Today I was invited by Rob to race against him in some one-metre RC yachts.
The lake at Wattle Farm is perfect for this stuff, when finance permits I'll probably buy a boat to use there.
Conditions were trying for the little boats, and getting the setup right before sailing was crucial, allowing the boats to feather upwind. In the conditions, balance seemed to be the biggest factor in determining how well the boats went.
I had huge trouble working out distances to marks, laylines etc, but it's still some great fun, and beats watching DVDs hands down. Its also suprisingly good exercise in that breeze, running along the bank to the best vantage points for mark roundings and the like - those little things go quite fast when its windy!
Lots of lessons learned by me, wonder if I can apply them to big boats?
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Manukau Winter Series 28-8-2011
This Sunday see's the final races of the MYMBC trailer yacht winter series near Mangere Bridge.
Start time is 0930, so no lie-in this weekend.
Last chance for us to line the Cherry up against the Hartleys and the Quicksilver. Newly tuned, we hope for enough wind to get a decent showing. At that time of the morning it's unlikely, but we can hope.
Start time is 0930, so no lie-in this weekend.
Last chance for us to line the Cherry up against the Hartleys and the Quicksilver. Newly tuned, we hope for enough wind to get a decent showing. At that time of the morning it's unlikely, but we can hope.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Awesome sailing today.
Today saw the last 2 races of the Pakuranga Sailing Club winter series.
The weather was fantastic, with about 10 knots of wind straight down the channel, flat water, and moderate temperatures. Long wetsuits were ideal.
The race management was very good, with a well conducted briefing, good simple courses, and great prizes awarded at the end, for both place-getters, and a few by lucky dip.
There was a good fleet of sunbursts ( If I'd realised that earlier, I would have brought one of those over instead of my Laser ) and a good fleet of Scout Cutters, with a handful of other boats thrown in for good measure.
I think it ranks as the best bit of club sailing I've been involved with for some time.
Action on the water was fiercely contested, with some great battles in both fleets. I also spotted a few boats touching bottom in the shallow water near the clubhouse, trying to gain a tiny advantage.
It was great to see another club trying to build our sport, through grass roots level, and helping to increase participation.
Thank you PSC, respect is definitely yours.
The weather was fantastic, with about 10 knots of wind straight down the channel, flat water, and moderate temperatures. Long wetsuits were ideal.
The race management was very good, with a well conducted briefing, good simple courses, and great prizes awarded at the end, for both place-getters, and a few by lucky dip.
There was a good fleet of sunbursts ( If I'd realised that earlier, I would have brought one of those over instead of my Laser ) and a good fleet of Scout Cutters, with a handful of other boats thrown in for good measure.
I think it ranks as the best bit of club sailing I've been involved with for some time.
Action on the water was fiercely contested, with some great battles in both fleets. I also spotted a few boats touching bottom in the shallow water near the clubhouse, trying to gain a tiny advantage.
It was great to see another club trying to build our sport, through grass roots level, and helping to increase participation.
Thank you PSC, respect is definitely yours.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Upcoming sailing events 21-8-2011.
This weekends Manukau sailing events are:
Laser racing at PLSC, Ireland Road Panmure - Handicap series number 2.
11:30 Start.
Mixed fleet racing at PSC, Farm Cove Pakuranga - Winter series 11 and 12.
10:00 Start, followed by prizegiving.
Both events are on Sunday, and dont forget to arrive with plenty of time to rig, and mention the Manukau Sailing Blog when you are talking to people there!
The windfinder forecast says around 5-15 knots SW, fine, clear skies, and 12 degrees, so probably not the best weather for those shorty wetsuits!
Laser racing at PLSC, Ireland Road Panmure - Handicap series number 2.
11:30 Start.
Mixed fleet racing at PSC, Farm Cove Pakuranga - Winter series 11 and 12.
10:00 Start, followed by prizegiving.
Both events are on Sunday, and dont forget to arrive with plenty of time to rig, and mention the Manukau Sailing Blog when you are talking to people there!
The windfinder forecast says around 5-15 knots SW, fine, clear skies, and 12 degrees, so probably not the best weather for those shorty wetsuits!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Learn to Sail - Sailing School
LEARN TO SAIL WITH US NOW.
Weymouth Yacht Club sailing school runs through September.
Age 10 and above, adult learners welcome.
Boats supplied, or bring your own.
$20 introductory offer gets you 2 full weekends of sailing, including relevant theory, handouts, and knowledgeable, qualified instructors, plus a short introduction day where you can find out where to get the kit you need to be comfortable and safe out there.
Enrol now or get more information by emailing me on:
-watersports@instruction.com-
or replying to this post. Spaces strictly limited, on a first in, first served basis.
Weymouth Yacht Club members get unlimited use of club boats, subject to availability. Click the link at the top of the page to go to the club website and find out more!
Weymouth Yacht Club sailing school runs through September.
Age 10 and above, adult learners welcome.
Boats supplied, or bring your own.
$20 introductory offer gets you 2 full weekends of sailing, including relevant theory, handouts, and knowledgeable, qualified instructors, plus a short introduction day where you can find out where to get the kit you need to be comfortable and safe out there.
Enrol now or get more information by emailing me on:
-watersports@instruction.com-
or replying to this post. Spaces strictly limited, on a first in, first served basis.
Weymouth Yacht Club members get unlimited use of club boats, subject to availability. Click the link at the top of the page to go to the club website and find out more!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
What happened today.....
Big wind, big waves, and, you guessed it, NO SAILING!!
Todays MYMBC trailer yacht racing was cancelled due to 40+ knot winds.
So, in conditions deemed foolhardy and dangerous in big-ish boats, I was itching to go out sailing. so I did.
I dragged my laser out from the back yard, and went out for a blast with a cut-down sail on, which meant that I shouldn't suffer any damage.
While rigging, a savage squall came through, and I almost changed my mind, but then the sun shone through, and with 30-something knots I launched.
Awesome sailing, just blasting back and forth, jumping waves.
Then the breeze died away to around 15, and it was time to come in.
Still Buzzing, it's been a while!
Todays MYMBC trailer yacht racing was cancelled due to 40+ knot winds.
So, in conditions deemed foolhardy and dangerous in big-ish boats, I was itching to go out sailing. so I did.
I dragged my laser out from the back yard, and went out for a blast with a cut-down sail on, which meant that I shouldn't suffer any damage.
While rigging, a savage squall came through, and I almost changed my mind, but then the sun shone through, and with 30-something knots I launched.
Awesome sailing, just blasting back and forth, jumping waves.
Then the breeze died away to around 15, and it was time to come in.
Still Buzzing, it's been a while!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Sunday's forecast
I haven't done much this week, and with the pending battle coming up on Sunday I thought I should put the forecast into perspective. Just in case any international readers want to know what's happening.
The average wind speed is 18-20 knots (Force 5).
The wind gusts are 26-28 knots (Force 7).
Wind direction - Southwest, which is the prevailing wind in this area. It usually feels stronger than it really is.
--------------- -------------- -----------------
The Cherry (my boat) is 4.75 m long, 2.15 m wide, sleeps four adults, and weighs 220kg fully rigged. It has no internal ballast. The working sail area is 11.4m2.
The Quicksilver (Rob's boat) is 5m long, 2.24 m wide, also sleeps four, and weighs 408kg, with 108kg of ballast. The working sail area is 17.7m2.
Neither of us will be carrying spinnakers.
With the rig size being offset by the weight difference, its easy to see why these boats are quite closely matched in theory. IF we manage to get decent starts, then there could be quite a battle!!
I know rob spent a few hours recently tuning up ready for a windy weekend, to be faced with drifters up 'til now. I spent about an hour doing the same thing today.
Of course, tuning on the driveway is fine, but until we get on the water, I have no real idea how well it's worked. We're pretty much ignoring the Noelex's and Hartley's, although if we happen to be close, then who knows!
Check in here Sunday Arvo to see how it all goes down.
The average wind speed is 18-20 knots (Force 5).
The wind gusts are 26-28 knots (Force 7).
Wind direction - Southwest, which is the prevailing wind in this area. It usually feels stronger than it really is.
--------------- -------------- -----------------
The Cherry (my boat) is 4.75 m long, 2.15 m wide, sleeps four adults, and weighs 220kg fully rigged. It has no internal ballast. The working sail area is 11.4m2.
The Quicksilver (Rob's boat) is 5m long, 2.24 m wide, also sleeps four, and weighs 408kg, with 108kg of ballast. The working sail area is 17.7m2.
Neither of us will be carrying spinnakers.
With the rig size being offset by the weight difference, its easy to see why these boats are quite closely matched in theory. IF we manage to get decent starts, then there could be quite a battle!!
I know rob spent a few hours recently tuning up ready for a windy weekend, to be faced with drifters up 'til now. I spent about an hour doing the same thing today.
Of course, tuning on the driveway is fine, but until we get on the water, I have no real idea how well it's worked. We're pretty much ignoring the Noelex's and Hartley's, although if we happen to be close, then who knows!
Check in here Sunday Arvo to see how it all goes down.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Trailer Yacht action this weekend
This Sunday, August 14 sees the penultimate day of the MYMBC trailer yacht winter series, held near Mangere Bridge.
The action so far has been hotly contested in all conditions, with the H16s and N22s sharing the honours.
This weekend the hottest competition will be going on near the other end of the fleet, as there is a challenge taking place between the Quicksilver and the Cherry. Winner takes all!
The start time is scheduled for 1015, and there should be two races.
At this time the forecast looks great, a little overcast, but fine with 15knot winds.
Finally all my family's personal dramas are over, so we should be able to attend, and compete, at last.
The action so far has been hotly contested in all conditions, with the H16s and N22s sharing the honours.
This weekend the hottest competition will be going on near the other end of the fleet, as there is a challenge taking place between the Quicksilver and the Cherry. Winner takes all!
The start time is scheduled for 1015, and there should be two races.
At this time the forecast looks great, a little overcast, but fine with 15knot winds.
Finally all my family's personal dramas are over, so we should be able to attend, and compete, at last.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
This weekend's sailing
Panmure Lagoon sailing club have race 1 of their handicap series. Start time scheduled for 1230.
South Auckland's best winter Laser racing.
Pakuranga Sailing Club continue their winter series for all dinghy classes at Farm Cove.
Start time is 1130. Expect big fleets.
Weymouth members will probably be present at both events, as will other members from around the Manukau.
The Windfinder forecast says it will be fine, warm (16 degrees!) and have fresh 15-25 knot winds. Sounds like sailing heaven!!
South Auckland's best winter Laser racing.
Pakuranga Sailing Club continue their winter series for all dinghy classes at Farm Cove.
Start time is 1130. Expect big fleets.
Weymouth members will probably be present at both events, as will other members from around the Manukau.
The Windfinder forecast says it will be fine, warm (16 degrees!) and have fresh 15-25 knot winds. Sounds like sailing heaven!!
Midwinter sailing
Two photo's of the lack of adrenaline required for last weekends MYMBC winter series.
Race one start, just enough wind to move.
Cody and Ashley messing about in an Oppy.
Beautiful weather, around 14 degrees and bright sunshine. The guys fishing from the wharf had a little luck - one seriously big Kahawai, which was destined for dinner, and a sprat, which one of their kids threw back by accident!
The next race day is scheduled for August 14, starting at 1015. Lets hope for similar sun and temps, but a bit more wind.
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