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 Yacht racing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yacht racing. 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.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Weymouth 2013 Opening Sprints
Today saw the formal start to the 2013-14 racing season at Weymouth Yacht Club, in Manurewa, greater Auckland.
Four short races were held, with a wide variety of boats, in quite light, testing conditions, which improved throughout the day.
The first race was a short affair, and the three Lasers opened up a sizable lead on the rest of the fleet, however it was Angela in the Starling, finishing fourth on the water, who took the handicap honours.
Aaron, sailing with two year old daughter Cailey as crew, was third Laser for most of the race, but found some luck on the final beat, passing Rob and Pete as they sat in a windless hole.
Seven year old Ashley, sailing in a plastic Optimist dinghy, sailed the entire course on her own, with no outside help. This was quite an achievement, having only ever sailed on her own once before. New member Neil also deserves mention here, as it was also the first time he had ever raced in a sailing boat.
With Aaron, Cailey, and Ashley out for race two, the fleet was closer together, and this time Angela showed that a good start really helps, as she lead the Lasers for most of the first leg. In time, of course, the Lasers were able to catch and pass the starling, however it was Gina, sailing her Topper, that got the eventual win.
Race three was a very close fought affair, as Rob and Pete match raced around the course leading the fleet, whilst Gina in the Topper, and Angela in the Starling, sailed their own races, and once the handicaps were applied, there were just a few seconds between the top four boats. The two ladies also finished only seconds apart on the water, right behind the Lasers.
In the final race of the day, Neil had finally figured out the unique starting system, and the entire fleet got clean, fast starts, and kept very close together.
After the racing there was a sausage sizzle, and a few other members turned up to chat.
Special thanks go out to our volunteers, Murray, Roger, and Simon. Without you, today would not have been the success it was.
Full results now up on the club website, in the results section.
Four short races were held, with a wide variety of boats, in quite light, testing conditions, which improved throughout the day.
The first race was a short affair, and the three Lasers opened up a sizable lead on the rest of the fleet, however it was Angela in the Starling, finishing fourth on the water, who took the handicap honours.
Aaron, sailing with two year old daughter Cailey as crew, was third Laser for most of the race, but found some luck on the final beat, passing Rob and Pete as they sat in a windless hole.
Seven year old Ashley, sailing in a plastic Optimist dinghy, sailed the entire course on her own, with no outside help. This was quite an achievement, having only ever sailed on her own once before. New member Neil also deserves mention here, as it was also the first time he had ever raced in a sailing boat.
With Aaron, Cailey, and Ashley out for race two, the fleet was closer together, and this time Angela showed that a good start really helps, as she lead the Lasers for most of the first leg. In time, of course, the Lasers were able to catch and pass the starling, however it was Gina, sailing her Topper, that got the eventual win.
Race three was a very close fought affair, as Rob and Pete match raced around the course leading the fleet, whilst Gina in the Topper, and Angela in the Starling, sailed their own races, and once the handicaps were applied, there were just a few seconds between the top four boats. The two ladies also finished only seconds apart on the water, right behind the Lasers.
In the final race of the day, Neil had finally figured out the unique starting system, and the entire fleet got clean, fast starts, and kept very close together.
After the racing there was a sausage sizzle, and a few other members turned up to chat.
Special thanks go out to our volunteers, Murray, Roger, and Simon. Without you, today would not have been the success it was.
Full results now up on the club website, in the results section.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
2013 Manukau Regatta
Today was the annual Manukau shield challenge, hosted this year by French Bay Yacht Club.
66 boats faced the starters flags, with visitors from Maraetai, Manukau, Panmure Lagoon, and Weymouth clubs, as well as twelve-foot skiffs from Auckland Sailing Club. Two races were sailed, each lasting just over an hour.
Maraetai also provided some extra safety cover, in the form of three RIB's.
The weather gods turned on yet another perfect day, with temperatures in the mid to high twenties, and wind ranging between 5 and 15 knots. The water was fairly flat, although once the tide started running out, the chop started to build.
The on-water action was really hot, with everyone having a good tussle with the boats around them.
I was busy with the Laser fleet, where we had 12 boats. Most were sailing with standard rigs, although a few opted for the radial rig.
The wind shifted part-way through the starting sequence of the first race, making the start line a bit biased to the left, although looking up the course showed what seemed to be a right hand shift. This resulted in most of the fleet starting on the left end, while me and a few others went out on the right.
There didn't seem to be a lot in it, as at the top mark I rounded as the first of the right-siders, in fifth place but right behind the leaders.
Don won this race quite easily in the end, setting the standard for the rest of the fleet.
Race two saw a much more orderly start, and Chantal picked it right, taking first around the top mark, with me in second. We then took off down the reach, heading in the wrong direction! This dropped us down the order a tiny bit, although both still in contention.
The final results showed PLSC sailors taking the top three places, with Don winning both races.
Looking forward...
The shield challenge seems to have lost its glory and prestige, with very few eligible clubs sending teams to compete in recent years. Ineligible clubs have been sending large numbers of boats, with Taikata sendng several boats to Weymouth last year, and PLSC sending good numbers today.
One must wonder, therefore, whether the shield should be re-defined, and such clubs allowed entry.
66 boats faced the starters flags, with visitors from Maraetai, Manukau, Panmure Lagoon, and Weymouth clubs, as well as twelve-foot skiffs from Auckland Sailing Club. Two races were sailed, each lasting just over an hour.
Maraetai also provided some extra safety cover, in the form of three RIB's.
The weather gods turned on yet another perfect day, with temperatures in the mid to high twenties, and wind ranging between 5 and 15 knots. The water was fairly flat, although once the tide started running out, the chop started to build.
The on-water action was really hot, with everyone having a good tussle with the boats around them.
I was busy with the Laser fleet, where we had 12 boats. Most were sailing with standard rigs, although a few opted for the radial rig.
The wind shifted part-way through the starting sequence of the first race, making the start line a bit biased to the left, although looking up the course showed what seemed to be a right hand shift. This resulted in most of the fleet starting on the left end, while me and a few others went out on the right.
There didn't seem to be a lot in it, as at the top mark I rounded as the first of the right-siders, in fifth place but right behind the leaders.
Don won this race quite easily in the end, setting the standard for the rest of the fleet.
Race two saw a much more orderly start, and Chantal picked it right, taking first around the top mark, with me in second. We then took off down the reach, heading in the wrong direction! This dropped us down the order a tiny bit, although both still in contention.
The final results showed PLSC sailors taking the top three places, with Don winning both races.
Looking forward...
The shield challenge seems to have lost its glory and prestige, with very few eligible clubs sending teams to compete in recent years. Ineligible clubs have been sending large numbers of boats, with Taikata sendng several boats to Weymouth last year, and PLSC sending good numbers today.
One must wonder, therefore, whether the shield should be re-defined, and such clubs allowed entry.
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.
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.
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 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
Friday, April 13, 2012
Decent exposure
After the moderate success of the Regatta, I managed to get a full report in Yachts And Yachting, possibly the best sailing mag on the planet.
It's basically the two blog posts, stuck together and edited to make sense.
View it here...
http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/162518/Manukau-Regatta-in-Auckland
And yes, I'm proud of my achievements!
It's basically the two blog posts, stuck together and edited to make sense.
View it here...
http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/162518/Manukau-Regatta-in-Auckland
And yes, I'm proud of my achievements!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Trailer Yachts at Weymouth
Following a quick text-round last night, Three trailer yachts assembled at the club in the early morning to have a bit of a practice before next weeks summer series starts.
Sailing with families, Aaron and Gina were in the Cherry, while Rob was in the beachcomber, and Murray was in the quicksilver.
In the first race, Murray established a commanding lead on the long reach across the river, only to have a halyard failure, and lose the use of his jib. This allowed Rob and Aaron to both get past on the beat up river. The cherry then built up a sizable lead, saying "Cherryo", and was never headed. Rob got through to second in this one, with Murray third.
All three boats then went ashore, so the halyard could be repaired.
Once back afloat, the action continued. This time, again, the quicksilver opened up quite a lead early on, with Rob in second, and Aaron back in third. In the lightening breeze, Aaron went right on the beat, while Murray and Rob both went left. Aaron hooked into some nice fresher breeze, and started gaining. Part way up the beat, and in nice breeze, the cherry hit the front, and then hit the mud! After dragging for maybe 200m, they cleared the mud, and, incredibly were still ahead, just. The quicksilver was close behind in second, while the beachcomber was struggling for speed upwind in the light conditions.
Rounding the top mark for the last time, the cherry went for a poled out jib, and slowly eased further in front.
Two from two for the cherry today, however it doesn't matter, as our real series starts next Sunday at 11:30 in the morning.
Good fun was had by all, and we all hope for a much bigger fleet next weekend.
Sailing with families, Aaron and Gina were in the Cherry, while Rob was in the beachcomber, and Murray was in the quicksilver.
In the first race, Murray established a commanding lead on the long reach across the river, only to have a halyard failure, and lose the use of his jib. This allowed Rob and Aaron to both get past on the beat up river. The cherry then built up a sizable lead, saying "Cherryo", and was never headed. Rob got through to second in this one, with Murray third.
All three boats then went ashore, so the halyard could be repaired.
Once back afloat, the action continued. This time, again, the quicksilver opened up quite a lead early on, with Rob in second, and Aaron back in third. In the lightening breeze, Aaron went right on the beat, while Murray and Rob both went left. Aaron hooked into some nice fresher breeze, and started gaining. Part way up the beat, and in nice breeze, the cherry hit the front, and then hit the mud! After dragging for maybe 200m, they cleared the mud, and, incredibly were still ahead, just. The quicksilver was close behind in second, while the beachcomber was struggling for speed upwind in the light conditions.
Rounding the top mark for the last time, the cherry went for a poled out jib, and slowly eased further in front.
Two from two for the cherry today, however it doesn't matter, as our real series starts next Sunday at 11:30 in the morning.
Good fun was had by all, and we all hope for a much bigger fleet next weekend.
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
Monday, January 23, 2012
Auckland Trailer Yachts at Weymouth
Our inaugural Trailer Yacht summer series kicks off in just under three weeks.
Here are the confirmed dates:
Here are the confirmed dates:
Sunday February 12, Briefing at 11:30am, Start 12 noon.
Sunday February 26, Briefing at 11:30am, Start 12 noon.
Sunday March 11, Briefing at 11:30am, Start 12 noon.
Sunday March 25, Briefing at 11am, Start 11:30am.
We have seven races scheduled, including one long harbour race, which will be chosen on whichever day has the best wind/ weather/ forecast.
Courses will be decided on the day, sailing area for most courses to be between the Wiri LPG terminal, and the Papakura motorway.
Entry is open to all trailer yachts and large dinghy's, however due to the harbour having shallow areas, we are aiming for smaller, slower yachts such as kestrels and similar.
Come on down and join in, entry is free, and you might find it really enjoyable!
Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are available after sailing.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Laser Nationals
Good luck to the four sailors from PLSC heading to Wellington for the 2012 NZ Laser National Championships.
New Zealand has always had some of the world's top Laser sailors at the Nationals, and I know that some of the PLSC guys are getting pretty close too.
Do the small clubs proud guys!
I'm hoping for some updates here as the series goes on.
New Zealand has always had some of the world's top Laser sailors at the Nationals, and I know that some of the PLSC guys are getting pretty close too.
Do the small clubs proud guys!
I'm hoping for some updates here as the series goes on.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Another great day at Weymouth
Another great days fun racing was had by all at WYC today.
A small but quality fleet of seven boats fronted to start the first race, in 20+ degrees, flat water, and fresh 12-15 knot winds.
We had a couple of Sunbursts, a Paper Tiger cat, and one each of Starling, Topper, Frostbite, and NZ Moth. On paper it should have been an easy win for Pete in the cat, followed by Rob in the moth, and then it would be anyone's guess to pick the finishing order, as all the rest of the fleet share the same handicap.
In practise it was a different story, as a windward-leeward course was set, to minimise the cat's advantage.
In the first race, Keith in the frostbite and Murray in the sunburst took advantage of some race-rust on the part of the other competitors, and got a jump right off the startline. Rob took a quick dip a second after crossing the start, as the moth tried to shed it's rider. The others all had to play catch-up from then on.
Around the first mark, Keith had a small lead over Murray, with Angela in the Starling up in third, and Gina in the Topper close behind in fourth. With a big downwind leg ahead, it looked like the battle of the girls was about to get interesting, but as Gina gybed, the kicking strap tore out of the mast, so her race was done. Rob in the Sunburst and Pete in the PT were next, followed by Rob in the Moth.
For the rest of the race, the order didn't really change, except for Pete finding the gas pedal, and pulling through to third place, just ahead of Angela.
In the second race, the start was much more hotly contested,with Rob K, Angela, Murray, and Keith all crossing the line right on the gun. Murray got his nose in front just before the top mark, and had a big battle with Keith, and Rob, to hold on to the lead. Angela couldn't quite keep up with these three in the conditions, but stayed pretty close. The moth grew its wings in this one, and although Murray did his best, Rob flew past, and got into second, as Keith just got the win.
A third race was started, but no official results were recorded. On the water, it was the PT just heading off the Frostbite, with the Sunburst and Moth close behind. Rob L, in the other sunburst, and Angela in the Starling both had involuntary dips courtesy of a windy flat run.
After the sailing, everyone was smiling ear to ear, and vowed to return.
Things are looking up, with the fleet slowly building in size, and beautiful sailing conditions. Come on down and join the fun - you can even get a fizzy drink and choccy bar afterward!
A small but quality fleet of seven boats fronted to start the first race, in 20+ degrees, flat water, and fresh 12-15 knot winds.
We had a couple of Sunbursts, a Paper Tiger cat, and one each of Starling, Topper, Frostbite, and NZ Moth. On paper it should have been an easy win for Pete in the cat, followed by Rob in the moth, and then it would be anyone's guess to pick the finishing order, as all the rest of the fleet share the same handicap.
In practise it was a different story, as a windward-leeward course was set, to minimise the cat's advantage.
In the first race, Keith in the frostbite and Murray in the sunburst took advantage of some race-rust on the part of the other competitors, and got a jump right off the startline. Rob took a quick dip a second after crossing the start, as the moth tried to shed it's rider. The others all had to play catch-up from then on.
Around the first mark, Keith had a small lead over Murray, with Angela in the Starling up in third, and Gina in the Topper close behind in fourth. With a big downwind leg ahead, it looked like the battle of the girls was about to get interesting, but as Gina gybed, the kicking strap tore out of the mast, so her race was done. Rob in the Sunburst and Pete in the PT were next, followed by Rob in the Moth.
For the rest of the race, the order didn't really change, except for Pete finding the gas pedal, and pulling through to third place, just ahead of Angela.
In the second race, the start was much more hotly contested,with Rob K, Angela, Murray, and Keith all crossing the line right on the gun. Murray got his nose in front just before the top mark, and had a big battle with Keith, and Rob, to hold on to the lead. Angela couldn't quite keep up with these three in the conditions, but stayed pretty close. The moth grew its wings in this one, and although Murray did his best, Rob flew past, and got into second, as Keith just got the win.
A third race was started, but no official results were recorded. On the water, it was the PT just heading off the Frostbite, with the Sunburst and Moth close behind. Rob L, in the other sunburst, and Angela in the Starling both had involuntary dips courtesy of a windy flat run.
After the sailing, everyone was smiling ear to ear, and vowed to return.
Things are looking up, with the fleet slowly building in size, and beautiful sailing conditions. Come on down and join the fun - you can even get a fizzy drink and choccy bar afterward!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Coming up soon....
Saturday 14/1/2012.
Weymouth YC has training at 12 noon
Waiuku YC has Holiday racing at 1:30pm
FBYC has training at 1pm
Sunday 15/1/2012.
Weymouth YC has racing at 2pm
Manukau YMBC has the last race of series B at 3pm.
Waiuku YC has holiday racing at 2pm
FBYC has racing at 2pm
PLSC has match racing at 11:30am on Sunday.
Pakuranga has nothing planned.
Looks like a busy weekend for those keen enough to travel, we could theoretically visit Waiuku for racing on Saturday, PLSC Sunday Morning, and then race somewhere on the Manukau in the afternoon!
For me it'll probably be PLSC in the morning, and Weymouth in the afternoon.
Weymouth YC has training at 12 noon
Waiuku YC has Holiday racing at 1:30pm
FBYC has training at 1pm
Sunday 15/1/2012.
Weymouth YC has racing at 2pm
Manukau YMBC has the last race of series B at 3pm.
Waiuku YC has holiday racing at 2pm
FBYC has racing at 2pm
PLSC has match racing at 11:30am on Sunday.
Pakuranga has nothing planned.
Looks like a busy weekend for those keen enough to travel, we could theoretically visit Waiuku for racing on Saturday, PLSC Sunday Morning, and then race somewhere on the Manukau in the afternoon!
For me it'll probably be PLSC in the morning, and Weymouth in the afternoon.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Today's fun at Weymouth
A small but keen fleet assembled today to join in the new years racing.
We had sunbursts, a starling, a topper, and a visiting frostbite.
As all these boats are similar speeds, a simple triangle course was laid, with a gate start.
In the first race, Keith in the Frostbite had a great start and first beat, closely followed by the two Sunbursts. He held onto the lead for the first lap, with Aaron and Ashley in the first Sunburst slowly closing the gap. Around half way up the second beat, Aaron and Ashley's traveller tore out of the boat, and their race was done. Keith turned back briefly to offer assistance, only to allow Rob and Pete to snatch the lead. They held the lead for most of the race then, but lost it on the last beat, allowing Keith through for the win.
Aaron came back out in the topper for the second race, with the same course. This time Rob and Pete got the best start, followed by Keith. Aaron, and Codie (in a starling) were slightly off the line. Aaron was almost right next to Keith when Keith had a knot failure, and lost control of his mainsheet. On a favourable shift, Aaron got to the top mark first, just ahead of Rob and Pete. This race then became a procession, with no overtaking at all.
After the racing was finished, Aaron and Rob had a couple of short sprint races, each getting one victory.
The second half of the season if off to a great start, with a lot of interest from prospective new members, and both Pete and Keith have interested friends, so things are looking up! Come on down and join the fun - the program is on our website ( link at top of the page) or check in here on a friday and most of our events will be listed.
We had sunbursts, a starling, a topper, and a visiting frostbite.
As all these boats are similar speeds, a simple triangle course was laid, with a gate start.
In the first race, Keith in the Frostbite had a great start and first beat, closely followed by the two Sunbursts. He held onto the lead for the first lap, with Aaron and Ashley in the first Sunburst slowly closing the gap. Around half way up the second beat, Aaron and Ashley's traveller tore out of the boat, and their race was done. Keith turned back briefly to offer assistance, only to allow Rob and Pete to snatch the lead. They held the lead for most of the race then, but lost it on the last beat, allowing Keith through for the win.
Aaron came back out in the topper for the second race, with the same course. This time Rob and Pete got the best start, followed by Keith. Aaron, and Codie (in a starling) were slightly off the line. Aaron was almost right next to Keith when Keith had a knot failure, and lost control of his mainsheet. On a favourable shift, Aaron got to the top mark first, just ahead of Rob and Pete. This race then became a procession, with no overtaking at all.
After the racing was finished, Aaron and Rob had a couple of short sprint races, each getting one victory.
The second half of the season if off to a great start, with a lot of interest from prospective new members, and both Pete and Keith have interested friends, so things are looking up! Come on down and join the fun - the program is on our website ( link at top of the page) or check in here on a friday and most of our events will be listed.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
The RSA Regatta is coming!!
Panmure Lagoon Sailing Club is holding the annual RSA Regatta on February 26.
This is an essential part of the season for any serious laser sailor, and attracts competitiors from all over Auckland, and beyond.
Go to plsc.org.nz and follow the links under Race Program.
A copy of the NOR is also available in the news box on the Weymouth YC homepage.
After being forced to withdraw two days before the event with a torn MCL last year, expect me to turn up. If I can get really motivated, I may even bring my "A" game! It hasn't seen light of day in about 4 years, so probably should get a stir up, just to make sure it's still there!
This is an essential part of the season for any serious laser sailor, and attracts competitiors from all over Auckland, and beyond.
Go to plsc.org.nz and follow the links under Race Program.
A copy of the NOR is also available in the news box on the Weymouth YC homepage.
After being forced to withdraw two days before the event with a torn MCL last year, expect me to turn up. If I can get really motivated, I may even bring my "A" game! It hasn't seen light of day in about 4 years, so probably should get a stir up, just to make sure it's still there!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Weymouth Yacht Club Easter Regatta
Saturday April 7
Dinghy sprint race series
All sailing dinghies welcome to take part in four sprint races, in three divisions, with the top three in each division going into a mark-foy type grand final. $5 entry, or free with Sunday entry.
Sunday April 8
Manukau Regatta
Mixed fleet racing in junior, senior, and Trailer Yacht divisions, with eligible clubs competing for the Manukau Shield.
Open to members of any YNZ affiliated club. Entry $20 seniors, $10 juniors.
Food and drinks available.
Saturday participants will get a free soft drink and sausage.
Come along and join the fun.
Dinghy sprint race series
All sailing dinghies welcome to take part in four sprint races, in three divisions, with the top three in each division going into a mark-foy type grand final. $5 entry, or free with Sunday entry.
Sunday April 8
Manukau Regatta
Mixed fleet racing in junior, senior, and Trailer Yacht divisions, with eligible clubs competing for the Manukau Shield.
Open to members of any YNZ affiliated club. Entry $20 seniors, $10 juniors.
Food and drinks available.
Saturday participants will get a free soft drink and sausage.
Come along and join the fun.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Weymouth Trailer Yacht Summer Series
Here are some proposed dates for a summer racing series for trailer yachts and bigger dinghies at Weymouth YC.
Sunday February 12 Briefing 11:30, Start 12 noon.
Sunday February 26 Briefing 11:30, Start 12 noon.
Sunday March 11 Briefing 11:30, Start 12 noon.
Sunday March 25 Briefing 11:00, Start 11:30am.
Two races each day, on one day there will be a long harbour course. Day and course to be determined according to the weather.
These should give anyone interested a decent chance to try out our local patch before the Manukau Regatta on April 8.
And don't forget we hope to have dinghy sprint races on Saturday the 7th as well, with some decent prizes up for grabs, and entry is free for Regatta participants. $5 for others. Entry includes a drink and a sausage!
Sunday February 12 Briefing 11:30, Start 12 noon.
Sunday February 26 Briefing 11:30, Start 12 noon.
Sunday March 11 Briefing 11:30, Start 12 noon.
Sunday March 25 Briefing 11:00, Start 11:30am.
Two races each day, on one day there will be a long harbour course. Day and course to be determined according to the weather.
These should give anyone interested a decent chance to try out our local patch before the Manukau Regatta on April 8.
And don't forget we hope to have dinghy sprint races on Saturday the 7th as well, with some decent prizes up for grabs, and entry is free for Regatta participants. $5 for others. Entry includes a drink and a sausage!
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