Congratulations to all entrants for sailing a great race at this community event - it was the 40th consecutive New Year race.
We were fortunate that the storm sweeping the country was tardy in reaching Okareka, enabling the race to take place. It did however create conditions that could only be described as the ―calm before the storm! Winds were light with treacherous pre-storm gusts. Sailors had to be on their toes and several capsizes were noted!
Special congratulations go to the first 3 place getters:
1st Place Simon and Tim Bell sailing a Maricat 14
2nd Place George van Boven, Scottie, & young crew, sailing Bob’s trailer sailor
3rd Place Michael Smith with crew Lukas and Jonty sailing a Hobie 16
For Simon and Tim Bell this was their second consecutive year in first place! Special prize for courage was awarded to Jacob Winstone, (crew of father Tim) who, in a Laser, survived his first capsize.
Special thanks go to Mike Smith and his support team for laying the race course and for retrieving the buoys and more - tasks that Mike has so willingly undertaken over many years. Thanks also to Denis Goodwin and to others for their essential race support, in providing standby rescue boats! Appreciation also goes to Areti Metuamate who has been the race time-keeper over at least six years.
Very particular thanks go to Grant and Shona Telfer, the owner/operators of Telfer Marine Ltd, 236 Te Ngae Road (cnr Hamiora Place) Rotorua Telephone 07-345-9854. Telfer Marine has supported the race over a number of years by donating the first prize - a top quality life jacket. This long-standing tradition is greatly appreciated.
We look forward to seeing everyone next year for the 41st yacht race.
Christine Caughey/Areti Metuamate
We were fortunate that the storm sweeping the country was tardy in reaching Okareka, enabling the race to take place. It did however create conditions that could only be described as the ―calm before the storm! Winds were light with treacherous pre-storm gusts. Sailors had to be on their toes and several capsizes were noted!
Special congratulations go to the first 3 place getters:
1st Place Simon and Tim Bell sailing a Maricat 14
2nd Place George van Boven, Scottie, & young crew, sailing Bob’s trailer sailor
3rd Place Michael Smith with crew Lukas and Jonty sailing a Hobie 16
For Simon and Tim Bell this was their second consecutive year in first place! Special prize for courage was awarded to Jacob Winstone, (crew of father Tim) who, in a Laser, survived his first capsize.
Special thanks go to Mike Smith and his support team for laying the race course and for retrieving the buoys and more - tasks that Mike has so willingly undertaken over many years. Thanks also to Denis Goodwin and to others for their essential race support, in providing standby rescue boats! Appreciation also goes to Areti Metuamate who has been the race time-keeper over at least six years.
Very particular thanks go to Grant and Shona Telfer, the owner/operators of Telfer Marine Ltd, 236 Te Ngae Road (cnr Hamiora Place) Rotorua Telephone 07-345-9854. Telfer Marine has supported the race over a number of years by donating the first prize - a top quality life jacket. This long-standing tradition is greatly appreciated.
We look forward to seeing everyone next year for the 41st yacht race.
Christine Caughey/Areti Metuamate
