Wow!
Simply the best fun sailing event I have ever witnessed. Three days on and I'm still buzzing from it.
Three separate courses, a mark-foy start, and generous sponsors product, made for a good event.
Awesome fine weather, 10-knot winds, and close to 100 boats, made this spectacle even greater.
The smallest mono in the fleet, we were first of the short-course boats to start. We were meant to start at 1745, the time limit was 2000.
The last starters were about 45 minutes after us, all doing one lap. Last to start was the big cat XL.
Our course was 7 miles, the medium course was about 8.6, and the long course was around 11.7.
We actually started almost alongside (arguably) the fastest offshore sailing boat in the southern hemisphere, the big tri Team Vodafone, who was sailing the long course, twice.
We also finished very close to them. The guys in the race tower were giving every finisher a hoot, which seemed to be about one hoot every ten seconds.
The other boats sailing the short course eventually passed us just before the finish, as with our tiny rig we couldn't keep any speed on, especially in the lee of downtown Auckland's tall buildings.
To be in the middle of almost 100 boats all converging on the finish line, doing around four knots watching big boats coming toward the line at over ten knots, is both exciting and a little scary.
Especially when those boats are much wider than we are long. We finished 25th, and then had to wait for a wall of finishers to go past before we could head back to the boat ramp.
I'm urging everyone who can get a boat over to Westhaven next year, to book the day (and the next one) off work, and join in the fun.
Once again, I congratulate the handicappers in working out three totally different courses, and 87 totally different boats, to all finish within moments. That was very impressive.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
What's happening at Weymouth
Coming up at Weymouth Yacht Club this weekend we have the first of this seasons River Races on Saturday, followed by the first Harbour Race on Sunday.
The river course will see dinghy classes racing up the Pahurehure inlet towards the Papakura motorway, around a few channel markers, and finishing in front of the clubhouse.
Sunday's harbour course will start and finish in front of the clubhouse, and larger boats will head out into the main harbour, tackling semi-open water, and rounding the Wiri LPG terminal. Depending on the weather, the course could stretch as far as the airport or further.
Both courses will be set according to conditions, and while we will have full safety cover on Saturday, boats participating on Sunday will need to be self-sufficient, as conditions out in the main harbour can be quite hazardous. For this reason, Saturday is being promoted as a dinghy event, and Sunday as a trailer yacht event.
Trailer yachts can race on Saturday if desired, and large dinghies can race Sunday, subject to a safety inspection.
Both days events count towards their respective series points, and club handicaps will be applied afterwards to determine results.
Come along and join in on the day that best suits your needs.
The river course will see dinghy classes racing up the Pahurehure inlet towards the Papakura motorway, around a few channel markers, and finishing in front of the clubhouse.
Sunday's harbour course will start and finish in front of the clubhouse, and larger boats will head out into the main harbour, tackling semi-open water, and rounding the Wiri LPG terminal. Depending on the weather, the course could stretch as far as the airport or further.
Both courses will be set according to conditions, and while we will have full safety cover on Saturday, boats participating on Sunday will need to be self-sufficient, as conditions out in the main harbour can be quite hazardous. For this reason, Saturday is being promoted as a dinghy event, and Sunday as a trailer yacht event.
Trailer yachts can race on Saturday if desired, and large dinghies can race Sunday, subject to a safety inspection.
Both days events count towards their respective series points, and club handicaps will be applied afterwards to determine results.
Come along and join in on the day that best suits your needs.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Heavy weather fun
Sunday saw a good strong breeze, puffing up to around 30 knots, with calmer bits of around 20 knots in between.
Three keen Laser sailors decided to give it a go, and had an absolute blast.
Rob and Pete both decided to reduce sail, and reefed their boats, while Aaron opted for full rig.
After a few minutes, Aaron started to wonder if he had made the wrong decision, after capsizing in a gybe during one of the calmer patches.
Pete discovered that some of the lines on his previously untested boat were not quite right, and also had a few swims.
As the day wore on, all three attempted several gybes, mostly successfully. All three showed signs of rust, and improved markedly during the day.
After an hour or two of ripping around, Pete got a little too close to the lee shore, and with those lines stretching uncontrollably, found it difficult to get sailing upwind off the shore, so decided to wait for a tow back to the clubhouse.
On one occasion, Rob and Aaron lined up for a bit of a drag race. Upwind in the 25-30 knots, there was very little difference in the speed of the full versus reefed sail, at least in the steep chop and over the short distance they had. Turning downwind, however, was a very different story, as the power of the full rig came into play, and speeds were poles apart.
Big thanks to Simon and Murray for manning the rescue boat - we probably wouldn't have gone out without you!
Coming up next we have the first of our River Races on Saturday 17th November, followed by our first Harbour Race on the Sunday.
The River Race is open to all boats, and will go towards the motorway at Papakura, while the Harbour Race is limited to bigger boats, sunburst or larger, for safety reasons as we will be leaving the sheltered area of the estuary and hitting the exposed waters of the main harbour. The course should include the LPG terminal as a rounding mark.
Three keen Laser sailors decided to give it a go, and had an absolute blast.
Rob and Pete both decided to reduce sail, and reefed their boats, while Aaron opted for full rig.
After a few minutes, Aaron started to wonder if he had made the wrong decision, after capsizing in a gybe during one of the calmer patches.
Pete discovered that some of the lines on his previously untested boat were not quite right, and also had a few swims.
As the day wore on, all three attempted several gybes, mostly successfully. All three showed signs of rust, and improved markedly during the day.
After an hour or two of ripping around, Pete got a little too close to the lee shore, and with those lines stretching uncontrollably, found it difficult to get sailing upwind off the shore, so decided to wait for a tow back to the clubhouse.
On one occasion, Rob and Aaron lined up for a bit of a drag race. Upwind in the 25-30 knots, there was very little difference in the speed of the full versus reefed sail, at least in the steep chop and over the short distance they had. Turning downwind, however, was a very different story, as the power of the full rig came into play, and speeds were poles apart.
Big thanks to Simon and Murray for manning the rescue boat - we probably wouldn't have gone out without you!
Coming up next we have the first of our River Races on Saturday 17th November, followed by our first Harbour Race on the Sunday.
The River Race is open to all boats, and will go towards the motorway at Papakura, while the Harbour Race is limited to bigger boats, sunburst or larger, for safety reasons as we will be leaving the sheltered area of the estuary and hitting the exposed waters of the main harbour. The course should include the LPG terminal as a rounding mark.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
OPEN DAY NEXT WEEKEND
Weymouth Yacht Club is having an open day this coming Sunday, October 28.
We will have a selection of boats available for people to try, ranging from Optimists, up to 470 and Fireball dinghies.
We now have a great new ramp and jetty, and launching is easy and clean.
Sausage sizzle available.
Free sailboat rides, lifejackets will be provided.
Tell your friends.
Start time 10am, finishing when the tide goes out. We expect the tide to last until around 12:30.
Bring spare clothes for afterwards.
Pop on down and see what we have on offer.
We will have a selection of boats available for people to try, ranging from Optimists, up to 470 and Fireball dinghies.
We now have a great new ramp and jetty, and launching is easy and clean.
Sausage sizzle available.
Free sailboat rides, lifejackets will be provided.
Tell your friends.
Start time 10am, finishing when the tide goes out. We expect the tide to last until around 12:30.
Bring spare clothes for afterwards.
Pop on down and see what we have on offer.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Weymouth YC Opening Day
Awesome weather greeted the small but keen fleet of sailors on Sunday 7th october, for the season opener of 2012-13.
There was around 10-15 knots of wind, blowing straight up the channel past the clubhouse.
Although only three boats started, all of the sailors were new members, some of which had just taken part in our beginners course.
As it happened, if the club had had more sunbursts available, there would have been more boats on the water, as two of the boats were over-subscribed (sailing 3-up), and two other members stayed ashore.
A simple windward-leeward course was set, with a start/finish part-way up the beat. The first race was two laps.
For simplicity we opted to use the reef pole as one end of the start line. This proved to be very entertaining for the spectators, as each boat took its turn performing a not-so-graceful pirouette as they hit the reef. I might add that it was a little frustrating for the competitors.
The white sunburst, sailing 3-up, being helmed by Paul, spent more time on the reef than the others, running onto it immediately after crossing the start line. This proved to be a good thing, as it gave the others a chance to get their noses in front.
The red sunburst, sailing 2-up and being helmed by Rob L, hit the front, and held on to their lead for most of the race, only being pipped by Paul quite near the finish. The blue sunburst, sailing 3-up with Ajith on the tiller, were always close by, just not quite hitting the front.
So at the end of race 1, the finishing order was white, red, blue.
In the second race of the day, paul sailed a flawless race, leading from the start, to win by a large margin. as the other two approached the line, it was anyone's guess, as they switched places often. In this race the blue boat was being steered by Pete. Thirty seconds out from the line it looked like the blue boat was going to be in front, but it was not to be, as Rob just managed to squeeze past.
Once the handicaps were applied, Paul and Rob had a win each, while Ajith and Pete had managed to secure two thirds.
Full results on the Weymouth Y.C. website.
Next club day Sunday 14th, at 9:30am.
There was around 10-15 knots of wind, blowing straight up the channel past the clubhouse.
Although only three boats started, all of the sailors were new members, some of which had just taken part in our beginners course.
As it happened, if the club had had more sunbursts available, there would have been more boats on the water, as two of the boats were over-subscribed (sailing 3-up), and two other members stayed ashore.
A simple windward-leeward course was set, with a start/finish part-way up the beat. The first race was two laps.
For simplicity we opted to use the reef pole as one end of the start line. This proved to be very entertaining for the spectators, as each boat took its turn performing a not-so-graceful pirouette as they hit the reef. I might add that it was a little frustrating for the competitors.
The white sunburst, sailing 3-up, being helmed by Paul, spent more time on the reef than the others, running onto it immediately after crossing the start line. This proved to be a good thing, as it gave the others a chance to get their noses in front.
The red sunburst, sailing 2-up and being helmed by Rob L, hit the front, and held on to their lead for most of the race, only being pipped by Paul quite near the finish. The blue sunburst, sailing 3-up with Ajith on the tiller, were always close by, just not quite hitting the front.
So at the end of race 1, the finishing order was white, red, blue.
In the second race of the day, paul sailed a flawless race, leading from the start, to win by a large margin. as the other two approached the line, it was anyone's guess, as they switched places often. In this race the blue boat was being steered by Pete. Thirty seconds out from the line it looked like the blue boat was going to be in front, but it was not to be, as Rob just managed to squeeze past.
Once the handicaps were applied, Paul and Rob had a win each, while Ajith and Pete had managed to secure two thirds.
Full results on the Weymouth Y.C. website.
Next club day Sunday 14th, at 9:30am.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Looking Good...
The forecast for this weekend's beginners course looks good, with 5-10 knot winds, and up to 16ยบ temperatures.
We aim to get as much time on the water as possible, and if the recent progress is any indication, we should be able to use the newly rebuilt ramp, which is almost complete at time of writing.
I'll try to get some photo's up here after the weekend.
None of the Manukau clubs have anything organised, however there is the annual Icebreaker regatta at Manly SC on the Whangaparaoa peninsula on Sunday. You can find the NOR in the regatta list.
We aim to get as much time on the water as possible, and if the recent progress is any indication, we should be able to use the newly rebuilt ramp, which is almost complete at time of writing.
I'll try to get some photo's up here after the weekend.
None of the Manukau clubs have anything organised, however there is the annual Icebreaker regatta at Manly SC on the Whangaparaoa peninsula on Sunday. You can find the NOR in the regatta list.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Regattas for the summer
I've started to compile a list of dinghy regattas around the area. It's in the pages link on the right side of the screen.
email me details of any events you want listed here.
manukausailing@gmail.com
email me details of any events you want listed here.
manukausailing@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
A little update
No time for a full post right now, but here's a little update on some local stuff.
The ground works at weymouth are coming along finally, already two weeks late, but the contractors have finally sourced the wood for the new jetty and retaining wall. Today they made some real progress. Council has been putting pressure on them to get it finished by our next training day.
Our training course sold out with eight students. Sunday was blown out, but we got through a ton of theory. Next session we will be on the water as much as we can.
The WYC calendar has been updated to include the RSA and Manukau regattas, also the dates have changed for the Harbour Races. Click Here to view it.
Pakuranga Sailing Club have the dates set for next winter, Click Here for details.
Laters!
The ground works at weymouth are coming along finally, already two weeks late, but the contractors have finally sourced the wood for the new jetty and retaining wall. Today they made some real progress. Council has been putting pressure on them to get it finished by our next training day.
Our training course sold out with eight students. Sunday was blown out, but we got through a ton of theory. Next session we will be on the water as much as we can.
The WYC calendar has been updated to include the RSA and Manukau regattas, also the dates have changed for the Harbour Races. Click Here to view it.
Pakuranga Sailing Club have the dates set for next winter, Click Here for details.
Laters!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
The end of Winter Sailing. For now!
Today saw the final races of the Pakuranga Sailing Club winter series for dinghies.
A total of 31 boats fronted the starters cannon, including Scout Cutter, Sunburst, Starling, Gypsy, Phase 2, Spiral, Seabird, and Topper class boats.
In addition, there were around 10 or more various boards, of both sail and kite power, plus a fleet of large keelboats racing through regularly, from the nearby Panmure Yacht Club. This meant that at any one time, there were upwards of 50 boats in the river directly in front of the sailing club. With speeds varying from very sedate, up to the 30+ knots of the kiteboards, it was pretty tricky keeping up with the action.
Warm Northerly winds, blowing a steady 15 knots, created a near perfect day to end the series.
The cutters, which earlier in the series were quite slow, had improved from the competition, and were going like rockets, especially on the upwind legs. All of them had brought their A game, and it showed, with very intense close racing.
The sunbursts, although still going quick, had a much bigger spread in the fleet, as some of them struggled with the breeze after a largely light-wind series.
The prizegiving afterwards, as always, was a fun filled affair, and every boat got a prize.
Looking forward to next year, although I can foresee a few little battles over who gets to go sailing if the weather is good.
Beginner training starts at Weymouth next Sunday, with advanced training beginning in early October, once the learners program is finished. All levels can be catered for, check the WYC program for details of which topics are on which dates.
A total of 31 boats fronted the starters cannon, including Scout Cutter, Sunburst, Starling, Gypsy, Phase 2, Spiral, Seabird, and Topper class boats.
In addition, there were around 10 or more various boards, of both sail and kite power, plus a fleet of large keelboats racing through regularly, from the nearby Panmure Yacht Club. This meant that at any one time, there were upwards of 50 boats in the river directly in front of the sailing club. With speeds varying from very sedate, up to the 30+ knots of the kiteboards, it was pretty tricky keeping up with the action.
Warm Northerly winds, blowing a steady 15 knots, created a near perfect day to end the series.
The cutters, which earlier in the series were quite slow, had improved from the competition, and were going like rockets, especially on the upwind legs. All of them had brought their A game, and it showed, with very intense close racing.
The sunbursts, although still going quick, had a much bigger spread in the fleet, as some of them struggled with the breeze after a largely light-wind series.
The prizegiving afterwards, as always, was a fun filled affair, and every boat got a prize.
Looking forward to next year, although I can foresee a few little battles over who gets to go sailing if the weather is good.
Beginner training starts at Weymouth next Sunday, with advanced training beginning in early October, once the learners program is finished. All levels can be catered for, check the WYC program for details of which topics are on which dates.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
WEYMOUTH CLUB OPENING.
Weymouth YC reopens for business next Sunday September 2, at 0900, for beginner level training.
We will be holding several planned training days over the season, as well as racing and cruising events.
Our fast fleet consists of Lasers and Jollyboats at this stage, while our slow fleet is Starlings, Sunbursts, Toppers, and other similar performing boats.
We also have a small Trailer Yacht fleet, comprising a Beachcomber 22, Quicksilver 16, Hartley 16, and Cherry 16.
16 footers are ideal at Weymouth, as we can get some pretty rough water, but it's often quite shallow.
Tell your friends, give us a try!
Check back here often for updates, or check the club's website by using the link at the top of the page (above).
We will be holding several planned training days over the season, as well as racing and cruising events.
Our fast fleet consists of Lasers and Jollyboats at this stage, while our slow fleet is Starlings, Sunbursts, Toppers, and other similar performing boats.
We also have a small Trailer Yacht fleet, comprising a Beachcomber 22, Quicksilver 16, Hartley 16, and Cherry 16.
16 footers are ideal at Weymouth, as we can get some pretty rough water, but it's often quite shallow.
Tell your friends, give us a try!
Check back here often for updates, or check the club's website by using the link at the top of the page (above).
Tomorrows sailing. 26-8-2012.
Pakuranga Sailing Club Winter series #13/14 at 1230.
Panmure Lagoon Sailing Club Handicap Series #3 at 1300.
And the western lot (Manukau Harbour) have nothing on, because the tide's out.
Panmure Lagoon Sailing Club Handicap Series #3 at 1300.
And the western lot (Manukau Harbour) have nothing on, because the tide's out.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Pakuranga sailing club
Yesterday afternoon saw a mixed bag of weather, and a mixed fleet of boats, at Pakuranga sailing club.
With pouring rain and no wind at home, I didn't bother checking the calendar until around lunchtime. Then we decided to make a day of it, and the whole family piled into the van, hooked the laser on the back, and headed off.
As I didn't know whether PSC would have a second race (It was already too late to join the first one) we had a plan - go there first, and if there was no second race, head over to Panmure Lagoon, where they were holding a long distance river race. As the last forecast I had seen was for 25-35 knots, the thought of beating back up the river to PLSC from Otahuhu against a fleet of serious competitors was a little daunting.
Arriving at Pakuranga, we found clear skies, hot sunshine, and nice 5-10 knot winds. Perfect for the fleet of scout boats and juniors that were mostly in attendance.
Looking at the fleet of boats, I thought I had seen another laser, so went over to find out about race 2. There was a race, so I set about rigging.
After launching, I discovered that the "laser" was in fact a spiral, which meant I should be the quickest boat on the water.
At the start, I was second over, behind a visiting Starling. Of course, being in a faster boat meant I was soon in front, and pulling away. After two legs I had built up a sizable lead, however not the one I was expecting, as the girl in the Starling proved to be very competent sailor.
Being the only Laser gave me the opportunity to practise tacking and some basic boat handling, which, considering how little time I have spent sailing since 2009, was suprisingly reasonable.
I think once the handicaps had been applied, that I may have beaten the Starling overall, but it would not have been by very much. I'm hoping that the local sailors took notice of what she was doing, and can start applying it to their own sailing.
As is normal for this club, the course was well planned, and the socialising afterward was great.
Next race is on Sunday 26, at 12:30.
We're undecided, however we'll most likely take the Topper over, so we can compete on the water with the starlings.
Looking forward to it!
With pouring rain and no wind at home, I didn't bother checking the calendar until around lunchtime. Then we decided to make a day of it, and the whole family piled into the van, hooked the laser on the back, and headed off.
As I didn't know whether PSC would have a second race (It was already too late to join the first one) we had a plan - go there first, and if there was no second race, head over to Panmure Lagoon, where they were holding a long distance river race. As the last forecast I had seen was for 25-35 knots, the thought of beating back up the river to PLSC from Otahuhu against a fleet of serious competitors was a little daunting.
Arriving at Pakuranga, we found clear skies, hot sunshine, and nice 5-10 knot winds. Perfect for the fleet of scout boats and juniors that were mostly in attendance.
Looking at the fleet of boats, I thought I had seen another laser, so went over to find out about race 2. There was a race, so I set about rigging.
After launching, I discovered that the "laser" was in fact a spiral, which meant I should be the quickest boat on the water.
At the start, I was second over, behind a visiting Starling. Of course, being in a faster boat meant I was soon in front, and pulling away. After two legs I had built up a sizable lead, however not the one I was expecting, as the girl in the Starling proved to be very competent sailor.
Being the only Laser gave me the opportunity to practise tacking and some basic boat handling, which, considering how little time I have spent sailing since 2009, was suprisingly reasonable.
I think once the handicaps had been applied, that I may have beaten the Starling overall, but it would not have been by very much. I'm hoping that the local sailors took notice of what she was doing, and can start applying it to their own sailing.
As is normal for this club, the course was well planned, and the socialising afterward was great.
Next race is on Sunday 26, at 12:30.
We're undecided, however we'll most likely take the Topper over, so we can compete on the water with the starlings.
Looking forward to it!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Todays sailing cancelled
Sailing today at PSC was cancelled in light of the thirty-plus knots blowing straight up the river.
Windsurfers and kitesurfers provided a bit of entertainment, both with their speed, but also with a somewhat interesting recovery after the kitesurfer got separated from his board after some big air.
Posting on here could be a bit sporadic for the next few weeks, work is taking up far too much of my time!
Windsurfers and kitesurfers provided a bit of entertainment, both with their speed, but also with a somewhat interesting recovery after the kitesurfer got separated from his board after some big air.
Posting on here could be a bit sporadic for the next few weeks, work is taking up far too much of my time!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Sailing Today - 8-7-2012.
This morning saw the winter series at Pakuranga SC continuing, in light, testing conditions.
In the light winds, it was the starling "Quicksilver" that got around the course quickest, living up to it's name.
Here's a few pic's of the mornings action, showing a beautiful day on the Waitemata harbour.
Click the image to see it bigger, they're in low-res, but I am happy to provide higher resolution copies on request.
 |
| Beautiful day out there! |
 |
| Todays overall winner! |
 |
| Gypsy |
 |
| First Scout Cutter today |
 |
| Close racing for second and third! |
 |
| Right to the wire, 278 just crossed the line ahead of 131. |
In the afternoon, sailing on the Manukau harbour, was the third day of the Manukau Yacht and Motorboat Club winter series for trailer yachts.
In the light conditions, Hartley 16's took the line honours, just edging out the top Noelex's in both races.
Conditions were really shifty, and resulted in several attempts at laying the start line, before they could get a start away.
Pic's of trailer yacht action...
 |
| The Noelex fleet approach the bottom mark. |
 |
| Three of the Hartley fleet beating upwind. |
And also happening at MYMBC, the youth training is going really well. Here's a few more pics.
After sailing, I took a trip out to Weymouth, to check out the work on the new slipway and jetty.
Work has only started, and it looks a bit like a building site, but here's a peek...
And thats it from me today.
Except to say that not a single Weymouth boat went racing today, we should be ashamed of ourselves!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Pakuranga Sailing Club website
Pakuranga Sailing Club have started work on their new website.
We will be providing some pictures and help with setting it up, but the credit really goes to Rose-Mary, who is busily working away as we speak.
Check it out here but remember it is a work in progress, and only went live mid-week. It's a sportsground site, so a big thanks to SPARC for providing the hosting free.
If you've never been to Pakuranga SC, it's off Bramley Road, in Farm Cove. Although tidal, the water is clean, and quite flat, and the junior racing is great, especially during the winter series.
We will be providing some pictures and help with setting it up, but the credit really goes to Rose-Mary, who is busily working away as we speak.
Check it out here but remember it is a work in progress, and only went live mid-week. It's a sportsground site, so a big thanks to SPARC for providing the hosting free.
If you've never been to Pakuranga SC, it's off Bramley Road, in Farm Cove. Although tidal, the water is clean, and quite flat, and the junior racing is great, especially during the winter series.
Monday, July 2, 2012
More winter sailing... July 7 & 8, 2012.
Saturday 7th seems to have absolutely nothing on, anywhere. However, there's something on almost everywhere on Sunday.
Sunday 8th...
On the Waitemata...
Pakuranga SC dinghy winter series continues at 0830.
PLSC Winter series for Lasers continues at 0930.
Taikata SC has frostbite racing at 0930.
And on the Manukau...
French Bay YC has winter sailing #2 at 1030.
Manukau YMBC Trailer Yacht winter series continues at 1300.
Waiuku YC has winter series #4 at 1300.
So there it is -
Remember, each club has it's own "niche", with PLSC being a Laser stronghold, MYMBC being a trailer yacht club, WYC and FBYC cater to all dinghy classes, with PSC mainly catering for junior sailing, Starlings, Sunbursts and Scout Cutters being the main classes.
Plan your weekend carefully, and you could really cram a lot into one day!
If my spare parts arrive in time, I hope to be sailing at two venues again, it really makes getting up worthwhile!
Sunday 8th...
On the Waitemata...
Pakuranga SC dinghy winter series continues at 0830.
PLSC Winter series for Lasers continues at 0930.
Taikata SC has frostbite racing at 0930.
And on the Manukau...
French Bay YC has winter sailing #2 at 1030.
Manukau YMBC Trailer Yacht winter series continues at 1300.
Waiuku YC has winter series #4 at 1300.
So there it is -
Remember, each club has it's own "niche", with PLSC being a Laser stronghold, MYMBC being a trailer yacht club, WYC and FBYC cater to all dinghy classes, with PSC mainly catering for junior sailing, Starlings, Sunbursts and Scout Cutters being the main classes.
Plan your weekend carefully, and you could really cram a lot into one day!
If my spare parts arrive in time, I hope to be sailing at two venues again, it really makes getting up worthwhile!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Fun times in the rain.
This mornings Pakuranga SC winter series proved challenging in more ways than one.
In the first race, boats drifted in all directions, with virtually zero wind, for around 20 minutes. Two sunbursts managed to excel in the drifting conditions, and opened up a huge lead over the rest of the fleet. Then suddenly, the breeze filled in, gently at first, around five knots, then building very rapidly up to around 15, with a few gusts getting close to 20. Those two sunbursts proceeded to plane flat out down the run, while several of the following fleet fell over! Those that stayed upright got soaked, thanks to heavy rain just before the wind kicked in!
The breeze then settled down to a nice solid 15 knots, which held in for the rest of the time I was there.
Today I took my Laser, so was unable to get any photos.
The second race started while I was de-rigging, having broken a small but crucial fitting between races.
________________________
Later in the day, the trailer yacht winter series continued at Manukau Yacht and Motor Boat Club.
For some reason, the Noelex fleet were absent, so the fleet was five Hartley 16's and one Cherry 16.
As this was the first time in over a year we had had a chance to line the Cherry up against the Hartleys, no-one had any idea how competitive or otherwise we would be.
Unfortunately we missed the first start while helping some fellow Weymouth sailors in a Hartley with rigging problems. Sailing around before the start, cruising downwind, we were significantly slower than all the Hartleys, which was somewhat worrying.
A good start in the second race saw us just behind the top Hartleys, doing better than we suspected we would, as we rounded the first mark. The two robs, sailing in the new Hartley, were struggling to get to grips with the boat, and had fallen behind somewhat. Sailing downwind, we had speed that seemed pretty close to the boats ahead. The breeze was around 15-20 knots, so we had occasional spurts of planing, especially when we sailed a little high.
The next beat the breeze was a little higher, and we were close to matching the top boats. Again, Rob was struggling upwind in the breeze.
Back down to the finish, and although we were a small distance behind the leaders, we had all had a good day on the water, and found out a little more about our boats.
Rob's new Hartley showed moments of brilliant speed, and once they get it tuned up properly should be pretty quick. Stay tuned for more!
In the first race, boats drifted in all directions, with virtually zero wind, for around 20 minutes. Two sunbursts managed to excel in the drifting conditions, and opened up a huge lead over the rest of the fleet. Then suddenly, the breeze filled in, gently at first, around five knots, then building very rapidly up to around 15, with a few gusts getting close to 20. Those two sunbursts proceeded to plane flat out down the run, while several of the following fleet fell over! Those that stayed upright got soaked, thanks to heavy rain just before the wind kicked in!
The breeze then settled down to a nice solid 15 knots, which held in for the rest of the time I was there.
Today I took my Laser, so was unable to get any photos.
The second race started while I was de-rigging, having broken a small but crucial fitting between races.
________________________
Later in the day, the trailer yacht winter series continued at Manukau Yacht and Motor Boat Club.
For some reason, the Noelex fleet were absent, so the fleet was five Hartley 16's and one Cherry 16.
As this was the first time in over a year we had had a chance to line the Cherry up against the Hartleys, no-one had any idea how competitive or otherwise we would be.
Unfortunately we missed the first start while helping some fellow Weymouth sailors in a Hartley with rigging problems. Sailing around before the start, cruising downwind, we were significantly slower than all the Hartleys, which was somewhat worrying.
A good start in the second race saw us just behind the top Hartleys, doing better than we suspected we would, as we rounded the first mark. The two robs, sailing in the new Hartley, were struggling to get to grips with the boat, and had fallen behind somewhat. Sailing downwind, we had speed that seemed pretty close to the boats ahead. The breeze was around 15-20 knots, so we had occasional spurts of planing, especially when we sailed a little high.
The next beat the breeze was a little higher, and we were close to matching the top boats. Again, Rob was struggling upwind in the breeze.
Back down to the finish, and although we were a small distance behind the leaders, we had all had a good day on the water, and found out a little more about our boats.
Rob's new Hartley showed moments of brilliant speed, and once they get it tuned up properly should be pretty quick. Stay tuned for more!
Friday, June 22, 2012
coming soon to some water near you.....
This weekends sailing around the southern bit of Aucks...
Saturday seems to have nothing on anywhere, but Sunday has quite a bit...
In the morning...
Pakuranga SC at Farm Cove have day two of their dinghy winter series, starting at 8:30am.
Panmure Lagoon SC have Laser winter series at 11:15am.
And in the afternoon...
Manukau YMBC has the second day of the Trailer Yacht winter series, 1pm start, two races planned.
Waiuku YC have day 3 of their winter series, also at 1pm.
French bay YC have nothing planned, so lets hope they travel to one of the other clubs.
Weymouth YC also have nothing planned, but will be seen all over the place, with several members confirmed racing at Manukau in the afternoon, and several others considering Pakuranga in the morning.
Expect clear skies, about 13-15 degrees, and around 15 knots. possibly even a few very light showers late in the day, when some cloud rolls in.
Saturday seems to have nothing on anywhere, but Sunday has quite a bit...
In the morning...
Pakuranga SC at Farm Cove have day two of their dinghy winter series, starting at 8:30am.
Panmure Lagoon SC have Laser winter series at 11:15am.
And in the afternoon...
Manukau YMBC has the second day of the Trailer Yacht winter series, 1pm start, two races planned.
Waiuku YC have day 3 of their winter series, also at 1pm.
French bay YC have nothing planned, so lets hope they travel to one of the other clubs.
Weymouth YC also have nothing planned, but will be seen all over the place, with several members confirmed racing at Manukau in the afternoon, and several others considering Pakuranga in the morning.
Expect clear skies, about 13-15 degrees, and around 15 knots. possibly even a few very light showers late in the day, when some cloud rolls in.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Winter sailing at Pakuranga and Manukau
This morning marked the start of the Pakuranga Sailing Club dinghy winter series, sailed at farm cove.
The fleet was mixed, with a handful of various classes, competing alongside a large number of Scout Cutters and Sunbursts.
The fastest sunburst eventually took the honours, with the breeze varying between 10 and 20 knots.
In the stronger bits, a few sailors managed to capsize, but everyone had a great day out, and looked pretty tired by the end of the second race.
Here's a few pics... Click on them to see them full-screen!
ok, More than a few!
This afternoon saw the start of the Trailer Yacht series at Manukau Yacht and Motorboat Club, which was well attended with 4 Noelex 22s, and several Hartley 16s. I was trimming on one of the Noelexs, so no time for photos, sorry.
The Noelexs proved faster today, with the top three placings on line going to them, followed closely by the top hartleys. In the first race, the first five boats finished within 100m, and the whole fleet within just a few minutes.
The second race was also a Noelex benefit, with the top two boats managing to get a slight jump on the rest, with the other Noelexs just edging out the Hartleys.
Hopefully next time, on June 24, I will be able to sail in both events.
The fleet was mixed, with a handful of various classes, competing alongside a large number of Scout Cutters and Sunbursts.
The fastest sunburst eventually took the honours, with the breeze varying between 10 and 20 knots.
In the stronger bits, a few sailors managed to capsize, but everyone had a great day out, and looked pretty tired by the end of the second race.
Here's a few pics... Click on them to see them full-screen!
ok, More than a few!
This afternoon saw the start of the Trailer Yacht series at Manukau Yacht and Motorboat Club, which was well attended with 4 Noelex 22s, and several Hartley 16s. I was trimming on one of the Noelexs, so no time for photos, sorry.
The Noelexs proved faster today, with the top three placings on line going to them, followed closely by the top hartleys. In the first race, the first five boats finished within 100m, and the whole fleet within just a few minutes.
The second race was also a Noelex benefit, with the top two boats managing to get a slight jump on the rest, with the other Noelexs just edging out the Hartleys.
Hopefully next time, on June 24, I will be able to sail in both events.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)