----- Original Message -----

From: Russell Harray

To: (Address removed)

Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 6:54 PM

Subject: [blokart] Auckland Teams Racing

Well it's all over. The predicted wind didn't arrive so everyone had 5.5s up and those without them borrowed from other competitors. We used a short course and only one match race at a time. We ran 2 divisions of 4 teams and then the top 2 from each went through for a sail off.

It wasn't a heavy weight day but most teams had enough lightweights to be competitive and the racing was very even.

The early team arrive around 8 for set up and Theo and crew arrived about 8.30 having driven up from the Bay of Plenty. Must have been an early start! Roads were blocked off, tents went up, start system organised and we were ready to go.

We started with briefing at 10 and then a postponement until we got wind but a chance for tea, coffee and lots of food which continued throughout the day.

Got under way in light wind, had to a abandon a few races as it became variable but a good chance to mix up, swap ideas and make our way through all the food. Tony B kept the races ticking over and we finished the first round robin about 2 pm. Started the sail offs but ran out of time. Got some photos and had one all in race - about 35 on the start line - which Haydn ended up taking out from Barry and Ross L.

We sorted through the results to work out the places with Flyers getting third, Shooters dropping to second on a count back and V Team taking out the event in grand style. Good tactics and sailing all day, dropping only one race. The trophy now has a new home.

Interesting that 3 out of the top 4 teams had school sailors in them which shows the progress they are making in the club.

We finished with prize giving about 4 pm. Another successful event, great fun even if the wind didn't fully co-operate.

Thank goodness for 5.5s!

 

V Team: Tony, Grant, Barry, Fraser, Bill

Shooters: Margy B, Russell, Nick, Lucy, Jude

Flyers: Haydn, Neil, David H,Trevor H, Rowena

 

Thanks to the travellers from The BBC and Hamilton, it just wasn't a heavy weights day.

Thanks to the start/finish team who were faultless in making it all happen and getting points out immediately after each race; Tony B, Trish, Bev, Rosie, and Lu. I think you enjoyed it as much as the sailors from the look of it (photos to follow).

Thanks to Bruce and Jenny for organising the food and making the barbeque happen and Jon and Rosie for the most welcome drinks from Frucor. No one went hungry or thirsty!

Graham organised three tents, what a great bonus these were, and very easy to use, up in about 10 minutes. Long may they last.

Overall a very enjoyable day. Bring on the next one.

 

Russell

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