Fire Bugs thanks to Claire and David Chin with his Nolex and his tuneful flute. The grapevine worked well with Wojtek, Jacek, John Elliott, Arthur Giffney and Allan and Joyce Singleton all coming to lend their support.
Lake Weaver is a great place for a sail, generally circular in shape with a leg up to one km long possible, exposed to winds and good launching facilities for both trailer and centreboard yachts. Wind today was rather lacking (just as forecasted) but two races were sailed in up to 5 knots at times. (At other times no wind for some sailors). For the record Ross was the first yacht home in the morning race and Danny took the honours in the two laps completed in the afternoon.
We next race at Lake Weaver is on the 25th February, well worth the trip (watch this space as to any updates)! Thanks to the Huntly Boating Club for extending their hospitality to the NSC.
Next weekend, 17th and 18th February is the WTYA Centreboard Regatta at Te Puru (about 15 north of Thames). All Ngaroto centreboard sailors are encouraged to attend this regatta; many of us will camp in the school grounds.
Water Quality at Ngaroto
Club sailing at Lake Ngaroto has been cancelled (for the immediate future) as the latest algal count (January 2007) was into the medium risk level. (This was a surprise as visual observations indicated very little in the way of algal film on the lake). EW has changed their sampling collection method and they and the Sailing Club are concerned about the relatively accuracy of the sample. We have been in contact with both EW and the District Council. The Club is taking another sample on the 5th of February, following the previously used method, taking water out in the middle of the lake from a boat, and submitting it to NIWA for counting.
In the mean time we have transferred all Club sailing to Lake Weaver, Huntly, sailing with the Huntly Sailing Club. They sail alternate Sundays, starting on the 11th February, briefing 10.30 am. Lake Weaver is immediately west of Huntly. From Highway 1 at the traffic lights in Huntly, turn to the west and go over the Tainui Bridge, continue through the roundabout and you'll see the lake about 300 meters ahead. The entrance that is used (I think) is a further 300-400 meters around the lake on the right. The lake has a very good launching ramp and tie up facilities. Contact Murray Wall 07 854 6225 or Ross Wrenn 07 855 8342 for other details. Please support this venue and others that may be used.
The WTYA Centreboard Champs are being held at Te Puru, Thames on the 17th and 18th February. All dinghy sailors are encouraged to sail at this regatta. Camping is available at the Te Puru School that is also the head quarters for the regatta.
New Plymouth Regatta
3rd and 4th February 2007
Southbound (Gordon, Jed and Murray W), ResiVor (Owen, Janice and Bob), Columbine (Chappy and Angela), Starling sailors Melissa and Leanne, Laser sailors Ross and Danny and skippering Southern Comfort (PT) was Erik Kraayenhof all made the trip to visit our northern Taranaki sailing comrades. A sou-west wind of 10 to 15 knots combined with a meter or so swell to make exciting but safe sailing conditions on Saturday. Four races were completed. Sailors (around 25 of) on the dinghy course would have enjoyed in particular leg two of the triangular course, a well set reach, to catch and surf with the swell the length of the leg.
Day two was light but after a short delay we were out doing battle again. The light wind stayed for the first race but was patchy for the second, but all yachts managed to finish. Ross Wrenn sailing a Laser finished the weekend with five firsts and a second place to take out the seven strong Laser class. Danny was always a threat to the top three but ultimately his aspirations were undone by to him an unfavourable wind shift in the final race. Melissa also competed hard for but just fell short of a top three position in the Starling fleet, Leanne a couple of places further back. Erik on Southern Comfort placed mid fleet in the strong Paper Tiger fleet.
The local Ross 780s took line and handicap places in the trailer yacht fleet. Southbound pushed them hard and our two Jokers had a race with in a race with ResiVor having the edge over Columbine.
Auckland Laser Champs
27th and 28th January 2007
What a site, 60 Lasers sailing during Auckland Anniversary weekend, all a part of the view from Tamaki Drive on a couple of hot days with a light northerly breeze predominating. There were plenty of young guns including skippers from the Cook Islands, Korea, Switzerland and Argentina vying for the crown of Auckland Champion in 2007, also a few sailors a year or too older. Amongst the travellers from Ngaroto, Arthur Ferguson was well centred in the 20 odd strong Laser Radial fleet sailing out from the Tamaki Yacht Club. Ferguson placed as high as 5th in a race on Saturday. In the Standard fleet of around 35 yachts Ross Wrenn placed in the back half. The ex Ngarotarin Ian (Canon) Wallace consistently sailed into a mid fleet position. Ian's change in life style that includes plenty of Laser sailing (and even during the week) exploring the waters of the Waitimata Harbour, and along with a new sail, is paying off.
Several Laser 4.7's sailed by youngsters competed in the regatta. Competition in this newer Laser class is also being sailed for the first time at the Laser Nationals later in February in the Bay of Islands.
New Years Day Regatta at Kawhia
1st January 2007
Twenty-five yachts (including 8 from Ngaroto) treated the New Years Day crowd to a spectical at the 2.00 pm start time. The gun sounded and ResiVor (Owen Johnston and Gordon Wallis), Columbine (the Farrell clan), and Arthur Ferguson (Laser) all hit the start line. A second or two later right at the starboard end of the line Ross Wrenn (Laser) had a view over the fleet and was in the strongest and most favourable current for the beat to the first mark. Soon drama unfolded on the port side of the course as ResiVor touched the sand, quickly raised their centreboard and spun around onto a port tack. A Hobie Cat with the crew out on the wire had to throw an instant tack and capsized in the process. ResiVor then had to avoid the Cat, bearing off under them and Columbine also had to take evasive action too. Columbine came out of the skirmish as the leading trailer yacht (Chappy quietly very pleased) but later on the leg ResiVor had recovered from the previous events to head the trailer yacht fleet again. Taiko (Nigel and Linda McCarter) followed closely with Juggler (Laurence Potter from TA) a bit further back. At the finish line about 50 minutes later the order remained the same, with just a few seconds between ResiVor and Columbine. Owen Johnston now has his name engraved on the Kawhia's Cup presented to the trailer yacht taking line honours. (This follows Gordon Wallis taking the trophy in 2006).
Wrenn ran over Ferguson 3/4 way up the leg and rounded mark one narrowly ahead of Ferguson and the rest of the yachts including all the cats. On the run to mark two Ferguson eventually crept past Wrenn, then got a good break on the reaching leg to mark three before beating up the long leg to mark four rounding it and back downwind to the finish. By this time some of the Cats lead on line. Philip Phillips in his Flying Dutchman with Laurie Hoverd out on the wire tried to gather in the Lasers upwind but fell short by a hundred or so meters. Ferguson held on to lead Wrenn by 22 seconds and to Philip Phillips, Tom Davies (Laser) and the rest of centreboard fleet.
The tide might have been low but there was plenty of water (for most), the channels were wide and the wind generally of 10 to 15 knots from the west made for perfect sailing conditions for New Years Day. Thanks to the Kawhia Boating and Angling Club for the sailing and after match and the Farrell's for their great hospitality!
(The New Plymouth Regatta is on the 3rd and 4th of February 2007. Let's have a good Ngaroto turnout at this regatta open to both dinghy and trailer yacht sailors. You will find the New Plymouth members most hospitable and a great chance for a sail out in the Tasman Ocean.)
Pokuru Series
16th December 2006
Visitors came from far and wide to the Lake Ngaroto Xmas special. Canada, Britain, Holland and Auckland were all represented bring with them an atmosphere ideal for the afternoon and twilight sail. The Pot Luck dinner catered for all needs (and more). For the five stayers a delicious breakfast too! Thanks to all, and there were many of you who helped make the day a memorable one in the Ngaroto sailing calendar (and looks like one that will continue in the future).
As for the sailing results the details are elsewhere on this web site. ResiVor was the best of the Trailer Yachts, Cam Mans sailing one of several Phase 2's and fresh from success at the recent NZ Phase 2 Champs at Rotorua continued with success. Linda sailed her brand new RS Feva, a fantastic looking 12foot centreboard yacht with coloured main, foresail and genoa. All who sailed her thought the RS was great to sail, stable, roomy and racey!
The Learn to Sail graduates received their Certificates from Gun (instructor) and Peter (patron) and also showed us that they had learnt heaps! Thanks to Gun for many hours of work to bring these sailors through.
Key regattas to sail at include the Hamilton Xmas Regatta (Saturday 23rd December, centreboard yachts), Kawhia New Years Day Regatta (January 1st 2007, centreboard and Trailer yachts). Then on to the New Plymouth Yacht Club Regatta on the 3rd and 4th February 2007 (for both youth and senior sailors and centreboard and trailer yachts). The regattas will be a heap of fun.
Pokuru Series
10th December 2006
A generally south westerly wind, but with shifts to the south tested sailors sense of direction on a windward leeward course. Three laps in race one before lunch followed by two two lap races in the afternoon challenged the sailors especially on the upwind legs, with many meters up for grabs in a matter of a few minutes.
Younger sailors honed their team racing skills (four Phase 2's all sailed double-handed) ready for a 420 regatta on the Northshore. Starts, strategy and details of the rules (their exploitation) were all a part of the drills and racing. Good luck to you and may you have favourable wind shifts.
Thanks go to Marco and Claire for covering the on the water duties and result taking so ably. The sailors enjoyed the cut and thrust of the course legs, at times having to develop light wind sailing skills that have been in recess for months. For the BBQ duties thanks go to Shirley for feeding especially the hungry younger sailors.
Sailing next weekend is on SATURDAY (16th) starting with a BBQ lunch, racing at 1.00ish. Two races are planned before having an XMAS POTLUCK dinner, then on to an evening race timed to finish about dusk.
Mangapiko 7, 8 and 9 (final)
3rd December 2006
Absolutely great sailing conditions prevailed. A south westerly wind, with a few good shifts (as long as you were on the right tack at the time), the usual gusts shooting across the lake and wind strength mostly in the 8 to 15 knot range along with sun shine were enjoyed by the ten yachts and crews.
The youth all took to Optis, and one even had a crew for the day. Jamie displaced Alex and enjoyed a race on the Paper Tiger. Particularly in the afternoon Alex had ideal wind and course settings to have an exhilarating days sailing. The reaches, one broader and the other tighter were well set and also enjoyed by the Laser sailors.
The Lasers of Ross Wrenn and Arthur Ferguson were never more than about 30 seconds apart, with Danny Padman sandwiched between from time to time. Owen Johnston and Peter van der Stap continually swapped places during the Joker races.
A young age was no barrier to Shaun Rumbles (showing no respect for his elders) having three wins in the Opti fleet. Jamie, Thomas, and Floris must have all thought that there are some good young sailors coming through!
Thanks to Murray Rumbles and Ken King for seeing to the OD duties, Owen for towing the patrol boat back to the jetty at one stage and Danny for getting the motor going again.
Next Sunday (10th) sees the start of the Pokuru series (double handed for youth, briefing at 10.30 am), and again on SATURDAY the 16th December (starting with a BBQ at midday and continuing with a Xmas Pot Luck dinner and an evening sail).
Phase 2 Nationals, Rotorua
2nd and 3rd December
Three Ngaroto crews, Murray and Lianne, Adrian and Cam, and Hamish and Nicky along with four complete boats were in the 21strong fleet. There was a little carnage especially on the Saturday when the winds were 20ish knots. Damage was wide spread amongst the Ngaroto fleet, a spare hull was commandeered following some structural strains, additional foils and attachments were needed along with a few cosmetic scratches and on occasions dented pride (short lived). Apparently Murray was conducting a random survey sampling something in the waters of Lake Rotorua (Lianne was not totally convinced that towing your senior crew whilst attached tightly to the main sheet was the fasted point of sail). DNFs features on some score cards, but all crews finished the last race on Sunday. For the record Ngaroto provided the meat in the middle of the fleet, Adrian and Cam 9th (and a handsome handicap trophy), Murray and Lianne 12th and Hamish and Nicky 15th. Well done guys!
Waikato Lakes Regatta, Lake Ngaroto
26th November 2006
Visiting from Whitianga Shaun Chaney took out the Starling fleet with four straight wins from 5 other sailors. Jamie Rumbles (Ngaroto) who was never too far from the front sailed into second place narrowly from Thomas de Meijer. The conditions challenged the sailors, a nor-westerly of 10 to 15 knots prevailed under a partly sunny sky leading to great speed on the reaching legs of the triangular windward leeward course.
In the double handed fleet the Phase 11s revealed in the conditions, the gybe mark proved a daunting place for some and the rescue boat being called onto assist some before sailing on to complete another thrilling reaching leg. Hamish McPherson and Claire Gardiner fort for the first placings and narrowly took the regatta from Murray Wall and Monique (both in Phase 11s) and to Adrian Frances and Evan Ward (part time crew) in a Frostply.
The Open fleet consisted of 5 Lasers and a 3.7. John Elliott 3.7 (Hamilton) won all the races on the water, but after handicap correction Ross Wrenn (Laser) took first place overall with two firsts, a second and a third narrowly from Arthur Giffney (Laser) and Elliott.
Shaun Rumbles sailed the only Optimist in the regatta and although starting all races was very proud to finished even just one. Well done Shaun!
Thanks to Gordon, Owen and John for their on the water management and to Shirley, Janice, Murray and others for club house duties. Sailors were well refuelled from the BBQ and rewarded at the prize giving.
Good luck to the sailors going to sail at the Phase 11 champs at Rotorua next weekend! The Mangapiko series (for both centreboards and Trailer Yachts) will be sailed at Ngaroto for those staying at home.
Paper Tiger Freshwater Regatta
11th and 12th November 2006
What a weekend, 19 Paper Tigers being put through their paces! The most spectacular photograph of the regatta was of Steven Nichols during both bows up to the mast into the lake waters. Luckily the boat popped out and he sailed on almost as if nothing had happened. Jamie Sutherland (New Plymouth), Richard Dent (Tauranga), Doug Ferguson (Howick) and John Coplestone (New Plymouth) were captured on film at great speed; it was fantastic to see such activity and sailor skill on Lake Ngaroto. Alas consistency was not their strongest point over the weekend and Terry Valder who set the pace in the first race, winning it by "a country mile" and never too far from the lead in the 5 races to follow, placed first in the A Grade boats. Doug Ferguson placed second and Mark Bell (Howick) third.
Les Gallagher (Howick) with three first placings in the B Grade lead in Mark Hatch sailing Crazy Diamond (New Plymouth) from John Coplestone.
The C Grade was won by Wally Eady (New Plymouth) sailing "The Eye of the Tiger", from Michael Hatch (New Plymouth) and Stacy King in the first Ngaroto boat.
The regatta had an international flavour with the designer of the Paper Tiger boat, Ron Given returning from New Caledonia where he spends much of his time designing large ocean going catamarans, to compete at the regatta (he carefully selects the venues he sails at and Lake Ngaroto has now been on his list twice in recent years, earlier at a Joker Champs regatta). Ron still has a lot of sailing skill, with an 11th placing in the first race!
An ideal wind prevailed for the regatta, 10 to 15 knots from the west on Saturday rising to 15 to 20 plus knots from the north west on Sunday. Races of 40 to 60 minutes in such winds tested the sailors and know doubt they will know that they have had an exhilarating weekends sailing, but accompanied by the clubroom hospitality put on by the catering team from the Ngaroto Sailing Club. The on and off the water atmosphere created at the regatta is renowned in sailing circles, so are the well set tight courses (for the sea sailors) and the great viewing for the spectators. Prizes included a CD containing hundreds of spectacular shots of the weekends sailing to each sailor.
Thanks to Shirley, Murray, Ken, Danny, Owen and Janice, the regatta would not have been possible without you.
Ngaroto sailors let's have a big turn out for the New Plymouth Regatta on the 3rd and 4th February 2007!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our youth sailors put the Phase 2s through their paces under Murray's careful eye in the 15 to 20 knot winds on Sunday. What great speed but with speed and sometimes skills being extended to and beyond the sailors limits...........Three capsized at one time was enough, at least so thought Hamish. What a sight and all right in front of the Clubhouse!
The Six Hour race is next Sunday, breakfast from 8.00 am, the GUN is at 10.00 am! Finish at 4.00 pm followed by s special afternoon tea function. Good luck to individuals and teams, may fair winds be with you!
Waikato Lakes Series at Lake Karapiro
5th November 2006
Linda, Mika, Alex W (PT crew), Danny (Laser), Alex K (PT) and Ross (Laser) all enjoyed the breeze at the first round of the series. A northerly sprung up before the start of the morning race, but faded towards the end as the mid fleet sailors were challenged by the changeable and weak conditions near the Clubhouse finish line. Ross and Danny were the first two home. The wind faded further over the lunch break, but sprung up with renewed vigour for the two afternoon races. Full stacking was frequently required on the up wind legs towards the Clubhouse. The finish always proved an interesting affair. The final race was a good example when Danny with a new breeze made a run on Ross near the finish and looked like he may take a win, Alex in his PT also had an idea of a win in mind too. Alas their breeze faded as quickly as it had risen and Ross crossed the line first. (Why does the club keep putting the finish line so close the shore; to keep the sailors guessing?)
Ross, Alex K and Mika all got in the prizes. Thanks Cambridge for an enjoyable days sailing and to Peter Carr for picking the best of the breeze so well.
The next regatta in this Waikato Lakes series is at Lake Ngaroto on the 26th November.
Next weekend (11 and 12th Nov) is the Paper Tiger Regatta at Lake Ngaroto. This promises to be another great regatta, with a good fleet turning up. We hope the traditional wind prevails, hulls flying on the flat water. The Clubhouse can be opened on Friday night as required by the visitors, contact Ross, 07 8558 342 (Hamilton) or Owen 07 871 8209 (Te Awamutu). Dinner Saturday night, all hands on deck please.
Mangapiko 4, 5 and 6
29th October 2006
Plenty of Starling, Phase 2 and Laser sailors turned up! Great to have a big turnout and what a great days sailing in winds around 15 knots from the north, a little light rain and a temperature where work was required to keep warm.
The Phase 2s of Murray Wall and Hamish McPherson sailed over the Lasers part way up the first leg, but did not stay there for long. Arthur Ferguson (Laser) was first around the top mark. Ferguson went on to win narrowly from Wrenn, Giffney and Padman (who had trouble with a broken tiller extension).
Murray Wall had the better of the battle with McPherson (and Thomas de Meijer), apart from the final down wind leg to the finish! The Frostply sailed by Adrian France was put through its paces, mixing it with the Phase 2s later in the day.
Jamie, Evan and Cam all had turns in the lead in the Starling fleet, and Robyn gave the boys a fright in the final race when she placed second!
Thanks to Owen, Claire and Murray R for running the days sailing. Also thanks to Matt Ward for the perfectly cooked sausages on the BBQ.
Next weekend sailing is at Lake Karapiro on Sunday (the first round of the Waikato Lakes series). Let's show the other clubs a good muster and how to sail!
Melissa, Cam and Robyn sailed in the Starling North Islands at Napier last weekend. Melissa placed as high as 25th in a fleet of 60 plus yachts and certainly improved her position through the regatta. Well done to you all!
Joker Owners Association Championship Regatta
14th and 15th October 2006
The weekend saw 4 Joker 820's and 6 Joker 6.7's compete for the trophies at Lake Ngaroto. Nigel and Christine Lancaster sailing "Hydrous" (after missing last years contest) took the gun in every race in the 820 fleet. "Aperitif skippered by John Klinkhamer and crew Barry Kemps chased hard and their tally included five seconds and a third place to count.
Competition was very tight in the 6.7meter fleet with all the Ngaroto based sailors taking the led at times throughout the races. Rob Greenwood and Gordon Wallis stepped onto "Taiko" and after three shake down races they then went onto take a second place and three first places to come through to take second place overall. Owen and Janice Johnston sailing "ResiVor" took the trophy again with a haul of two firsts and four seconds to count. Chappy Farrell and Pat Newport in "Columbine" third overall and BoJangles (Trevor Crosbie), fifth overall also had a first placing. Both skippers had trouble navigating the courses from time to time ultimately costing them several places. The wind was very favourable for the regatta, ranging between 12 and 20 knots from the west on Saturday and the nor-west on Sunday. Racing finished at around 1400 hours on Sunday before a late lunch and prize giving. All skippers received a CD containing 300 plus photographs taken throughout the regatta.
The Johnston's have to be Mr and Mrs consistent, right decisions are part of their style. As the regatta continued they pushed harder at the start and at mark roundings when the pressure was on. The starter of the weekend had to be Rob Greenwood and Gordon Wallis. They were right on the line from race one with a perfectly timed run. Their starting strategy had to be admired from the vantage point in the committee boat. Peter van der Stap tested the rules and the nerve of other sailors especially at the off wind mark roundings. Chappy Farrell will be kicking him self for playing follow the leader, unfortunately the leader at the time "BoJangles" sailed a long way up the wrong leg before studying the course taken by others and thinking "only if". Chappy how could you be thinking of keeler sailing when such competitive and fun racing is on your doorstep? You would think that Gordon would be in the market for a Joker, but alas not, not that he is letting on; the plywood does not fit into Gordon's maintenance schedule.
Thanks to the help on the water from Gun and Danny. Also thanks to the people who helped in the Clubhouse, Claire the mainstay for Saturday's dinner, Jackie and Janice and many others for their assistance too. And of course to the Joker sailors for the good spirit shown during the regatta.
Owen Johnston was elected the Joker president and Janice Johnston the secretary for the 2006/7 year. Trevor Crosbie has under taken to produce the Association's newsletter and assist with Joker building enquiries. Several plans have been sold to Australian interests.
Several of our younger sailors tested their Starlings and Phase 2's (supporting the new Sunburst sails) in quite a fresh wind on Sunday. The camera captured some great shots of the boats and sailors when both above and in the water.
Centreboard Training
8th October 2006
Centreboard sailing is really on the improve at Ngaroto. Christine Heady after a session on the shore put the sailors through some sailing drill that certainly stretched the sailor's skills. Sailing in single file at close quarters then around and around the patrol boat in a wind of 8 to 12 knots but gusting up to 15 at times. Sailing around a short square course was also a part of the sailing drill. Pushing the sailors to their limits and past saw all sample the lake waters, but all came up smiling.
A session on strategy after a well-deserved lunch break sharpened the sailor's minds ahead of the short course racing that ultimately finished late in the afternoon. Courses varied, starts upwind, on the reach and straight downwind. The start and marks drew the yachts together, sometimes a little touch or too not to mention a capsize when under pressure. Plan "B" was needed as the competition hotted up on the start line.
Thanks to Murray Wall for initiating the day and Christine for passing on her knowledge so well. Also to Claire and Robyn for their assistance on and off the water. Sailors were Lianne, Shaun Channey, Thomas, Cam, Evan, (all in Starlings) Mika (P Class) and Ross (Laser) and Russell Channey (part time Starling sailor).
Next weekend (Saturday and Sunday) the Joker Owners Association Championship Regatta is being sailed at Lake Ngaroto. This is always a great regatta both on and off the water. There is a dinner on Saturday night plus plenty of competitive sailing over a variety of courses. You are all welcome at the lake.
Mangapiko 1, 2 and 3
1st October 2006
Evan, Cam, Jamie, Thomas (all in Starlings) and Alex in a Paper Tiger enjoyed the warm winds mainly from the northeast to sail three races. Alex the only senior sailor was set a longer course giving both fleets similar finishing times in the breeze of between 8 to 12 knots. Evan narrowly headed off the Starling fleet, Thomas, Jamie and Cam fort a close battle for the other places. The day was managed very well, the sailing finished and all yachts packed up before the rain in the late afternoon fell; thanks to Nigel and Claire.
Algae in the water are at low levels according to the Environment Waikato web site; may they stay there. Also at a low level is the water level, currently 150mm below the level to be met by the 1st October. The weir was closed 13 days ago after the Waipa District Council was given a reminder about their management (or lack of) of the water level that was meant to be managed starting from the 1st September to return the level to the required summer level by the 1st October. As a result several yachts despite careful placement of marks scraped their centreboards through the lakebed during last weekends Trailer Yacht Regatta. The low water level caused some difficulty on the boat ramps with retrieving of yachts. Environment Waikato and the Waipa District Council will be approached re the lake management.
Next Sunday (8th October) is senior training with Christine Headey (from Thames) and is not to be missed! Start time soon after 10 am!
Annual Ngaroto Trailer Yacht Regatta
23rd and 24th September 2006
The spring winds truly had arrived, apart from the first half hour a strength of 10 to 20 knots were common from the sou-west through to the west. The temperature matched the warm atmosphere created by the sailors. Ian Horner and crew Charlie and Bud sailing Bonkers a Ross 780 lead the way to take division one from Chappy and Angela Farrell (Columbine) and Gordon Wallis and Rob Greenwood (Southbound). Division two saw the eventual winner Pat Newport and crew Laurie Hoverd (Uhuru II) only confirmed by winning the final race from John Roszak (Y Not) and Wayne Settler and Bunny Rabbit (Young 6.0) third. Just seconds often separated the top boats after races of near one hour's duration.
All skippers received a collection of near 500 digital photographs taken over the weekend on a CD.
Thanks to the competitors for making this a very enjoyable regatta and to the shore crew (and also the sailors) for the festive atmosphere at meal times in the clubhouse. Thanks to the ODs Gun Caundle and Alex Kraayenhof for their able assistance on and off the water.
Paterangi 5 and 6
17th September 2006
What a day! Wind from the sou-west to 30 knots in the morning when race 5 started. The PT of Alex soon lead the fleet, making what he could of the strong wind. The Lasers of Arthur and Ross followed, both having some very exciting reaching legs. Nigel and Crew Chris with the Joker sail reefed survived. David Chin cruised around for a social sail. Trevor Crosbie with a broken outboard motor bracket decided it was better not to sail. Cam, Jamie along with Tom gladly did the OD duties, watching the antics of the sailors. Lunch was enjoyed in the shelter of the Clubhouse before the afternoon race in a slightly lower breeze, 15 to 20 knots in the main. Alex revelled in the breeze, frequently flying a hull and easily leading the chasers. All finished even if showing a little blood and later saw muscles.
A new rack for storing and drying the race flags has been installed in the tower thanks to Alex. A couple of ramps have been put in the boatshed so that beach trolleys can now be wheeled up to the second level storage level. The possum trapping tally now stands at two.
Next weekend sees the Annual Ngaroto Trailer Yacht Regatta, briefing at 10.30 am Saturday, potluck dinner on Saturday night and a great weekends racing. The spring winds have arrived, you had better be there!
Paterangi 3 and 4 and Youth Training
10th September 2006
Around 10 of our younger sailors enjoyed a weekend at the club, with Christine Headey at the helm of the training program. The wind might have been light and also raining at times on Saturday but Christine had the young sailors well under control both off and on the water. Sunday started a little cool but with a great wind of 5 to 15 knots from the southeast. The day warmed up with time, the youth spent time on the water practicing drills. Just a couple of seniors raced, thanks to Jacek and Owen for the course setting. Three Phase 2s practiced (developed combinations) later in the afternoon. The sailors learnt heaps, so watch for added speed and skill on the water. Thanks to Murray and Shirley, Janice, Linda and Claire for the great organisation, all successfully fed watered and entertained and got some shuteye as well. Next weekend many of them will be showing their newfound skills at the Spring Regatta at Lake Karapiro. Good luck!
Come on other senior centreboard sailors and Trailer Yachties you are a bit thin on the water. Next weekend is Paterangi 5 and 6 (final) and cam Manns has kindly offered to take the OD duties.
Opening Day
3rd September 2006
The sailors of 8 Starlings, 3 Lasers, a Phase 2, a Paper Tiger and a Sunbust yacht enjoyed a very pleasant day. The wind (little) travelled across all points of the compass during the course of the day. The Starling sailors had their rigs tuned in the morning, under the guidance of Bruce Kennedy from Tauranga then tested the adjustments in an afternoon race.
Earlier at briefing Gordon Wallis out lined the progress being made by the Youth Development wing of the WTYA. A large trailer is under construction, funding for six 420 yachts is progressing well, a coach boat has been purchased. The equipment should be in use along with a coach, for training primarily high school students early next year.
Working Bee
26th August 2006
Spring has arrived; it must have with the big spring clean of the Clubhouse. No self-respecting spider, mildew, weed, germ or piece of dirt will have survived. A couple of hours or so with Gordon on the water blaster, David Chin on a weed eater, Ross on the end of a mop in the toilets and showers, Thomas, Owen, Chappy and Murray dealing to the internal walls, ceiling, floors and windows all was done. Thanks heaps.
Sailing starts next Sunday the 3rd of September, briefing at 10.30 am. Owen Johnston is the Officer of the Day. Youth sailors, under going training, will be under the command of Murray Wall. A point to note please be careful with boats in the boatshed as the significant damage that occurred to club boats has been repaired over the winter thanks to hours of work from Nigel. More orderly storage will be helped by the boatshed upgrade earlier in the winter.
Remember subs are now due, please post your completed form to Ngaroto Sailing Club, PO Box 188, Te Awamutu. (Membership forms were with the August Newsletter or can be printed from the web site).
Brass Monkey Centreboard Regatta
6th August 2006
Water is an essential ingredient for sailing; we had it in the lake and in the atmosphere too. An easterly wind turning a little towards the north during the three races, velocity ranging between 7 and 17 knots, temperature around 16degrees C made for a challenging days sailing. There were a few spills scattered throughout the fleets. The very wet soil caused a few problems with the car parking, but with a few pushes or a tow by a Remurea tractor all was fine.
The weather may have put off a few people, thanks to the people from Rotorua, Taupo, Port Ohope, Tauranga, Hamilton and the locals for really making the day an enjoyable and memorable one.
Lianne Wall and international crew from Spain Alberto Saler were the best of the Phase IIs. Kent Copplestone (Lake Taupo) with the better of the firsts and seconds headed off Mark MacIntosh (Port Ohope) in the Lasers. Laura Hemingway (Tauranga) won a close battle with Melissa Wall (Ngaroto) in the Starling class. The Junior Open class was won by Ben Caundle in an Optimist from Thomas de Meyer in a Firebug.
Thanks to the ODs Owen and Gun, to Murray and Claire for the rescues, Shirley anchoring the club house organisation and prizes for the 19 skippers, their sailing crews and shore crews.
A working bee will be held on Saturday the 26th August. Start time around 9.00am. The Clubhouse needs a clean both inside and out side (bring your brushes and brooms to clean the green growth off the out side walls).
Club sailing starts on the 3rd September, briefing at 10.30am.
John Dixon Memorial Trailer Yacht Winter Series
30th July 2006
Winsome II skippered by Rob Ebert (Hamilton) regained the John Dixon Memorial Trophy from Bonkers (Ian Horner, New Plymouth) who came second in the 2006 competition. Southbound (Gordon Wallis and Rob Greenwood, Ngaroto) was the third Division 1 yacht.
Division 2 was won by Concrete and Steel (John Pease, New Plymouth) from Y-Not (John Roszak, Ngaroto) and Paupers Express (Gary Bevan, New Plymouth) third.
All skippers received a framed photograph of their yacht along with a CD containing 200 plus photos taken earlier in the series.
Skippers remained in good heart after the very trying light winds on the final day, when just two races were sailed. The promised nor-west change did not eventuate, nor the late rain thankfully. Congratulations to you all.
Thanks to Danny Padman and Jamie and Murray Rumbles for help on the water during the series, also to those who helped with the catering and to Shirley Wall (even though she was not able to be at the sailing days) for the selection of the photos and frames.
John Dixon Memorial Trailer Yacht Winter Series
16th July 2006
The day was well worthwhile waiting for. A 10 to 15 knot wind from the south to southeast, sunshine and a warm temperature. Sailors turned out in force and very keen to sail. After a briefing at 10.30 am racing got under way promptly, one lap in the first race of the day, then two laps of the trapezoid course for the remaining two races.
The New Plymouth visitors, "Bonkers", "Concrete and Steel" and "Paupers Express" all performed well, placing at or near the head of the fleet on the water or on handicap. It was great to see John Pease recovered from the skate on the icy roads that he unfortunately experienced a fortnight ago. "Winsome II" a former winner of the series also sailed well to challenge "Bonkers" on handicap. "Southbound" recovered from mechanical problems two weeks ago and must be pleased with the performance after a re-rigging late last season.
Peter van der Stap and Alex Kraayenhof were particularly excited about their position in races two well ahead of the other Joker 6.7 yachts.
A huge thanks to the shore crew, Clair Gardiner and Jackie van der Stap who ensured that the sailors were served up steak, sausages and onions and also soup for lunch. A slide show of the days sailing added to the atmosphere in the clubhouse.
Three races are scheduled for the 30th July, the final day planned for the series.
From the Committee meeting
6th July 2006
Congratulations to Melissa Wall for being selected for the schools teams racing regatta in Rarotonga. She leaves on the 8th July for one week. We look forward to hearing of your experiences on your return from the far more temperate climate of the Cook Islands.
Sails are being purchased for two Phase II's through a grant that has been recently received. This will greatly encourage double handed sailing in these yachts, five of which are owned by club members and one by the club at this stage.
There is an opportunity to have a weeks sailing in an Elliott 6 through a Royal NZ Yacht Squadron training program. Dates are the 3rd to the 10th December and the 10th to the 16th December. Contact Murray Wall for details ph 8546225.
The "Sailing Have a Go" program through Yachting NZ is coming to Lake Ngaroto on the 8th and 9th October. This is a great opportunity for schools (Intermediate and High) to expose their pupils to yachting. Contact sabra@yachtingnz.co.nz or visit the web site at www.sailing.org.nz (or contact Murray wall 8546225).
Officer of the Day training is being planned for early in the season, probably 3 one hour sessions prior to briefings, then an on the water boat handling session. Details later.
Starling sailors watch out for a boat tuning session (with an invited top sailor) early in the new season.
John Dixon Memorial Trailer Yacht Winter Series
2nd July 2006
The temperature start from negative two degree at 8.30 am, but a beautiful day developed, jerseys being shed by the sailors by mid afternoon. Alas the wind (or lack of if) was very much as the Met Vue forecast indicated. The wind mostly from the north, but also at times from the south never rose above 5 knots and often nearer zero knots.
In the afternoon Trevor Crosbie sailing his new purchase Bo Jangles crossed the line first (he sailed away from Bonkers on the down wind finish), Bonkers second, Winsome II third and Resivor forth, but alas all boats finishing a little over the 2 hour time limit.
The next race will see all boats start on equal points, nil, on the 16th July. Three races will be aimed for on this day and also on the 30th July.
Over the hill at Tauranga winds of up to 15 knots prevailed. The sun shone even if it was a little cool. Melissa and Robyn sailed in the Starling class and are currently 5th and 14th respectively in a fleet of 17 yachts. Ben in his Optimist sailed well and is placed 3rd in the fleet of eight. Ken and Tony King sailed their PT's in the Open fleet sharing first, second and third placings between them.
AGM, Trophy Presentation and Dinner
23rd June 2006
Murray Wall retained the Commodores position; Tom Davies took over the finances (Jon Hurst as assistant) and Murray Rumbles as Club Captain. Danny Padman remains as Vice Commodore and Owen Johnston Secretary. Peter van der Stap accepted the position as Patron. Shirley Wall was named the Sports Person of the Year to loud applause from the 40 attendees at Whitbys Homestead Restaurant. The Trailer Yacht Club Champion was Nigel McCarter (Championship Trophy), senior Centreboard Ross Wrenn (Laser Top Dog Trophy), Catamaran Alex Kraayenhof (Macky/Wilkinson Trophy), and Intermediate Thomas de Meijer (Horned Galleon).
A best photos of 2005-6 slide show, appetizers, a drink or too, great surroundings and people and the gas heaters created a warm atmosphere (2oC outside) that set off a great evening. The smell of hot ham on the bone started the dinner proceedings that satisfied the discerning pallet and appetite. In the Commodores Report Murray summarised the regatta activities from the season (Trailer Yacht and Paper Tiger Regattas, Joker Champs, South Pacific Masters Games, 420 School Teams Regatta and the Waikato-Thames Yachting Association Centreboard Regatta all of which very enjoyable, ably run and contributed significantly to the Club's standing in yachting circles and also finances. The 420 Teams Regatta was the largest (100 plus sailors) and most successful regatta run by the Club in many years. Plans are being developed to further promote and improve youth sailing in both the Starling class and in double handed yachts (several Phase IIs are now in the club). Grants have recently been received to purchase new sails for the Phase IIs so that the fun and skills of double handed teams racing can be enhanced further.
Following the official proceedings were the trophy presentation made by Murray Wall and the out going Club Captain Alex Kraayenhof. A great touch was the framed sailing photograph of each recipient along with caption that accompanied each youth trophy.
The 2006-7 season starts on the 2nd July (and 16th and 30th) with the John Dixon Memorial Trailer Yacht Winter series, and followed by the Brass Monkey Centreboard Regatta on the 6th August. Briefings are at 10.30am.
Working Bee
Saturday 10th June
By 9.15am the boatshed had been cleared of yachts and the old storage frames gutted and the building team were working on the levels. The 150 by 50mm framing soon went up followed by the plywood deck neatly fixed. The finishing touches included the construction of a fixed ladder and handrail to allow easy access to the second level storage. Three yachts were easily lifted up to their new home and there is room for two more. The many buoys the club now has are neatly stored at one end of the new deck making a huge amount of space for more boat storage on the ground.
(A point to remember; please be careful when handling boats and their trailers in the shed, the fragile yachts are easily damaged as has happened to the Phoenix late last season. The Phoenix has two large holes in the hull that need major repairs! Thanks to Nigel who will see that the boat will be seaworthy again!)
The two patrol boats had a good scrub up thanks to the team of young sailors, batteries have been charged so all is ready for the season ahead. Leaks in the roof of the clubhouse have been fixed, we will see over the next few weeks whether that is really true. BBQs, fridges and microwave have been cleaned.
Many thanks to the members for the great effort, we will all benefit in the future.
The Working Bee planned for the 24th June is now not needed (all is completed).
Cam Mans has added to the Starling fleet (now seven in the club). Matt Ward (and his crew Claire) has a Phase II, along with the Wall family who now have two and the Club is buying one too. Phase II's are also owned by Anne (and girls) and Hamish bringing the total in the Club to six! What a season we are going to have in the double handed sailing!
Port Ohope Regatta
3rd and 4th June 2006
Thirty yachts sailed out to sea, off the west end of the ocean beach in light wind and sunshine on Saturday morning. Alas as race one started the breeze subsided, the race being abandoned after around an hour and a half. After having lunch ashore the days racing was abandoned due to lack of wind. Melissa, Robyn (both in Starlings), Ben (Opti) and Ross (Laser) represented Ngaroto on the water. Our beach crew was Gun and Murray.
Evening clubhouse entertainment involved setting traps (and various other schemes) for the water pipe eating giant rat; a delicious locally prepared meal eaten over looking the panoramic Ohope Harbour and later the girls (Melissa, Rachel and Nikki) entertained the guests with an electric guitar.
Sunday dawned with a north easterly wind of 15 to 25 knots and a little rain. By mid to late morning the wind had strengthened to 20 to 35 knots by which time the organisers and sailors abandoned the regatta; with just one race started and none finished! What a contrast of two days, the timing of the front a little wrong. Thanks to the Ohope Yacht Club for your hospitality. Let's look forward to better sailing conditions in June 2007.
(And about the rat, it was not caught, but overnight it appeared to have chewed through more pipes with new leaks springing from the basement ceiling. A plumbers delight?)
Tauranga Winter Series
21st May 2006
Three races were sailed with Ben Caundle placing 2nd so far (including a 1st placing) in the eight strong Optimist fleet. Melissa Wall (6th so far and including a 4th placing) and Robyn Caundle (11th) competed in the Starling fleet (12).
Next race, 18th June, briefing at 10.30am.
Pupuke Boating Club, Centreboard Regatta
20th and 21st May 2006
Many top Laser sailors gathered at Lake Pupuke (Northshore) for this annual highlight of the sailing year. Thirty-nine sailed in the Standard rig and 15 in the Radial rig from places such as Napier, Ngaroto, Kerikeri and the Aucklanders of course. A dozen Splashes also sailed. A solid cloud cover on Saturday and a developing cold easterly to 20 plus knots in the afternoon tested the sailors ability to sail and for some their swimming ability too. Winds were very shifty especially near the top mark, so much so that capsizing to windward following sudden back winding of the sail was all to common. Weary bodies were the norm by the end of the day in which four races were sailed. The hot soup and sausages were keenly sort by the sailors.
Sunday dawned with the sun shining, much warmer with the wind a little lighter and shifting towards the north. Three races back to back were sailed before trophy and prize presentations. (This regatta is well sponsored, a Laser top section, television, Citizen watch, hiking pants were amongst the prizes).
Ross Wrenn the sole Ngaroto representative finished on a high note with a 15th placing in the final race and overall placed 25th out of the 39 standard rig sailors.
Another great regatta put on by the Pupuke Boating Club (http://www.pupuke.org/ .
Mark Foy and Closing day
23rd April 2006
What a great day, twenty-two yachts, warm north-easterly winds up to 15 knots. Yachts planning on leg three (a broad reach) of the triangular windward leeward course, the occasional capsize upwind or at the gybe mark positioned right in front of the clubhouse. Three laps were completed in the morning race taking around an hour, then onto a great steaming hot lunch in the shelter in the clubhouse.
After the adjustment of handicaps a one-lap race was sailed after the lunch break followed by a two-lap race. Over all honours in the Youth fleet went to Melissa Wall (Starling), to Alistair Senior (Paper Tiger) in the senior centreboard fleet who took the final race convincingly and Owen Johnston the Trailer Yacht fleet.
Thanks to the patrol boat crew (Russell Chaney and Mr McMullin, you were sure needed in the wind), Claire Gardiner for ably assisting with the OD duties and the sailors for understanding and remembering their start times. The on shore catering crew also get top marks!
Club Champs Races 7 and 8 (final)
9th April 2006
The day might have been squally, winds from the west to north west, 5 knots right up to 30 plus! Also some really heavy rain at times, luckily sailing was undertaken in the better times of the day when little rain fell and the wind was mostly in the 6 to 12 knot range.
Leanne and Evan in their Starlings shadowed each other around the course in the final race, both having their time at the head of the fleet of four boats sailing. Evan eventually took the line place. Thomas and Cam in a Frostply sailed very well, and were amongst the happiest sailors on the lake with many yelps of delight especially when near others.
Taiko and ResiVor lived in each others shadow frequently throughout the final race. ResiVor made it to the top mark, the penultimate mark first, all be it narrowly. Taiko caught a puff or too early in the final down wind leg to the finish, first running down ResiVor, then passing to win by 40 metres (with a big cheer as they hit the line)!
Ken King showed the value of the new foils on his Paper Tiger keeping with Alex Kraayenhof in the first race of the day, although just behind on the finish line. In the afternoon race Ken crept off to have a good little margin at the finish line.
Thanks to Claire and Shirley for stepping into the start and finish duties and to Danny and Jacek for taking the patrol boat duties. Adele has certainly upgraded the lunch menu with toasted sandwiches now part of the extended range; very delicious!
There is no official club sailing at the lake over Easter. The final sailing day of the summer season is on the 23rd April, Mark Foy racing and also a great very delicious lunch will be prepared for you! Our food inventory department say lower the stocks at the seasons end, the sailors will benefit!
Club Champs Races 5 and 6
2nd April 2006
At last the (some) Trailer Yacht members turned up to race in the Club Champs series. What a battle they had, everyone sharing the lead at some time in the two hour-long races. Peter and Jackie van der Stap (Espresso, newly painted) lead towards the end of the morning race but did not have a clear idea of the course to the finish line that let Nigel and Linda McCarter (Taiko) sneak through for the win. Owen and Janice Johnston (ResiVor) were relegated to third. Espresso remedied the situation in the afternoon race, taking the lead shortly after the start and steadily easing out to a very good lead by the finish (no course problems in this race, Jackie's instructions were carefully listened too). ResiVor placed second and Taiko third.
Murray and Lianne (helm) Wall with a very recently acquired Phase 2 took race one to find out how to sail the boat, unable to stop Nigel and Cam take the first race, but then the Walls' pulled out in the afternoon for a good win. Ann Byford (along with youngest daughter) although third in both races was certainly increasingly competitive. The Frostply sailed by Thomas and Ben headed off all the Phase 2s in the morning race.
Just two Lasers sailed, Ross taking both races from Gun sailing the Hurst boat.
Melissa Wall showed good sailing ability following a lot of recent regatta experience, taking both races comfortably from Evan Ward and back to a tight battle with Robyn Caundle and Jamie Rumbles, each with a third and a forth placing.
Shaun Rumbles sailed the only Optimist racing, one lap of the triangular windward leeward course, well done Shaun!
Alex set a good true upwind course, the wind from the east at around 6 to 10 knots along with rain all day. Shirley and Claire despite no electricity at the Clubhouse prepared a tasty lunch of hot cheese and pineapple toasted sandwiches along with hot sausages.
Waikato-Thames Yachting Association Centreboard Championships
25th and 26th March 2006
Fifty yachts travelled from Hamilton, Mercury Bay, Cambridge, Lake Taupo and the local Ngaroto Sailing Club to sail in the 2006 championships at Lake Ngaroto. Sailors competed in the following fleets; 3.7, Laser, Paper Tiger, Zephyr, Mistral, Double-handed Open, Optimist, Firebug, P Class and Starling.
The Starling fleet (14 boats) was keenly contested with each of the top three sailors (all from Hamilton) gaining first placings in the seven race competition. Sam Meech took out the title with his placings including four firsts. Just two points adrift was Adam Locke who finished with a first. Jonathon McCullan placed third. Melissa Wall was the first Ngaroto sailor, placing forth, with a consistent run of third and forth placings.
The Firebug fleet was dominated by Thomas de Meijer, with six firsts to count.
Chris Chaney (Mercury Bay) and Paddy Gibson (Hamilton) dominated the Optimist fleet, the winner Chris Chaney being decided only in the last race and by a count back.
In the P class fleet Molly Meech (Hamilton) was in a class of her own winning all seven races. Juan Robertson (Hamilton) came second after a tight battle with Brad Griffith (Hamilton) and Claudia Pierce (Lake Taupo).
Winning five races Alan Payne (Hamilton) took out the 3.7 Class (and trophy) from John Elliot (Hamilton) who won race seven and Bruce McCullam (Mercury Bay) who won race six, third.
The top three sailors in the Laser fleet shared the first placings. Craig Briggs (Hamilton) took the title by two points from Ross Wrenn (Ngaroto) who won the final race with Arthur Gifney third two points further back.
Barry Goldsbury and crew Sandy McGregor (Mercury Bay) won the Mistral fleet by winning all seven races. Rob Ebert (Hamilton) with crew Russell Chaney (Mercury Bay) placed second ahead of another Mercury Bay pairing Katy Haynes and Rose Simpson.
Three Paper Tigers all from Ngaroto tied on eleven points each, Tony King winning on a count back after winning three races while second place went to Alex Kraayenhof and third to Ken King.
Keith Paine with six wins to count took the Zephyr class from Roger Walker and Simon Meech third, all from Hamilton.
Peter Carr and Owen Johnston ably officiated on the senior and youth courses respectively, along with a team of patrol boat personal. The wind strength mainly ranged in the 6 to 11 knot bracket, and reaching 15 knots at times. Swinging sou-easterly winds tending easterly prevailed on Saturday and nor-easterlies (and a few drops of rain) on Sunday challenged the sailors frequently and the officials at times. Beats frequently saw changes in positions within the fleets.
Results were collated by Alan and Joyce Singleton, and the sailors and management very well fed by Shirley Wall, Janice, Claire, Adele and others (scores of sausages, 66 hamburgers on Sunday, dinner Saturday night including the famous Apple Crumble (this time with the addition of pineapple too) and breakfast; thanks to you all for making the weekends regatta most enjoyable.
Lake Taupo Centreboard Regatta
18th and 19th March 2006
Our house needed the addition of three tents to be erected on the section to cater for the strong Ngaroto team. The sailors were Voytek (P Class), Jacek (Javelin crew), Ben (Opti), Robyn (Starling), Gun (Flying Dutchman crew), Melissa (Starling), Lianne (Starling), Danny (Laser) and Ross (Laser); with the management team consisting of Shirley, Murray, Adele (and mum Kate). In addition we had the good company of Mark (Laser), Rachel (P Class), Aaron (Laser) all from Port Ohope Yacht Club. Philip Phillips stayed with relatives and sailed his Flying Dutchman in the regatta.
The sailors were keen to get started on Saturday morning after their healthy breakfast courtesy of Shirley (and thanks again for the Sunday breakfast too, this time icecream was an option readily taken up by the children!). Racing commenced around midday when a light southerly breeze developed, the senior course, Laser (7), Javelin(11), FD (9 in Open Class) and Starling(12)) managed 4 races for the day. Ben in his Opti sailed in a fleet of 33 (not phased by this size as the weekend before he had sailed with over 100 in Auckland) and finished in 16th position overall. Woytek sailed with a fleet of 8 P Class and finished the second day showing a good improvement with places as high as 6th. Ross took a first placing in the Lasers on Saturday, finally placing 3rd overall and Danny not far a field in 5th. Philip took several line honours in the Open Class, although the handicaps were not favourable to the FD the spot prizes were. Melissa placed 8th in the Starlings (and included two 6th placings) and Robyn 11th. Lianne suffered from indifferent health and did not compete on Sunday. Full details on http://www.ltyc.org.nz/
Murray changed to his Mighty River Power shirt for prize giving (but did wear a Ngaroto cap) and after a few words from sponsoring Mighty River Power company he presented the many prizes. Earlier, all skippers had received a great red Regatta T shirt.
For those sailors who were not able to sail in this regatta, put it in your dairy for 2007!
Additionally the Port Ohope Yacht Club has a regatta on Queens Birthday weekend 2006. Mark has offered accommodation in their Clubhouse for our sailors and management team. In previous years Ian Wallace and Ross Wrenn have been to this regatta and can vouch for its success.
Club Champs Races 3 and 4
12th March 2006
The youth fleet is providing the strongest competition in the Club Champs series. Five Starlings sailed, headed in both races by Melissa Wall with Jamie Rumbles and Evan Ward sharing the second placings. Two Frostplys also competed in this intermediate fleet, Thomas de Meijer with crew Claire Gardiner took both races on handicap. There was a constant battle on the water between the Starling sailed by Melissa Wall and the de Meijer Frostply, Wall crossing the finish line first in race 3 by 18 seconds and de Meijer first in race 4 by 26 seconds. A second Frostply helmed by Andrew and crewed by Robyn were becoming accustomed to the craft in preparation for the Burgess Trophy regatta at Hamilton Lake on the 24th March.
Shaun Rumbles (Optimist) and Sam Humphries (P Class) each had a win on handicap in the Junior fleet.
Ross Wrenn lead all the way in the Laser fleet in race three, but only beat Danny Padman to the finishing line by 31 seconds. In race four Padman crossed Wrenn three quarters of the way up the first beat, but Wrenn broke the cover to lead by 20 meters at the top mark going on to win by 14 seconds after 57 minutes of racing.
OD duties again went to Murray Wall for which we were all very grateful. Starting races was made using the new automatic timer and horn system (it even gives a warning so that you have time to raise the all important flags). Several capsizes were attended too by the patrol boat crew, the mud on the floor of the lake was like a magnet for some the youth sailors and duly left its mark on the masthead. Shirley and Adele ensured sailors were well fed and watered in the clubhouse.
(Next weekend, the 18th and 19th March will see most of the centreboard fleet sail at the Lake Taupo Regatta. The Trailer Yacht fleet have been invited to Kawhia for a harbour cruise on Saturday and some social racing on Sunday. High tide is around 1.00pm. There is no organised club sailing at Lake Ngaroto.)
Hamilton Regatta
4th and 5th March 2006
Ben Cuandle won first prize and the Optimist fleet trophy in a fleet of fourteen yachts. Ben was placed second after the three races in difficult, blustery and changeable conditions on Saturday. The promised south-westerly wind on Sunday arrived after a forced early lunch, allowing one good race for the day. Ben got the horn in this race elevating him to first overall. Congratulations! Ben is off to sail in a large junior regatta next weekend at Eastern Beach, Auckland. Good sailing!
Robyn (Starling), Voytek (P Class) and Ross (Laser) were the other Ngarotoerians at the regatta. Robyn survived Saturday morning only, Voytek the two days and Ross the best of the two in the Laser fleet.
Around 70 to 80 yachts sailed in the regatta, Optimists, P Class, Starling and 3.7 were the best supported classes.
420 North Island School Teams Regatta
Lake Ngaroto
25th and 26th February 2006
Waikato Combined schools team took the overall title. Mahurangi (Walkworth) won the trophy (limited to single school teams) in a very tight competition from Tauranga Boys. St Cuthberts was the first girls team after another very close sail off with Westlake Girls (Northshore). 56 races were sailed in the regatta on Saturday in 14 to 18 knot winds from the south west with another 20 or so on Sunday with light winds that tested both the sailors and officials.
The preparations for this regatta started months ago. More recently Waikato sailors had been putting in many hours of training in double-handed yachts (some in secret). Regatta activity started in earnest at the lake on Friday with additional training in the 420s. Several marquees were erected, volleyball court installed, camping ground marked and the clubhouse generally setup for the influx of around 160 sailors and supporters for the 16 team regatta. By 8.00am on Saturday morning all the yachts were rigged and ready to go, a massive fleet of patrol and support craft tethered to the wharf awaiting the start. Ross Southerland set a great tone for the regatta at the briefing, the wind kicked in by 1.00pm and sailing continued non-stop through to 6.30pm. A great team of skilled officials, starters, umpires, coaches, finishing and results personal supported Ross.
Fifteen individual high schools provided teams of six children plus reserves plus adult management personal. An additional 16th team comprised of children from several different Waikato schools (known as Waikato Combo) (in addition to the teams from Hamilton Boys' High School and Waikato Diocesan Schools for Girls).
Sixteen 420's converged on the lake (from clubs and schools in the upper half of the North Island), all identically set up under supervision of Ross Sutherland. Yachts were distinguished by their sail colour, three of each of six colours. A race consisted of one school sailing a set of three boats (common sail colour) against another school. The races were short, around 8 minutes was the target time around a reverse "S" shaped starboard course. With one point for being first over the finish line, two points for second etc. the team with the lowest numbers of points won the race. Boat handling skills; strategy, tactics and a good knowledge of yachting rules and their exploitation were all part of the armoury necessary for a winning team. Races were typically very close, some with a little boat contact that was severely penalised. Infringing of the rules resulted in a voluntary 360-degree turn or if not taken an umpire enforced 720-degree turn. The umpires were certainly on the "ball" but were also there to coach after each race. Within two fleets each team sailed against each other giving a total of 56 races sailed on Saturday.
Sunday's activities were modified due to light winds, but never the less the winners were determined on the water by mid afternoon.
For Murray and Shirley Wall it must have been like a 48 hour yacht race, but their careful preparation saw the largest regatta in many years at Lake Ngaroto very successfully hosted. Claire, Adele, Gordon, Sue, Ross, Philip and Alex helped them; thanks heaps to you all (I'm sure there were many other people who chipped in, thanks to you all). Mighty River Power supplied 4 marquees a long with others from Bayer and Hookers (Te Awamutu), thanks to these organisations for these were essential to the onshore management of the regatta. Hamilton and Cambridge Yacht Clubs supplied inflatable patrol boats along with other including all the way from New Plymouth.
The filled rolls for lunch were as good as it is possible to have, I did hear that the apple crumble desert on Friday night was even better! The club is deeply indebted particularly to the Wall family for their massive effort in the planning and management of the event.
Club Champs Races 1 and 2
19th February 2006
Very light wind stimulated the BBQ to be lit before the sailing commenced. Tom organised the perfect cooking of the sausages and onions much to the delight of around the 20 sailors plus adults. Young sailors from Dio and Hamilton Boys High schools were at the lake training in 420s for next weekends North Island 420 Teams Racing Regatta. The wind lifted in the afternoon to give the 420s some exciting sailing conditions at times. These boats get very close at times, extremely exciting to watch this close quarter racing right in front of the Clubhouse. It will be well worth a visit to the Lake next Saturday and Sunday for this large regatta when there will be 18 420s on the lake along with around 120 young and skilled sailors.
South Pacific Masters Games
Lake Ngaroto
11th and 12th February 2006
Phil Skipworth (Kawhia) sailing a Hartley 14 took the Gold medal narrowly from John Roszak (Ngaroto) sailing a Kestrel 18 in the Open Trailer Yacht Fleet. In the Joker Class Owen and Janice Johnston (Ngaroto) clearly won after a series of 6 wins from the six races sailed, although several times they had to sail through the fleet to take the gun. Ross Wrenn (Ngaroto) took out the Laser 50+ class, also with 6 wins from Dave Allerton (Waitara) who narrowly took the silver medal from Tom Davies (Ngaroto). Barry Cutfield (Whakatane) took the Gold medal from Mark McIntosh (Port Ohope) in the Laser 35 to 49 year class.
Peter Carr and David Queckett (both international race officers) ably presided over the courses and ensured that a good spirit on the water was maintained. A light north easterly wind, a little holey at times, prevailed on Saturday. On Sunday the wind initially from the north and drifting to the north west most varied between 8 and 12 knots. The race Officers were not phased by the sometimes changeable wind direction, they stuck to the forecasted direction that was largely right.
The catering team (Shirley, Claire, Melissa and Leanne) put on a great dinner on Saturday night, in a very convivial atmosphere under the marquee and with the company of Joey Allen from Team New Zealand who shared some of his experiences from several past Americas Cup campaigns through to his present duties of training the current team for the next Cup challenge.
Hundreds of photographs were taken of the sailing over the two days, mainly thanks to Murray Wall and burnt on to CDs along with the results (many thanks to Alan and Joyce Singleton) for the competitors.
Also thanks to Danny, Jacek, Peter, Philip for their work on the water in the committee and mark boats.
Sprint Races
5th February 2006
What a buzz at the Club when I arrived for a brief visit soon after midday. The Club flag was flying strongly from the flagpole and the double-handed boats speeding towards the shore. The BBQ was sizzling the sausages for the skippers and crews of the 20 plus yachts sailing on the first club sailing day for 2006.
Teams from Hamilton Boys High School and also Diocesan Girls High were honing their skills in preparation for the 420 Teams Regatta at Lake Ngaroto on the 25th and 26th February. May the winds be with them and good luck! Murray, Shirley and Claire have been putting in many hours on the water and shore to help these teams and also in the preparations so that the Club can host the 100+ children expected to sail at the regatta.
The Sprint Races were completed (round 4 has been cancelled due to the 420 Regatta on the 25th and 26th Feb). In total 18 races were sailed over the 3 days with a total of 33 competitors in the series. First place getters were Jamie Rumbles in the Intermediate fleet, Shaun Rumbles Optimist fleet and Ross Wrenn senior centreboard fleet. The detailed results are listed in the Club Race Results section of this web site. Thanks to Pat Newport for the OD duties and results taking today.
Next weekend (11th and 12th Feb) sees the running of the yachting at Ngaroto for the third South Pacific Masters Games. See you there.
Kawhia Regatta
1st January 2006
The Kawhia's Cup, a magnificent ceramic gold-coated jug, was won by Gordon and Sue sailing Southbound for taking line honours in the Trailer Yacht fleet. Owen and Janice Johnston were the second Trailer Yacht to cross the line ahead of other Ngrotarians, Chappy and Angela Farrell (Columbine), Nigel and Linda McCarter (Taiko), Peter and Barb Horton (Hartley 16, "Bad Wind") and Peter and Rosanne Wood (Kestrel 18) in a fleet of twelve Trailer Yachts. The handicap honours went to Phil Skipworth sailing a Hartley 14, handicap 0.61, a sailor with considerable experience including that on Lake Ngaroto. For spending the most time on the water Kevin Farrell was awarded a boating magazine, (Kevin had trouble hoisting the mail sail, after a return trip to the shore that was fixed, after a couple of attempts the centreboard eventually was lowered and later during the race the boom could not be held down).
Arthur Ferguson took out the centreboard honours by 4 seconds from Ross Wrenn both in Lasers. Tom Davies in another Ngaroto Laser this time with a radial rig gracefully retired towards the end of the race by which time the energy of the wind had escalated while Tom's energy balance was in deficit. Philip Phillips and crew in a Flying Dutchman suffered some damage to their boat (after the race had finished) and were assisted ashore (Philip will be in his element here making repairs to the tiller and the mast step area before this grand old girl graces the water again). A young local sailor in another Laser with drew on the final down wind leg as more swimming was being undertaken than sailing and the tide was running at an ever increasing strength away from the finish line.
A Te Waitere Hobie Cat was the fastest boat around the course, around 35 minutes; a second Hobie Cat came in more mid fleet.
Winning combinations on shore included the hospitality of the Farrell's and their magnificent site that welcomed six tents and an impressive array of Trailer Yachts adding to the sleeping accommodation. Their catering skills were impressive; coordinating potluck feasts ably presented on top of a self-service converted wire wove bed as a table. Fireworks more impressive than ever before lit the sky and harbour to welcome the New Year in. Mark this New Years regatta down in your calendar for 2007!
Sprint Races
18th December 2005
Twenty centreboard yachts lined up for the start of the seven races that Murray Rumbles squeezed into the day, despite at least initially an uncooperative wind. After an enforced lunch break Murray sorted the wind out, rattling off a series of six races in the afternoon. The Channey's had travelled over from Whitianga on Saturday for the Hamilton Christmas Regatta, stayed at Ngaroto over night and ready to sail first thing on Sunday morning. Five Starlings competed, the two Arthur's bought their Lasers along with Ross and a multitude of other boats including the rapidly improving Learn To Sail graduates. At the end of the day Gun presented them their certificates for the successful completion of the course.
Thanks to Shirley, Claire and others for the clubhouse duties on a very busy day. Best Wishes to you all over the festive season.
Remember New Years Day Regatta at Kawhia, our temporary headquarters are at Chappy and Angela Farrell's batch at Kawhia. Safe sailing whereever you may be.
Six Hour Race
11th December 2005
The race started with a Le Mans start from the Clubhouse veranda at 10.00 am and finished after a perfect days sailing at 4.00 pm with a loud blast from the air horn. The 35 skippers and crews members did a fantastic job (especially the youngsters) for all surviving the hours with a smile on their face. All were winners! For the record Owen Johnston (ResiVor) won the Trailer Yacht fleet, Ross Wrenn (Laser) the senior centreboard and Melissa and Thomas (joint skippers) and crew members Shaun, Nicole, Cam, Philip and Olivia took out the intermediate fleet. Jamie Rumbles sailed single handed for the whole 6 hours in his Starling to take second in the intermediates, WELL DONE!!!
The sleep-over was rain free to the enjoyment of the tenters, the catering team cooked a real Kiwi BBQ breakfast on Sunday morning for the eager sailors. THANKS TO ALL THE HELPERS!!!!
A five to 15-knot easterly wind, tending northeasterly prevailed during the day; the temperature was very mild even though the sky was cloudy. Great planning rides were had especially during the last two hours.
Sprint Race Series
4th December 2005
Seventeen yachts including Opti Green fleet, Intermediates, Seniors and a Trailer Yacht enjoyed the west to north-westerlies of 10 or so knots. It was the first racing for the Opti Green fleet skippers sailing in the club Optimist fleet. Robyn Caundle and Adelle Caundle got to grips with this new experience the best, even though there were often just a few seconds between boats.
The intermediate fleet, comprised of Starlings and Firebugs, saw tight racing after times were corrected. Jamie Rumbles (Starling), Evan Ward (Starling) and Matt Ward (Firebug) head the fleet.
Alex (Paper Tiger) took line honours in three of the five races in the Senior fleet, but handicap correction saw Ross Wrenn (Laser) elevated to first for the day. Jacek had his first taste of Laser sailing, sampled some water but completed all races! The Phase II helmed by Hamish and crewed by Thomas relished the top sailing conditions.
Claire and Murray successfully undertook the committee boat duties and Gun (and a parent helper) acted as coach from the small patrol boat.
The Annual 6-Hour Race starts at 10.00am (the Gun) next Sunday. Breakfast (Murray's special menu) from 8.00ish, and all day too! Don't be late for we won't wait. Sail solo or as part of a team.
Kids you are invited to stay over night at the clubhouse on Saturday night. Be there at 5.00pm, dinner ($5) to follow and also breakfast ($5) on Sunday morning. Adelle and Claire are the camp mothers!
Waikato Lakes Regatta, Lake Ngaroto
27th November 2005
Twenty yachts from Ngaroto, Hamilton, Mercury Bay and Pupuke sailed in very enjoyable conditions, the wind from the south and south-east generally in the 8 to 12 knot range and gusting a little more at times later in the day. (Another 10 yachts sailed in the learn to sail class under the stewardship of Gun Caundle. It's really great to see both the children and parents supporting this so well).
In the Laser fleet a close battle developed with Arthur Giffney eventually taking first place from Ross Wrenn and Craig Briggs (Hamilton).
The Starlings (6) had particularly close racing at the top with Melissa Wall winning every race by just a few seconds from the never too far behind Shaun Chaney (Mercury Bay) with Jamie Rumbles (in his new boat) edging out Evan Ward for third and forth places.
In the Double-handed class Hamish McPherson and crew Claire Gardner although winning on the water in their Phase II, handicap correction saw Chris and Russell Chaney take the class on handicap in a Frostply (174).
Ben Caundle sailing an Optimist won all four races from Mathew Ward who really enjoyed the days sailing in his Firebug.
Thanks to Nigel and Jacek for the on the water management, and to Shirley and Janice (and others) for the more domestic duties that was everyone well fed, and to Murray for the c