Watched by a great group of local community supporters, a determined fleet of sailors, set off on a handicapped start for a fun afternoon on the lake – it was the 41st year for this New Year’s Day event on Lake Okareka.
The wind was variable - at times gentle and at times exciting as boats hummed and the spray flew! This set the scene for a display of skill and some tight competition; the first and second place getters vied throughout the race to cross the finish-line with only 30 seconds between them. The Hobie 16’s worked hard to capture the wind, and sailed a good race. The first Hobie across the line was placed 3rd with an elapsed time 11 minutes faster than the first laser.
Special congratulations to these top place getters:
The Bob van Boven Memorial Cup for Good Sportsmanship was awarded this year for the first time. The youngest race entrant Nick Mason sailing a Topper was the unquestionable awardee. Nick set off first on handicap and made rapid progress through the course, not deterred by a few capsizes. Nick is a budding sailor to watch! Congratulations to Nick!
Stella Weston was recognized for “hanging in”, as ballast for her brother and friend sailing a laser, as the smallest and coldest on board!
Special thanks as always, to Michael Smith and his support team for laying the course and for retrieving the buoys and for providing a support boat, a hall mark of his contribution to the race over many years. Michael has also sailed almost every race since the 1970’s.
Thanks go to the two race support boats - to crew Mike and Sandra Goodwin and to crew Tom Stapleton and Graham Prestige in Michael Smith’s boat. Not only did their presence on the lake give confidence to the younger sailors, but it also supported the health and safety plan that is now required for the race.
Once more, our very special thanks go to Telfer Marine Ltd, 236 Te Ngae Road (cr Hamiora Place) Rotorua Ph 07 345 9854, who donated a top quality life jacket as first prize. Their generosity is greatly appreciated.
We look forward to seeing everyone on New Year’s Day 2018 for the 42nd yacht race.
Christine Caughey
The wind was variable - at times gentle and at times exciting as boats hummed and the spray flew! This set the scene for a display of skill and some tight competition; the first and second place getters vied throughout the race to cross the finish-line with only 30 seconds between them. The Hobie 16’s worked hard to capture the wind, and sailed a good race. The first Hobie across the line was placed 3rd with an elapsed time 11 minutes faster than the first laser.
Special congratulations to these top place getters:
- 1st Nick Wrinch sailing a laser, was awarded The Dr Ron Caughey Cup. This is Nick’s second win having been placed first in the race of 2011.
- 2nd Harry Lusk sailing a Laser. Harry was winner of the 2014 race.
- 3rd Michael Smith and daughter/crew, Sharon sailing a Hobie 16. Michael took the Cup in 2006.
The Bob van Boven Memorial Cup for Good Sportsmanship was awarded this year for the first time. The youngest race entrant Nick Mason sailing a Topper was the unquestionable awardee. Nick set off first on handicap and made rapid progress through the course, not deterred by a few capsizes. Nick is a budding sailor to watch! Congratulations to Nick!
Stella Weston was recognized for “hanging in”, as ballast for her brother and friend sailing a laser, as the smallest and coldest on board!
Special thanks as always, to Michael Smith and his support team for laying the course and for retrieving the buoys and for providing a support boat, a hall mark of his contribution to the race over many years. Michael has also sailed almost every race since the 1970’s.
Thanks go to the two race support boats - to crew Mike and Sandra Goodwin and to crew Tom Stapleton and Graham Prestige in Michael Smith’s boat. Not only did their presence on the lake give confidence to the younger sailors, but it also supported the health and safety plan that is now required for the race.
Once more, our very special thanks go to Telfer Marine Ltd, 236 Te Ngae Road (cr Hamiora Place) Rotorua Ph 07 345 9854, who donated a top quality life jacket as first prize. Their generosity is greatly appreciated.
We look forward to seeing everyone on New Year’s Day 2018 for the 42nd yacht race.
Christine Caughey
