Club News 2011 - 2012
Christmas 2011
11th December 2011
Weather wise this was more like the Brass Monkey Regatta than middle of
summer. A few youngsters tried out the Optis in the club's 'have a go
day'
but despite the cold and odd shower of rain the wind was too good for
the
senior sailors to pass up an opportunity for a race. In taking a big jump
from sailing Optis, Aleisha helmed the Paper Tiger around the course.
Thomas spotted that the Mike's Quintet trailer yacht has a very competitive
rating and jumped aboard to steer it to handicap honours; it was really
nice
to see a spinnaker on the lake again.
Club Champs races 1 and 2
11th December 2011
Today was a great day for sailing at Ngaroto. In the morning’s race...
Shaun’s lesson; a broken mast was attributed to the age old problem
of strain hardening in Laser top sections and needing to keep the rivet
on the compression side of the mast. A see-sawing tussle between Thomas
and Arthur was conceded by Thomas when he infringed the ‘windward
boat failing to keep clear rule’ in tacking too close.In the afternoon
race three laps of a triangle windward leeward course in a moderate to
strong breeze was a good test for the somewhat depleted senior fleet.
Most of the Opti fleet had a training session yesterday in wind conditions similar to today so they were not fazed by the tough conditions and the afternoon’s race resulted in some particularly close racing.
Mark Foy series, round three
4th December 2011
There was a good sailing breeze on Sunday; swinging east to nor’east
and having to stack out occasionally. A good turnout for the centreboard
fleet and the OD’s handicapping led to some close finishing in the
afternoon races.
Paper Tiger Regatta
19th-20th November 2011
Douglas Ferguson (Howick YC) took out the 2011 regatta helped by winning
the two races on the final day's racing. Richard Dent (Tauranga) who won
the first two races of the regatta placed second and Scott Pederson (Napier)
who won races 3 and 4 placed third overall. Racing was typically close,
the final race a classic; a third of the fleet finishing within a few
seconds and jostling for positions as they raced the last 200 meters to
the line in gustly westerly wind conditions.
B grade was won by Denis Leatham (New Plymouth) from Les gallagher (Howick)
and Stuart Morrish (Napier).
Jamie Hatch won the C grade competition from David Tiller and Greg Bain
(Maraetai).
The 29 sailors in the regatta were thrilled by ideal weather conditions
for the two day regatta; wind strength of 7 to 20 knots prevailed over
both days. A south to south westerly direction predominated on Saturday
with a shift to the west for Sunday. Gusts capsized several boats, buried
the bows of others, caused a few rigging failures and battered some sailors.
Several incidents were captured on film, be sure to check out the photos
on the web site.
Power was lost from the Clubhouse on Saturday afternoon, but with a trusty
hired generator and with the ingenuity of members, the showers, catering
and the results tabulation all continued making for a top regatta. Thanks
to all those club members who pitched in and helped either on and off
the water and to the sailors who provided the spectacular competitive
Paper Tiger action!
Trailer Yacht, Joker 6.7 and Hartley 16 regattas
5th-6th November 2011
Simon Holdt and Colin Frankham (New Plymouth) won the seven race North
Island Hartley 16 Championship regatta with 14 points from Wayne Holdt
and Jeremy Pitt (New Plymouth) by just one point and on 19 points Jason
Holdt and Nathan McArthur (also of New Plymouth).
The Championship was only decided on completing the final race when Holdt
and Frankham won by 32 seconds; Holdt and Pritt places 6th one and a half
minutes behind.
Competition was particularly tight between the top six Hartley's in the
fleet of 16 yachts. Gareth Insley and Bruce Leighton (Manakau) placed
4th on 21 points and Paul Moriaty and Reece Julian placed (New Plymouth)
5thon 22 points and also Guy Pilkington with Grant Harret (Auckland) also
on 22 points.
Other Hartley's came from Whangarei and Ngaroto.
Some boat damaged occurred on Saturday when wind gusts of up to 20 knots
shot across the lake at times. Damage was all repairable and the sailors
typically enjoyed breezes in the 12 to 15 knot range making for an exciting
weekend's sailing.
The Joker 6.7 championship was won by Owen Johnston and Bill Hartley (Ngaroto)
in a close affair from Trevor Crosbie with Peter Stark in second place
and Chappy Farrell with wife Angela in third. The hard charging Farrell's
were fast out of the blocks on Sunday's three races taking two first placings
and alas a DNF after being well in the lead but missing a course mark
later in the race.
The Open Fleet was made up with a Coronet 16 and Harltey 14's all from
Kawhia. Peter Sayer with Shaun Rumbles in the Coronet 16 narrowly took
first place from Phil Skipworth (second) and Bill Thompson (third). Boat
damaged played a part in this fleets results (Kawhia boats not being accustomed
to the zephyrs of breeze racing across the lake). The sailors also more
used to a single race each day around the Pipi Bank at Kawhia and onto
a relaxing time in the Kawhia clubhouse. More intense conditions prevailed
at Ngaroto who also assumed that sailors of 70 and 80 plus years required
no different race formats to the youngsters in the other fleets!
The 26 yachts on the lake made for a great weekend's activities; busy
on the water and the Clubhouse team humming catering for the famished
sailors. Fireworks displays from Ohaupo and Hamilton punctuated the sky
on Saturday evening a change from the usual Ngaroto tranquillity.
Mark Foy series
30 October 2011
Race one sailed in a light wind generally from a southerly direction.
Race two the wind was from the south west (generally). Both races were
a test for the sailors, being in the right place at the right time; making
the very most of what was there.
Races 7 and 8 sailed in a light breeze generally from the north east.
Manapiko races 3 and 4
16th October 2011
A heavy shower prior to getting started was the only rain for the day.A calm breezeless start sequence for Race 1 was soon replaced on the first leg by a strengthening wind. The two trailer yachts, phase II and lasers revelled in the freshening breeze which proved as little too much at times for a small but determined fleet of Opti sailors. After a quick lunch Race 2 was underway with great sailing conditions. The blustery gust proved challenging – even a couple of capsizes. Three Optis returned to the water to master the conditions. The Lasers and Phase II surfed on the reaches and Reservoir washed her windows in a couple of gusts. A great day sailing with perfect wind and sun.
Open Day
9th October 2011
The weather was fine, photos to follow.
Mangapiko 1 and 2
2nd October 2011
Race report:
I helped Aleisha to rig up the opti there were two others Greer &
Gianne Gardine. There were 3 trailer yachts, Owen, the Hartley which Gordon
sailed on and a white/blue boat. Danny & I rigged Tom Davie's boat
almost at the start. Weather guessing 10 knots gusting 15-18 knots? Overcast
threatning to rain but never eventuated so quite good sailing conditions.
The kids had triangle & a sausage to the finish. The conditions were
a bit much for Gianne but marks for trying well done dns. Greer put in
a gutsy effort to complete the course, well done. Aleisha sailed well
to complete the course. The lasers were the two of us (Danny and I) I
was very rusty, hit marks etc... to find my self trailing. Danny doing
everything very well, good fun only to get a flat off gybe wrong I got
out of jail to win .Trailer yachts were having good old tussle not sure
of the the result. Second race Aleisha was on her own, good pratice breeze
was slighly stronger gusts. From the lasers Danny led pretty much all
the way till second to last leg up wind when he got caught in irons. Well
another get out of jail card. I was spent very tired don't think I had
another race in me. The trailer yachts seemed to have much the same as
the first race.
Brass Monkey Regatta
14th August 2011
Race report:
Strong gusty south west wind lead to several DNFs in race one. Visiting
skipper John Elliott in his 3.7 enjoyed some good rides, just the medicine
needed to get enthused about what the season will bring. The patrol
boat was
called upon to remove a Laser mast stuck in the mud; Blake's new Laser
still
looked new on its return so maybe it was the other one. And it seems
that a
certain old sailor, who cannot decide which hull to sit on, needs to
resort
to writing the course on his hand.
Even stronger winds led to general apathy and lack of starters for
the
afternoon race. Coral Headey from Thames Sailing Club displayed great
seamanship in her Optimist to be the only sailor to complete the second
race.
With no sign of conditions improving, the third race was abandoned.
John Dixon Memorial Trailer Yacht Series
3rd and 17th July 2011
Three races were sailed on the 3rd July. Fastforward (Ross 780) and
Bonkers were the leaders on the water. Hamal (Hartley 16) closely followed
Fastforward and NAF (Hartley 18) were at the top of the leader board
after boat handicap correction.
No sailing was possible on the 17th following a fog that lifted late
morning, but alas the wind failed to materialize; racing abandonded
at 13:15 hours. Sailors in the meantime had enjoyed the warmth of the
Ngaroto sun and BBQ. All skipper were presented with a framed poster
of shots of their yacht (luckily captured two weeks earlier when the
wind gave great opportunities for our photographers).
Congratulations to Rob Greenwood for taking out the John Dixon Memorial Trophy (also winning Div 2). Also to Neil Hodges and crew for taking out Div 1 and placing second overall.
Club News for the 2010-2011 season
'Phase 2 Nationals'
March 2011
Phase II Nationals, Rotorua (March 2011) Local youth sailors Micah (15) & Alex Wilkinson (16) continued their dominance in the Phase II Yacht Class by taking the National Championship at the recent regatta at Lake Rotorua. Completely dominant with 5 wins from 5 races in the changeable winds the brother and sister team held off a fleet of 8 other boats from around the North Island to be untouchable overall winners and retaining their National Youth title for the third year.
Linda C
February 2011
Burgess Trophy, Hamilton (February 2011) Micah Wilkinson captained the Cambridge High School sailing team to a win at the Burgess Interschool regatta, the Waikato secondary schools regional sailing championship in February. The last time Cambridge High School won this sailing trophy was 1974. A keen fleet of Cambridge sailors in varied boats - Optimists (Toni Dewar, Adam McNeil, P Class (Jaeden Buxton), Starling (Micah Wilkinson) and Lasers (Jacob Miller, Blake Buxton) gathered sufficient points in their respective classes to take the trophy from the fancied Hamilton schools of Hamilton Boys High School and Hillcrest High School. An outstanding effort for a small and committed sailing team. Many of the Cambridge High School team sailors are based at the Ngaroto sailing Club, near Te Awamutu. Sailing at the Ngaroto Sailing Club is drawing to a close for the summer season but check out the club website www.teawamutu.net/nbc for the closing day sailing fun event and for the braver sailors the winter sailing series and Brass Monkey regatta dates are listed on the calendar.
Linda C
'100 Miler'
12th March 2011
Mighty 'ResiVor' wins again The 29th Waikato Yacht Squadron '100 Miler'
race was held on the 12th March 2011. Ngaroto had two entries, "ResiVor'
with Owen Johnston and Danny Padman aboard and sailing the Short Hauled
course of 36 miles. The second entry was Shane, Tim and Blake Buxton
on their keeler sailing the Long Hauled course of 65 miles. 'ResiVor'
had entered the Short Hauled race a number of times before. It had always
been a restricted class with no spinnakers permitted that had suited
Owen and number one crew Janice (who felt much safer with the spinnaker
and reacher sails tucked away nicely in the garage at home). At the
briefing Owen and Danny learnt that they had a challenge ahead as the
rules had changed this year; the Short Hauled race was now unrestricted.
The ten entries included Elloitt 7.8 and 7.4, Williams 7 metres, Nolex
25, Farr 7.5 (all rated above the Joker 6.7) and Nolex 22 yachts and
all carried spinnakers. The race started with a lovely 3-4 knot breeze
that quickly dropped off to less than one knot and combined with tidal
surges from Japan's earthquake made sailing difficult and frustrating.
Sailing in the Waiheke Channel was a challenge with the wind and tide
against the yachts but by sticking close to the shore 'ResiVor' made
good ground and caught up and passed Shane and Tim who were struggling
in the light wind. The Short Hauled race was shortened by deleting the
last leg from Maretai to Browns Island and back to Maraetai. As soon
as the race was shortened the wind turned 180 degrees and 'ResiVor'
enjoyed a lovely sail on a single tack back to Maraetai leaving behind
the Nolex 22 yachts and making up ground on the Elliotts and Williams
who had been carrying spinnakers. With determined sailing and a never
giving up 'ResiVor' finished fourth on 'Line' and were pleasantly surprised
at prizegiving to win the first prize on corrected time! This was the
fourth time 'ResiVor' has held up the Ngaroto flag and won this Trophy,
evidence that the Joker 6.7 class is a great yacht. 'ResiVor' built
by the master craftsman Trevor Crosbie is a great boat to sail.
Owen and Danny
Six Hour Race
4th December 2010
Very light winds from all directions and plenty of sun. A lot of overtaking
and being overtaken within the Laser fleet, with huge leads being lost
several times. Danny's boat was sailed by Arthur F for the last hour
or so, and Arthur G also had some swaps with another person.
The club boat was sailed by Evan the first lap, and later in the day
by Cameron and Jaeden.
Afterwards an excellent dinner!
-Thomas
Club Champs
29th November 2010
Being in the right place at the right time, having a good bit of luck and having all those light weather sailing skills were essential for the sailing today. The morning race had to be shortened. Luckily some wind (at times, in some places) sprung up in the afternoon. Peter van der Stap and crew of Evan must have thought they had it made after leg three, a commanding lead in the Trailer Yacht fleet; but how things chanes, Mike Allison came charging through the bit between his teeth, spinnaker flying to the downwind finish line. Chappy at one stage carressed a mark, stayed there for quite some time (just what were you doing?) before retiring from the race.
Thomas had a sizable lead in the Laser fleet almost for the whole race; but to be undone by Arthur just meters before the finish line. The Prindle with Brian and Linda aboard made good gains as soon as the wind picked up. Aliesha stuck to the job in an Optimist and finished in the best breeze of the day. Some others had well thrown the towel in.
The Annual Six Hour Race starts at 11.00 am (time waits for no body) next SATURDAY the 4th December (finishes at 4.00 pm). A Pot Luck dinner (the Club will provide a Ham) follows into the evening.
Paper Tiger Regatta
20-21st November 2010
Rowdy Leatham from the New Plymouth Yacht Club started race one as
he intended to finish the regatta; first over the line. Unfortunately
for Rowdy in race 1 he was a premature starter, taking many others with
him so that a General Recall was sounded. He went on to place first,
third, second and third in the four races to count of the 5 races sailed
to narrowly win from Richard Dent (Tauranga) and Douglas Ferguson (Howick)
both just two points behind on 11 points. A tied breaker was required
to place Richard second.
Denis Leatham (New Plymouth) won the B Grade (27 points, 10th overall)
from Stuart Taylor (New Plymouth) and Les Gallagher (Howick).
The youngsters were to the fore in the C Grade; Nathan Percy (Napier)
placing first from Micah Wilkinson (Ngaroto, the junior of the fleet)
and Alex Kraayenhof (very young at heart) also of Ngaroto. (Micah was
sailing a PT, number 6, that had won the PT Nationals in 1967 with his
grand father at the helm from all acounts).
The regatta briefing included the presentation of a Cup to the previous winners of the regatta (started in 2001), Terry Valder, Richard Dent and Douglas Ferguson. Photos of the presentation and sailing action are on http://picasaweb.google.com/ngarotosailing
Saturday's sailing was in a 5 to 8 knot northwesterly breeze that tended to increase during the day. Three races were sailed on a triangle windward leeward course of three laps; as the wind lifted time dropped from an 84 minutes (race 1) to 52 minutes (race 3). Sunday's racing, just two further races sailed, in winds in the 15 to 20 plus knot range made for exciting racing, hair raising at times for some before racing was abandonded around 1300 hours. Regatta prizes included sailing gear, and the best action photos of the weekend. The sailors (and extended families) also enjoyed the traditional friendly Ngaroto hospitality that included Saturday nights dinner, lunches and breakfast. Thanks to all (sailors and Ngaroto members) who helped make this another memorable regatta on the PT calendar.
Next Sunday the 28th November sees the second round of the Club Champs sailed. Briefing at 10.30am with two races to follow.
Mangapiko Series
14th November 2010
What a great day for sailing, 15 to 20 knots of wind from the west.
The course was set and included a challenging up wind and flying reaches.
Alex in the PT was really powered up at times and sailed his way to
two wins on the water and also on handicap. Well done (the wind was
too strong to hear Alex's yelps of delight, there must have been many!!!).
Those Lasers were really going too, especially off wind. Arthur was
seen at one stage slipping off his speeding boat (too much silicon spray
on the upper deck? or just sheer speed?). Joel pushed Arthur hard, a
few little slip-ups was all the difference. Nothing wrong with the old
Club Laser - eh! Blake joined the Ngaroto swimming club, although it
seemed and deceided a trip to shore was the best option in the final
race. Nigel moved up and down the fleet; all sailors must have been
aching at the completion of the racing.
Thanks to Chappy and Shane for the race management; the day will leave
a lasting impression with the sailors!
Next weekend the 20th and 21st November sees the Paper Tiger Regatta
at Ngaroto. Briefing is at 10.00am. All hands on deck please to help
run this well supported reggata now in its 10th year.
2010 Ngaroto Centreboard Regatta
7th November 2010
Firstly thanks to the sailors from both Thames Sailing Club who bought
three Frostplys over and to the people from Hamilton Yacht Club who
strengthened the Laser and P Class fleets. The wind was light and variable
in direction (great for the World Rowing Champs at Lake Karapiro), a
little testing at times for the sailors. Three of the four races were
sailed thanks to the ODs skills of getting on with the job.
Annie Oxborrow (Hamilton) with two firsts and a second took out the
Junior fleet from Charlotte Gordon (Hamilton) and Jaeden Buxton.
Duncan Barnard (Hamilton) and Ken Atchison (Hamilton) took first and
second places in the Laser fleet (seven boats) ahead of Arthur Giffney
(Ngaroto).
The Open fleet was notable with four Frostplys, a 3.7, a Phase 2 and
a Paper Tiger. Thomas de Meijer of Ngaroto took the club Frostply to
first overall ahead of Stuart Munro/Sarah Deadman (Thames) in another
Frostply and to the 3.7 of John Elliott.
Mangapiko Series
31st October 2010
An unusually strong southeasterly breeze made for great sailing conditions;
the strength often arouind 15 knots with gusts higher making for some
great rides off the wind. The youngsters in the Laser fleet, Blake and
Thomas showed their improving skills; Thomas being well within site
of the leading contenders in the first race. Blake sporting a Radial
sail sampled the water but recovered to sail well to the finish in the
first race, being pushed along by Danny. Arthur sailed smoothly in the
first race to take the gun while Nigel and Ross had spots of trouble
(a bit rusty). The tables were reversed in the second race when Ross
crossed the finishing line first after some early exchanges for the
lead.
Sugar Shack and ResiVor ended with a win each; he who wins the start
and makes the right decisions (and the fewest errors) goes onto win.
Thanks to our ODs, Claire and Dave for making the most of the sailing
conditions; the races of 40 odd minutes each were just right for most.
The Ngaroto Regatta for centreboard yachts is next Sunday the 7th November. Briefing is at 10.00am. We are expecting visitors from other sailing clubs, the more the merrier to make for a fun regatta.
Mangapiko Series
17th October 2010
The great northerly breeze and wetting rainfall did not put off five enthuseastic centreboard sailors. Alex in the Paper Tiger lead on the water, leading others astray at times, as he does when enjoying the thrill of a good wind. Arthur G kept ahead of Danny but not by a lot. Blake had some great rides off wind while Thomas got aboard the Windrush frequently setting spray flying. Thanks to our ODs Owen and Mike for the organisation in what became quite wet conditions.
No sailing at the Lake this weekend, the Labour weekend will see many sailors sample the coastline waters; let's see a good fleet back at the Lake on the 31st October for the next Mangapiko round.
Club Champs
10th October 2010
Club Champs got underway with 16 yachts on the lake, and enjoying a 5 to 15 knot breeze from a southwesterly direction. Brian and Linda aboard the Prindle 16 lead the way on the water. Arthur Giffney kept his bow ahead in the Open Centreboard fleets, while Mike Allison and Tim Buxton did just enough to head off on handicap the chasing Jokers "Sugar Shack" and "ResiVor". Next Club Champs round is on the 28th November.
Paterangi Series; Final
3rd October 2010
The light breeze from the south initially showed some promise, but
ultimately tested light weather skills, being in the right place at
the right time also helped. Athur Giffney made the most of the day and
took out the Open Paterangi Series for 2010. Jaeden Buxton sailing a
P Class won the Intermediate Fleet.
Lianne contunued to take the training; nice to see the Club Optimists
out on the lake and well used.
Club Champs starts on the 10th October, briefing is at 10.30 am with
two races to follow. This series is for all classes; let's have good
fleets (you Trailer Yachties should be well rested and keen to get back
into the racing groove).
Trailer Yacht and Joker Regattas
25-26th September 2010
What an exciting finish particularly in the Joker 6.7 fleet. All down to the last race on the final day. Could Chappy Farrell make it four wins in a row, that is the final race on Saturday and all three races on Sunday! He did!!!!! But Shane Buxton and family crew of Regina and Jaeden did just enough to finish second in the final race (in "Sugar Shack") and after the two drops took the Championship by one point from Chappy Farrell and crew Trevor Crosbie (in the newly painted, as much very glossy black as white, "Columbine". Owen and Janice Johnstone in "ResiVor" were always in the hunt too, but the close third placings in the final two races stopped their run.
Peter McKay and Keith Snell sailing the Joker 820 "Dilution" edged to the lead over John Klinkhamer and Barry Kemps (in Aperitif) in the last 20 metres of the eight and final race to clinch the 820 Class title for 2010.
The Trailer Yacht regatta was handsomely taken out by Micah Wilkinson, Thomas de Meijer and Matthew Ward in a Hartley 18; 6 wins to count!!!! The trio rotated duties, made maximum use of the blue spinnaker up very quickly at the top mark and carried right to the off wind marks before prompt storage in the foredeck hatch. Mike Allison and crew Tim Buxton (Quintet 6) threatened at times as did Gordon Wallis (Hartley 16) and placed second and third respectively.
The weather was kind for the regatta, after the battering that the Waikato
had received for the previous week. Winds of near 15 knots and a few light
showers on Saturday. No rain on Sunday, the wind a little lighter but
still a great sail for the contest.
Thanks to the many club members who helped over the days; the on shore
activities matched the quality of the racing.
Paterangi 3 and (4)
19th September 2010
Six Laser sailors braved the blustery north westerly gale that has
prevailed all weekend. Arthur G aboard a 4.7 rigged Laser made the most
of the one race sailed. By half way up the first leg he pulled ahead
of the already tiring full rig sailors; Arthur completed the course
largely unscathed by some very unsavoury contitions at times. Don't
anyone knock that "baby" rig! Blake looked well in control
of the Radial rig up most of the first beat, but then the changable
conditions and the excitement of nearing the top mark took its toll
on him, earning a dip in the warm Ngaroto waters! Thomas with another
radial rig after three capsizes found his heavy weather sailing skills
and enjoyed the last half of the race. Nigel initially commented (ashore)
that the conditions would favour his more bouyant frame. Unfortunantly
Nigel too sampled the lake, the mast tip penentrating the murky depths
of the lake, coming in contact with just who knows what! Now Danny our
very wise ex commodore was pleased to head for shore after recovering
from a few too many swims; he was first to the showers, bright and bushy
tailed when the other completed the race. Ross with a full rig followed
Arthur but at increasing distance after a few brief dips. A great day
was had by all, Thomas and Blake took the challenge and gained heaps
of experience.... Linda and Brian oversaw the day; they placed and anchored
the marks to set a perfect course that have the sailors eyes watering!
Paterangi 4, 5 and 6 will be sailed on the 3rd October.
Oops, I forgot to mention that Shane had Sugar Shack at the lake, all
ready to go....but no other Trailer Yachts turned up; see you all next
Saturday (been saving yourselves?)
The Trailer Yacht and Joker Championship Regattas are next Saturday
and Sunday, briefing at 10.00am. Danny, Ross and Blake will be running
and filming the regatta. If you are not sailing please come down and
help especially before meal times, many hands do make light work.
Paterangi 1 and 2
12th September 2010
The was no shortage of water at Lake Ngaroto. Lianne took a well attended
and enthuseastic training session in quite breezey and overcast conditions.
All survived well, having plenty of excitement at times while some would
have looked forward to their classroom session back in the Clubhouse!
Gordon set a triangle windward leeward course for the first Paterangi
races in the afternoon. The wind hitting over 15 knots from the north
west at times tested sailing skills. Blake while not always aboard his
Laser gained several wetting experiences. Danny saw steam coming off
his sails so quenched them just before the finishing line. Thomas had
little respect for his elders sailing over and away from Danny off wind.
Un-rattled by all the activity around the course, Arthgur G although
not always in front was there when it mattered. Alex had his PT going
like a hot knife through butter, Jaeden found a meaning for "irons"
(nothing to do with clothes), Shaun took to a Starling when older brother
Jamie jumped out of the brotherly pairing in the Frostply in the first
race.
Training again next Sunday, briefing at 10.30am, Linda is OD. Racing
to start with a briefing at 12.45pm, Paterangi races 3 and 4 follow.
Opening Day
The season started with an hour and a half training session (that will also continue on the 12th and 19th September and the 3rd, 17th and 31st October) thanks to the enterprise of Lianne Wall. Fourteen skipper took up this option this morning with Lianne putting them through their paces on the water and finishing off in the Clubhouse as the wind rose.
In the afternoon the second race provided maximum excitement on the
first beat. The Laser sailors headed by Blake all hit the start line
right on time. Blake to the windward of Danny, who was in turn to the
windward of Thomas. Arthur was to the windward of them all but a few
meters back. Danny had his wind taken and bailed out to take a port
tack; but hello Danny, Arthur was there on starboard. They touched as
Danny attempted to pass by but found himself in the waters of Ngaroto.
Blake went onto starboard a short time later, a gust hit at the critical
moment and he too hit the water. Life carried on with Arthur then chased
by Thomas, to Blake and back to Danny. Mean while Alex in the Paper
Tiger was making the most of the increasing breeze, showing the underside
of his hulls, to take a handsome lead on the water.
Training again next Sunday, briefing at 10.30am, Gordon is OD. Racing
to start with a briefing at 12.45pm, the first two Paterangi races to
follow.
Thanks to Jamie, Evan, Tim and Shane for overseeing the day.
Working Bee
The working bee left the Clubhouse and Boatshed ready for the new sailing
season. The Clubhouse looks like new both inside and outside thanks
to the use of a water blaster, hoses and brushes. Inside, the elbow
grease, vacuum cleaner, mops and cloths dealt to any unwanted build
ups. Any unwanted materials were off to the dump, making much more space
as the season commences. The boatshed has been well organised, boats
marks etc well aligned; the challenge will be to keep it like that.
Thanks to all who helped, from memory, Shane, Blake, Jaeden, Tim, Matt,
Jamie, Owen, Arthur, Claire, Kate and Ross.
The pre-season Newsletter has been printed, you should receive it in
the post soon.
The Summer sailing season starts on the 5th September, briefing at 10.30am,
Jamie is OD. Looking forward to a big turn out for this day!
Brass Monkey Centreboard Regatta
A great day was had by the seven yachties who made the most of what
was a very good day for sailing. A south to south west wind that saw
hiking at times and the wire being used on the 3.7 Class yacht. Ross
Wrenn had a small break on the two other Lasers of Blake Buxton and
Kate French who swapped places on many occasions. In the two afternoon
races the late arival of John Elliott and the 3.7 saw him put his bow
in front on the water.
Micah Wilkinson took out the youth fleet in his Starling. Shaun Rumbles
samples ther waters of Ngaroto a couple of times as the wind lifted
in the final race; he soon thawed out as it was 16 degrees C in the
sunshine later in the day. Jaeden Buxton is getting to handle the P
Class well. Thanks to Shane, Owen and Tim for running the sailing.
The annual Club Working Bee is next Saturday 21st August starting at
9.00am. A general clean up, bring any cleaning gear to help.
The Summer sailing season starts on the 5th September, briefing at 10.30am.
John Dixon Series Final
It was Paul Sloane and crew aboard the Noelex 22 "Harmony" from Tauranga
who made the most of the 10 to 15 knot north easterly breeze to take
out both races today. They clinched first place in Fleet 2 and second
overall in the race for the trophy. The Ngaroto crew of Micah and
Peter Wilkinson and Thomas de Meijer aboard their Hartley 18 with
a 3rd and a 2nd place won the John Dixon Memorial Trophy, the first
time it has been back in the hands of the Club for many years.
The next sailing at Ngaroto is the Brass Monkey Centreboard Regatta
on the 15th August. Briefing at 10.30am.
John Dixon Series 2
The twelve yachts sailed in a 5 to 10 knot south to south westerly breeze while bathed in sunshine all day; making a great day. Four yachts are forming a log jam for the race to hold the John Dixon Memorial Trophy for the 2010 series; Winsome II (Rob Ebert), NAF (Micah Wilkinson), Pure Magic (Ric Turner) and the Quintet 6 of Mike Allison are all within two points of each other. Racing in the final round on the 4th August is sure to be intense. The first race today was won on handicap by Rob Ebert (Hamilton), by just one second ahead of Ric Turner. The second race was won by Paul Sloane (Tauranga) with a one minute margin over Ric Turner. The BBQ sausages with some of the finest onions and hot soup delighted the sailors during the break between races. Thanks to all the Ngaroto Club members who pitched into help on the day.
John Dixon Series 1
Our 2009 winner John Pease and crew returned the John Dixon Memorial Trophy, back from New Plymouth to challenge for the honours again. Three more Noelex 22's (Auckland and Tauranga) have also accepted the challenge, great to have the new "blood". The worries about the impending storm were not warranted, the sailors greeted to a 5 knot south easterly breeze throughout the day. The fog cleared, eventually before a moment of sunshine before the cloud covered the sun again. No rain though! Two races were sailed on a trapezoid course, each race taking the leaders about one and a half hours. Handicap leaders are Micah Wilkinson and crew in a Hartley 18, from Rob Ebert in Winsome II and Mike Allison in a Quintet 6. Thanks to all who helped at the Club, Ann, Sue, Regina, Evan and Ross (and a few others); many willing hands make light work! The next round of the series is on the 18th July, briefing at 10.00am.