Today's trailer yacht racing at Weymouth was lacking in numbers, but as all the competitors had made alterations over the winter it was still anyones day.
In the very light winds of the first race, the Cherry 16 steered mostly by seven year old Ashley showed excellent form and lead from start to finish, ahead of the Quicksilver 16.
In the second race these two were joined by the Beachcomber 22, and the racing was a lot hotter.
The Cherry and Quicksilver got away from the start well ahead of the Beachcomber, but Rob found some magic and rapidly overtook both the smaller yachts, to lead easily by the first mark. Downwind the fleet stayed pretty close together, and all three boats rounded the turning mark very close together, the Beachcomber just leading the Quicksilver, with the Cherry just seconds behind. Upwind, the smaller boats in previous races have shown better ability, however the work done to the Beachcomber has really sped her up, and she continued to pull ahead. the quicksilver and Cherry were close together up this leg, as both boats experimented with different settings. The Cherry then ran aground while trying to get upwind of the Quicksilver, so their race was almost over, as the time they were aground left them further behind the other two. On the final leg to the finish, all three boats made good pace, but neither of the smaller boats could close the gap, as the beachcomber claimed her first line-honours win of the season.
Full results available on the club website, as soon as I work them out.
Showing posts with label Hartley 16. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hartley 16. Show all posts
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Change of website - MYMBC
Manukau Yacht and Motorboat club have advised a change of address for their website.
www.sportsground.co.nz/mymbc
is the new one.
Try it out, it looks pretty good to me!
The link on the main blog page here will be updated shortly.
www.sportsground.co.nz/mymbc
is the new one.
Try it out, it looks pretty good to me!
The link on the main blog page here will be updated shortly.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
A little update
Weymouth hosted the YNZ "Have a Go!" scheme earlier this week, reports are that some 35 kids from local schools got to try sailing, and several have shown an interest in taking up the sport.
The "AK Splash" water safety fun day run by teams such as Coastguard, Surf Life Saving, Westpac Rescue Helicopters, Auckland council, and Mai FM, among many others was a very good event, with children being given "passports" upon entering the grounds, with various stations giving stamps to fill them up. Once the books were full, kids could take them up to the event managers site and win a prize. 500 of those prizes were new RFD lifejackets, and if the kids already owned a good lifejacket, they could get one for a parent or sibling.
Thanks to all those who made this event a huge success, water safety is a major part of what all water-sports clubs should be about!
and finally...
More info here as soon as it becomes available, or go to www.crew.org.nz and check it out for yourself.
Last year I think we had 87 boats, the goal this year is to top 100.
We were the only small boat (excluding Weta's) to be involved last year, and the huge adrenaline burst of trying to get to the finish line before the huge ORMA 60 Vodafone (we failed, maybe this year) was with me for weeks afterward. Mark foy starts and different length courses, coupled with the brilliant Racetrack handicap system meant the whole fleet finished within just a few minutes. Simply awesome.
The "AK Splash" water safety fun day run by teams such as Coastguard, Surf Life Saving, Westpac Rescue Helicopters, Auckland council, and Mai FM, among many others was a very good event, with children being given "passports" upon entering the grounds, with various stations giving stamps to fill them up. Once the books were full, kids could take them up to the event managers site and win a prize. 500 of those prizes were new RFD lifejackets, and if the kids already owned a good lifejacket, they could get one for a parent or sibling.
Thanks to all those who made this event a huge success, water safety is a major part of what all water-sports clubs should be about!
and finally...
The annual Crew.Org.Nz end of year Rum Race is in its final preparation stages.
Top prizes this year include a $3500 SUP.
The Ogre has said that dates should be finalised early this coming week.
More info here as soon as it becomes available, or go to www.crew.org.nz and check it out for yourself.
Last year I think we had 87 boats, the goal this year is to top 100.
We were the only small boat (excluding Weta's) to be involved last year, and the huge adrenaline burst of trying to get to the finish line before the huge ORMA 60 Vodafone (we failed, maybe this year) was with me for weeks afterward. Mark foy starts and different length courses, coupled with the brilliant Racetrack handicap system meant the whole fleet finished within just a few minutes. Simply awesome.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Coming up this month on the Manukau.
Saturday 9th November :
Series A at MYMBC 3pm.
Club day at Clarks Beach, 1pm.
Sunday 10th:
Club day at Weymouth, 2pm.
Open day at French Bay, 2pm.
Saturday 16th:
Club day at Waiuku 9:30am.
Club day at Clarks beach, 1pm
Sunday 17th:
TY race 2 at Weymouth, 9am.
MYMBC series A at 10:30am.
Spring series at French Bay, 10am.
Champs series at Waiuku, 10am.
Saturday 23rd:
Club day at Weymouth, 1pm.
Memorial cup at MYMBC, 2pm.
points racing at Clarks Beach, 1pm
Sunday 24th:
Club day at Weymouth, 1:30pm.
Spring series at French Bay, 1pm.
Saturday 30th:
Club day at Clarks Beach, 1pm.
Working bee at Weymouth -please note some roads around Manurewa will be closed this morning for the Santa Parade.
Sunday, 1st December:
Club day at Waiuku, 9am.
And coming up early next month:
The second annual Manukau Meltdown regatta is being held at Weymouth Yacht Club on Saturday December 7th. More details coming very soon.
Series A at MYMBC 3pm.
Club day at Clarks Beach, 1pm.
Sunday 10th:
Club day at Weymouth, 2pm.
Open day at French Bay, 2pm.
Saturday 16th:
Club day at Waiuku 9:30am.
Club day at Clarks beach, 1pm
Sunday 17th:
TY race 2 at Weymouth, 9am.
MYMBC series A at 10:30am.
Spring series at French Bay, 10am.
Champs series at Waiuku, 10am.
Saturday 23rd:
Club day at Weymouth, 1pm.
Memorial cup at MYMBC, 2pm.
points racing at Clarks Beach, 1pm
Sunday 24th:
Club day at Weymouth, 1:30pm.
Spring series at French Bay, 1pm.
Saturday 30th:
Club day at Clarks Beach, 1pm.
Working bee at Weymouth -please note some roads around Manurewa will be closed this morning for the Santa Parade.
Sunday, 1st December:
Club day at Waiuku, 9am.
And coming up early next month:
The second annual Manukau Meltdown regatta is being held at Weymouth Yacht Club on Saturday December 7th. More details coming very soon.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Trailer Yacht fun at Weymouth
Two days of great fun was had at Weymouth Yacht Club over the first days of Anniversary Weekend.
Rob L had his new Hartley 16 on site, so the first day became a long match race between this and the Cherry 16. Later in the day we were joined by Rob K in the Beachcomber 22.
In the light winds, the Cherry struggled to keep pace with the Hartley early on, trailing until Rob made a bad decision and got caught in the outgoing tide.
Mid afternoon, we started experimenting with crew positions in the Cherry, and found that by sending the heaviest crew member far forward, that upwind performance improved dramatically in the light winds.
Sunday morning dawned cooler, and the same three boats (with different crews) were out for some serious-ish racing.
The first race was a long L shape, with return legs, totalling around 5 miles. At the first mark, following a long reach, the Hartley was just leading the Cherry, with the Beachcomber a little further back, struggling with sail changes in the variable conditions. The next leg was a long beat, with winds gusting between ten and 20knots. Early on, the Cherry got her nose in front, until half way up the beat they went to the left side of the course looking for a favourable shift that wasn't there. This let the Hartley gain the advantage, which they held on the return legs all the way back to Weymouth.
The beachcomber found the going tough, and was unable to keep pace in the changeable conditions today.
The second race was much shorter, only around two miles. The race became a procession as the wind turned slightly making it a beam reach in both directions. The Hartley again showed why they are the worlds favourite trailer yacht, and lead the other boats all the way.
Rob L had his new Hartley 16 on site, so the first day became a long match race between this and the Cherry 16. Later in the day we were joined by Rob K in the Beachcomber 22.
In the light winds, the Cherry struggled to keep pace with the Hartley early on, trailing until Rob made a bad decision and got caught in the outgoing tide.
Mid afternoon, we started experimenting with crew positions in the Cherry, and found that by sending the heaviest crew member far forward, that upwind performance improved dramatically in the light winds.
Sunday morning dawned cooler, and the same three boats (with different crews) were out for some serious-ish racing.
The first race was a long L shape, with return legs, totalling around 5 miles. At the first mark, following a long reach, the Hartley was just leading the Cherry, with the Beachcomber a little further back, struggling with sail changes in the variable conditions. The next leg was a long beat, with winds gusting between ten and 20knots. Early on, the Cherry got her nose in front, until half way up the beat they went to the left side of the course looking for a favourable shift that wasn't there. This let the Hartley gain the advantage, which they held on the return legs all the way back to Weymouth.
The beachcomber found the going tough, and was unable to keep pace in the changeable conditions today.
The second race was much shorter, only around two miles. The race became a procession as the wind turned slightly making it a beam reach in both directions. The Hartley again showed why they are the worlds favourite trailer yacht, and lead the other boats all the way.
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, 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!
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!
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.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Hartley 16 sails wanted
I've had a comment left on an earlier post looking for Hartley 16 sails.
Contact the buyer directly on 0221358087 if you can help.
Thanks
Contact the buyer directly on 0221358087 if you can help.
Thanks
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Final races for Weymouth TY's
The last two races for the Weymouth Yacht Club summer Trailer Yacht series didn't happen last Sunday, as the wind was over 30 knots, and quite gusty.
Instead, members busied themselves throughout the day ensuring that everything is organised ready for the Easter weekend Manukau Regatta.
We also got a chance to inspect the newest addition to our TY fleet, as Rob L brought his Hartley along, hoping for a good day.
The club now switches it's focus back to dinghy sailing, and following the Regatta, we will be having (previously unscheduled) racing for small boats whenever we can, right up until the start of the MYMBC Winter Series in June, or until we all decide it's getting too cold.
Instead, members busied themselves throughout the day ensuring that everything is organised ready for the Easter weekend Manukau Regatta.
We also got a chance to inspect the newest addition to our TY fleet, as Rob L brought his Hartley along, hoping for a good day.
The club now switches it's focus back to dinghy sailing, and following the Regatta, we will be having (previously unscheduled) racing for small boats whenever we can, right up until the start of the MYMBC Winter Series in June, or until we all decide it's getting too cold.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Hot trailer yacht action at Weymouth
Todays third day of the TY summer series at Weymouth provided some intense racing and very close finishes.
The day dawned overcast and raining, with very little wind. By the time everyone was rigged and ready to go, the breeze was up to around 15 knots, and the rain had gone away for a bit.
Course 2 was chosen from the book for the first race, which saw boats starting in the river mouth, racing up towards the cosmo club, before heading further south, towards Papakura.
After an even start, Murray and Rob L, in the quicksilver took an early lead, with Rob K in the beachcomber, and Aaron, Gina, and kids in the cherry close behind. Beating upwind from Shark Island, the cherry crew hooked into a favourable shift early on, and took the lead, just ahead of the quicksilver.
After beating for a mile, these two boats were still within a few meters as they rounded the cosmo club marker, while the beachcomber had lost a little ground. On the flat run back out to Shark, the gaps remained fairly similar, as none of the boats could quite reach escape velocity and get planing properly.
The next leg, heading towards the Papakura motorway, was a very close reach, and with the breeze still just below planing conditions, the longer waterline of the beachcomber came into play, and Rob came charging up on the other two. Both 16 footers just managed to hold the front placings rounding the next mark, and then managed to maintain their advantage on the downwind leg. The next leg, again upwind, allowed the cherry to open up a bigger lead, mostly thanks to the others getting out of phase with the shifts.
From then on, the race became a procession, as the gaps were big enough that no-one could challenge the others.
The second race was just a windward-leeward sprint, starting and finishing in front of Wattle downs, to allow the beachcomber time to get back on the mooring before the tide ran away. Another even start saw the beachcomber leading the way, ahead of the quicksilver and cherry. approaching the windward mark, thats how the positions stayed, until all three boats got into the strong opposing tide. At this point, the cherry again managed to scrape around first, with the other two boats scrapping it out for second, just a few seconds behind. Downwind to the finish, the beachcomber and quicksilver were each trying to get past the other, which allowed the cherry an easy win, and in a photo finish, the quicksilver again managed to finish second, just barely ahead of the beachcomber.
Then the rain came, and we all ended up sailing back to the club sopping wet. But above all, it was a good day on the water, enjoyed by all who went out.
One more day, two more races, and the final results will be known.
The day dawned overcast and raining, with very little wind. By the time everyone was rigged and ready to go, the breeze was up to around 15 knots, and the rain had gone away for a bit.
Course 2 was chosen from the book for the first race, which saw boats starting in the river mouth, racing up towards the cosmo club, before heading further south, towards Papakura.
After an even start, Murray and Rob L, in the quicksilver took an early lead, with Rob K in the beachcomber, and Aaron, Gina, and kids in the cherry close behind. Beating upwind from Shark Island, the cherry crew hooked into a favourable shift early on, and took the lead, just ahead of the quicksilver.
After beating for a mile, these two boats were still within a few meters as they rounded the cosmo club marker, while the beachcomber had lost a little ground. On the flat run back out to Shark, the gaps remained fairly similar, as none of the boats could quite reach escape velocity and get planing properly.
The next leg, heading towards the Papakura motorway, was a very close reach, and with the breeze still just below planing conditions, the longer waterline of the beachcomber came into play, and Rob came charging up on the other two. Both 16 footers just managed to hold the front placings rounding the next mark, and then managed to maintain their advantage on the downwind leg. The next leg, again upwind, allowed the cherry to open up a bigger lead, mostly thanks to the others getting out of phase with the shifts.
From then on, the race became a procession, as the gaps were big enough that no-one could challenge the others.
The second race was just a windward-leeward sprint, starting and finishing in front of Wattle downs, to allow the beachcomber time to get back on the mooring before the tide ran away. Another even start saw the beachcomber leading the way, ahead of the quicksilver and cherry. approaching the windward mark, thats how the positions stayed, until all three boats got into the strong opposing tide. At this point, the cherry again managed to scrape around first, with the other two boats scrapping it out for second, just a few seconds behind. Downwind to the finish, the beachcomber and quicksilver were each trying to get past the other, which allowed the cherry an easy win, and in a photo finish, the quicksilver again managed to finish second, just barely ahead of the beachcomber.
Then the rain came, and we all ended up sailing back to the club sopping wet. But above all, it was a good day on the water, enjoyed by all who went out.
One more day, two more races, and the final results will be known.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Bumpy rides for the trailer yachts
Sunday 26th saw the second day of the Weymouth Yacht Club TY summer series, and what a day it was!
Before the start, it was decided that, in the light winds at the time, and with a favourable forecast, a course around and beyond the Wiri LPG terminal was a good idea.
As the local Waka Ama paddlers were out in force, we decided to start directly in front of the clubhouse, which was just off to the side of their course.
It would have been an impressive sight, with around ten Wakas, four racing yachts, and several sea scout boats all whizzing around, plus of course the local fisho's motoring in and out.
Of course, the breeze then started to build, and then build some more.
At the start, Aaron, sailing with six year old Ashley as crew in the Cherry, acted as gate boat, and with the breeze now up, they couldn't hold the boat down, so sailed the beat with no jib.
After almost a mile of beating, Murray and Ajith in the Quicksilver rounded the first mark just ahead of the two Rob's in the Beachcomber, with the Cherry a little further back in third, while Pete, sailing the Paper Tiger was just behind them, having turned back to rescue his hat!
The next part of the course was interesting, as the gusts off the headland laid most of the boats on their ear at some point. As this was a close reach, Pete put the hammer down on the cat and disappeared into the distance, rounding the LPG terminal a good ten minutes in front. This was more of a feat than it seems, as the waves out there were over a metre high by this stage, and the breeze approaching 20 knots.
Sadly for Pete, he rounded the terminal the wrong way, which meant he was not classed as a finisher in the race. On the way back, even though he was backing off quite a bit, the cat proved to be faster than the rescue boat on several occasions.
As the first trailer yachts approached the terminal, Murray still held a slight lead over Rob, with the Cherry, still with no jib, well behind in third.
Rounding the terminal, things went slightly wrong for Rob, and they lost a lot of ground, slipping back to the point where they rounded the next mark only just ahead of Aaron.
Turning downwind for the ride home, Murray now held a commanding lead, and would be unchallenged for the rest of the day. The beachcomber and the cherry started their usual drag race, and, with the wind now behind the boats, Aaron hoisted his jib, whilst Rob put up a bigger one.
The cherry, being lighter, planed most of the way back, slowly gaining on the beachcomber. Aaron decided to stay well to leeward, away from the shore, while Rob decided to go high, out of the tide.
Rounding the final mark before the finish, the cherry was just ahead, and managed to hold the lead to the finish.
So, after three races, we have had three winners. The rest of the series is shaping up to be great - join us for some more hot action!
Before the start, it was decided that, in the light winds at the time, and with a favourable forecast, a course around and beyond the Wiri LPG terminal was a good idea.
As the local Waka Ama paddlers were out in force, we decided to start directly in front of the clubhouse, which was just off to the side of their course.
It would have been an impressive sight, with around ten Wakas, four racing yachts, and several sea scout boats all whizzing around, plus of course the local fisho's motoring in and out.
Of course, the breeze then started to build, and then build some more.
At the start, Aaron, sailing with six year old Ashley as crew in the Cherry, acted as gate boat, and with the breeze now up, they couldn't hold the boat down, so sailed the beat with no jib.
After almost a mile of beating, Murray and Ajith in the Quicksilver rounded the first mark just ahead of the two Rob's in the Beachcomber, with the Cherry a little further back in third, while Pete, sailing the Paper Tiger was just behind them, having turned back to rescue his hat!
The next part of the course was interesting, as the gusts off the headland laid most of the boats on their ear at some point. As this was a close reach, Pete put the hammer down on the cat and disappeared into the distance, rounding the LPG terminal a good ten minutes in front. This was more of a feat than it seems, as the waves out there were over a metre high by this stage, and the breeze approaching 20 knots.
Sadly for Pete, he rounded the terminal the wrong way, which meant he was not classed as a finisher in the race. On the way back, even though he was backing off quite a bit, the cat proved to be faster than the rescue boat on several occasions.
As the first trailer yachts approached the terminal, Murray still held a slight lead over Rob, with the Cherry, still with no jib, well behind in third.
Rounding the terminal, things went slightly wrong for Rob, and they lost a lot of ground, slipping back to the point where they rounded the next mark only just ahead of Aaron.
Turning downwind for the ride home, Murray now held a commanding lead, and would be unchallenged for the rest of the day. The beachcomber and the cherry started their usual drag race, and, with the wind now behind the boats, Aaron hoisted his jib, whilst Rob put up a bigger one.
The cherry, being lighter, planed most of the way back, slowly gaining on the beachcomber. Aaron decided to stay well to leeward, away from the shore, while Rob decided to go high, out of the tide.
Rounding the final mark before the finish, the cherry was just ahead, and managed to hold the lead to the finish.
So, after three races, we have had three winners. The rest of the series is shaping up to be great - join us for some more hot action!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Inaugural TY race at Weymouth
Well, despite our best efforts, the fleet that turned up for the first race specifically for trailer yachts was only attended by the three local boats, which was a shame because the weather was perfect, and the racing was pretty intense too!
The first race, designated as course 3, started well, and Murray and Pete in the Quicksilver took an early lead on the downhill run after the start. Unfortunately, about a mile into the leg they suffered a broken rudderblade, which put them out for the day. At that point the beachcomber sailed by Rob and Ajith had an almost dead even placing with Aaron and Gina (plus kids) in the Cherry.
Rounding the first mark, the cherry managed to just get their nose in front, while the smaller jib chosen by the beachcomber guys was proving to be just a little too small in the lighter patches, leaving them underpowered on the beat, and losing ground. Halfway around the course, they changed up to the bigger one again,but it was too late, as the cherry took an easy victory.
The second race, sailed close to the Papakura motorway (course 4), was a much closer affair, as the big genoa did it's job, with both boats close together for the duration. Rob was seen doing a couple of 360's early on,after being knocked flat by sudden gusts. Each of these helped Aaron to get back in front. After an hour of racing, both boats were side by side, with around ten minutes of course left.
Rob lead going into the last mark, only to lose his advantage in a shift that favoured Aaron. Half way up the beat, both boats converged in a classic port/starboard, and Aaron managed to tack into a safe leeward position, executing what could be called a perfect lee-bow, slowing rob just enough to sneak ahead. Then it was Aaron's turn to get the wrong shift, and Rob managed to cross just in front again. With only around 100 metres to go, and one tack left, that was the end, as the beachcomber finished around 20 seconds ahead of the cherry.
So, that's how it stacked up on the first day, two good races, awesome weather, and even points. With the boats currently racing, line honours will count for series points, ratings will only be used if we get some visiting boats of different designs.
The first race, designated as course 3, started well, and Murray and Pete in the Quicksilver took an early lead on the downhill run after the start. Unfortunately, about a mile into the leg they suffered a broken rudderblade, which put them out for the day. At that point the beachcomber sailed by Rob and Ajith had an almost dead even placing with Aaron and Gina (plus kids) in the Cherry.
Rounding the first mark, the cherry managed to just get their nose in front, while the smaller jib chosen by the beachcomber guys was proving to be just a little too small in the lighter patches, leaving them underpowered on the beat, and losing ground. Halfway around the course, they changed up to the bigger one again,but it was too late, as the cherry took an easy victory.
The second race, sailed close to the Papakura motorway (course 4), was a much closer affair, as the big genoa did it's job, with both boats close together for the duration. Rob was seen doing a couple of 360's early on,after being knocked flat by sudden gusts. Each of these helped Aaron to get back in front. After an hour of racing, both boats were side by side, with around ten minutes of course left.
Rob lead going into the last mark, only to lose his advantage in a shift that favoured Aaron. Half way up the beat, both boats converged in a classic port/starboard, and Aaron managed to tack into a safe leeward position, executing what could be called a perfect lee-bow, slowing rob just enough to sneak ahead. Then it was Aaron's turn to get the wrong shift, and Rob managed to cross just in front again. With only around 100 metres to go, and one tack left, that was the end, as the beachcomber finished around 20 seconds ahead of the cherry.
So, that's how it stacked up on the first day, two good races, awesome weather, and even points. With the boats currently racing, line honours will count for series points, ratings will only be used if we get some visiting boats of different designs.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Hartley 16 Nationals 2012
Congratulations to Pronto, winners of the 2012 Hartley 16 NZ championships.
Pronto sails from MYMBC, and beat 19 other boats.
Well done guys!!
Read all about it here
Pronto sails from MYMBC, and beat 19 other boats.
Well done guys!!
Read all about it here
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Hartley TS14
I've just stumbled upon a Hartley TS14 for sale in Manurewa.
It's on a very good looking trailer (no WoF or Rego) and feels very well built. Could do with a lick of paint, but has roller furling jib, good main, and is very fair, with no unusual bumps or hollows.
email me on watersports@instruction.com if you're interested, and I'll give you the contact
details.
It's on a very good looking trailer (no WoF or Rego) and feels very well built. Could do with a lick of paint, but has roller furling jib, good main, and is very fair, with no unusual bumps or hollows.
email me on watersports@instruction.com if you're interested, and I'll give you the contact
details.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday Sunburst action
With most of the fleet away racing elsewhere for the long weekend, the few that turned up used the three club sunbursts for a bit of blasting around.
We had a new member-to-be, Ajith, who came out for his first ever sail, and then crewed for Aaron in the day's only race.
Conditions were trying, and one boat capsized early in the day. Once they recovered, the race was started.
Rob K sailed the red sunburst single-handed, and lead the race from the start.
Rob L, sailing with Codie in the white sunburst, held a very close second for the early part of the race, with Aaron and Ajith in the blue boat a bit further back after a bad start. This is how the positions stayed until the last beat, with some serious wind and a short, steep chop.
In the early part of the beat, where the wind was up but the water flat, Aaron and Ajith showed huge speed, and rapidly closed up on the other two, passing the white boat, and closing up to within a few feet of the lead.
As the boats hit the choppier water, their speed took a hammering, as they ploughed through the waves, shipping a lot of water.
At the finish, Rob K just managed to hold on, with Aaron and Ajith in second, with Rob L and Codie in third.
Everyone had a blast, and the stories flowed on for hours afterward.
In two weeks, we start our Trailer Yacht Summer Series. All welcome, we would especially like to see some of the less competitive classes, just coming out for a sail around. We'll have soft drinks and snacks available afterward too.
We had a new member-to-be, Ajith, who came out for his first ever sail, and then crewed for Aaron in the day's only race.
Conditions were trying, and one boat capsized early in the day. Once they recovered, the race was started.
Rob K sailed the red sunburst single-handed, and lead the race from the start.
Rob L, sailing with Codie in the white sunburst, held a very close second for the early part of the race, with Aaron and Ajith in the blue boat a bit further back after a bad start. This is how the positions stayed until the last beat, with some serious wind and a short, steep chop.
In the early part of the beat, where the wind was up but the water flat, Aaron and Ajith showed huge speed, and rapidly closed up on the other two, passing the white boat, and closing up to within a few feet of the lead.
As the boats hit the choppier water, their speed took a hammering, as they ploughed through the waves, shipping a lot of water.
At the finish, Rob K just managed to hold on, with Aaron and Ajith in second, with Rob L and Codie in third.
Everyone had a blast, and the stories flowed on for hours afterward.
In two weeks, we start our Trailer Yacht Summer Series. All welcome, we would especially like to see some of the less competitive classes, just coming out for a sail around. We'll have soft drinks and snacks available afterward too.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Trailer Yacht Action at Weymouth... Soon??
I have been chasing trailer yacht owners recently, with a view to establishing a racing fleet for the less competitive Auckland trailer yacht owner. After a bit of looking around, it would seem that most clubs have stopped hosting trailer yacht racing.
I am tentatively calling this a 16 footer squad, mainly because of our much loved harbour's shallow depth in places.
Of course any small trailer yacht will be welcomed.
We have a series of river and harbour races planned for next season, all starting from the Weymouth club.
In no way are we trying to step on the toes of MYMBC, merely offering a less serious alternative during the summer. I still recommend MYMBC as the best place to race trailer yachts during the winter months, as they have great launching facilities, and well organised racing. Plus, we don't have racing over the winter at present.
The boats I would love to see include old Hartley 16, Kestrel, Whiting 16, Moonraker 17, Tropic, Farr 5000, Davidson 16, Quintet 5, Young 5.2, Monarch, plus of course more Quicksilvers and Cherry's.
All of these would be ideal for the area we sail in, small and easy to handle, yet big enough to handle the semi-open waters heading towards Auckland Airport. And all similar speeds too!
Stay tuned for more.
I am tentatively calling this a 16 footer squad, mainly because of our much loved harbour's shallow depth in places.
Of course any small trailer yacht will be welcomed.
We have a series of river and harbour races planned for next season, all starting from the Weymouth club.
In no way are we trying to step on the toes of MYMBC, merely offering a less serious alternative during the summer. I still recommend MYMBC as the best place to race trailer yachts during the winter months, as they have great launching facilities, and well organised racing. Plus, we don't have racing over the winter at present.
The boats I would love to see include old Hartley 16, Kestrel, Whiting 16, Moonraker 17, Tropic, Farr 5000, Davidson 16, Quintet 5, Young 5.2, Monarch, plus of course more Quicksilvers and Cherry's.
All of these would be ideal for the area we sail in, small and easy to handle, yet big enough to handle the semi-open waters heading towards Auckland Airport. And all similar speeds too!
Stay tuned for more.
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