Another successful community yacht regatta was enjoyed on Lake Okareka; it was the 39th consecutive New Year race. Conditions were warm and balmy in a very slow breeze. There were several old time competitors who returned after a number of years away. This included three of the prize-winners, Simon and Tim Bell, Frank Vogels and Bill Humphrey and more. Simon and Tim were keen competitors as small kids and returned, now years later, to take first place sailing their Maricat 14. Warmest congratulations for a great sail. They were stoked after never quite making first place as youngsters.
Congratulations to all entrants for sailing a great race – no capsizes noted – and some keen competition.
Special congratulations go to the first 4 place getters:
1st Place Simon and Tim Bell sailing a Maricat 14
2nd Place Frank Vogels sailing a Paper Tiger (1st place in 1989 & 1991)
3rd Place Don Shanks in a Laser
4th Place Alan McNeil in a Laser
Special prize for perseverance was awarded to Bill Humphrey.
Thanks to Bob van Boven for his skilled organization for yet another year of the race. He also took on the unenviable task of refining the handicapping for the Mark Foy beach start.
Special thanks go to Denis Goodwin and his support team for laying the race course and for retrieving the buoys and more - tasks that Denis has so willingly undertaken over a number of years. Special thanks also go to Areti Metuamate who has been the race time-keeper over at least five years.
Very particular thanks also go to Shaun Bowyer of Telfer Marine Ltd, 236 Te Ngae Road (cnr Hamiora Place) Rotorua telephone 07 345-9854 for once more supporting the race and for donating a top quality adult life jacket as first prize. Telfer Marine’s sponsorship of the yacht race has become a longstanding tradition and is greatly appreciated. Shaun and his family have lived for a number of years at Okareka.
We look forward to seeing everyone next year for the 40th yacht race and to growing the base of young sailors – P’s – Opti’s – Starlings and more. This will ensure the longevity of this longstanding community regatta at Lake Okareka.
Christine Caughey/Areti Metuamate
Congratulations to all entrants for sailing a great race – no capsizes noted – and some keen competition.
Special congratulations go to the first 4 place getters:
1st Place Simon and Tim Bell sailing a Maricat 14
2nd Place Frank Vogels sailing a Paper Tiger (1st place in 1989 & 1991)
3rd Place Don Shanks in a Laser
4th Place Alan McNeil in a Laser
Special prize for perseverance was awarded to Bill Humphrey.
Thanks to Bob van Boven for his skilled organization for yet another year of the race. He also took on the unenviable task of refining the handicapping for the Mark Foy beach start.
Special thanks go to Denis Goodwin and his support team for laying the race course and for retrieving the buoys and more - tasks that Denis has so willingly undertaken over a number of years. Special thanks also go to Areti Metuamate who has been the race time-keeper over at least five years.
Very particular thanks also go to Shaun Bowyer of Telfer Marine Ltd, 236 Te Ngae Road (cnr Hamiora Place) Rotorua telephone 07 345-9854 for once more supporting the race and for donating a top quality adult life jacket as first prize. Telfer Marine’s sponsorship of the yacht race has become a longstanding tradition and is greatly appreciated. Shaun and his family have lived for a number of years at Okareka.
We look forward to seeing everyone next year for the 40th yacht race and to growing the base of young sailors – P’s – Opti’s – Starlings and more. This will ensure the longevity of this longstanding community regatta at Lake Okareka.
Christine Caughey/Areti Metuamate
