Originally sent by: Russell
Warm, sunny and plenty of wind to finish off the winter series. It couldnt have been a better day with for the final race day of the Auckland Winter Series. Most were sailing in t-shirts and enjoying the 12–15 knts of breeze. The direction was WSW, ideal for the park, giving a true beat at the start and a fast leg down to the second car park and back. Most blokarters were hitting about 50 km/hr down this stretch before having to button off a bit for the 180 degree turn into the car park. There were no tips but quite a few punctures with the fast cornering on the hard surface wearing off tyre tread quickly. Each division had 6 races giving 16 for the whole series. There were a few missing on the day, about 30 in total with a couple of new owners turning up for a look and a sail at the end. Welcome along and to the club, Ian and Ken. The racing was fast and furious with some daredevil manoeuvres in the starting area to hit the line at the right spot and still going fast. After the first lap the blokarters often ended up match racing their closest competitor in order to maintain their race position. A small mistake could mean the loss of a couple of places. Everyone is very close on speed now with a couple of the new sailors placing well. Wayne and Dave, not long into the sport, had good speed all day and look to be competitive in this wind range. Just wait until we get 20 knts! The full blown carbon mast has made a difference for those that have taken the plunge especially in the over 85 kg division. I know there are more orders on the way after yesterdays racing. The under 85 kg class had changing fortunes with Grant, Marg, Ross Vickers, Haydn, Graeme, Ross Ludwig all fighting it out for the top placings. There was often only a few seconds between the first few over the line. Line honours went to Haydn and Ross. The over 85 kg class had 4 winners out of 6 races although one winner was disqualified for over at the start. Very close racing for the top spots with Dave, John, Alex, Allan, Grant, Bruce, Neil and Russell all fighting it out for top 3 placings. Dave and Russell tended to get the best starts but didnt have it their own way at the first mark with sneaky tactics playing a bit of a role. A couple of close calls with right of way sorted the men from the boys. Alex John Dave and Russell got to the line first in the 6 races. The results will be on the website in a day or so with much interest in the handicap area as the wind meant the normal race front runners werent looking too good on handicap, the bunch was often only a few seconds behind. Overall just about the perfect race day.
Thanks to Jenny for running the starts and organising timing and to Bruce for the barbeque at the end of an all in self handicapping race. Im sure I won it but there was so much cheating from everyone (actually Grant and Ross) that it was hard to tell. Make sure you go to the website for entry to Auckland Champs at Labour weekend and twilight series on Thursday night once we get daylight saving.
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