Sailing Office Report

• November 12: The previous day’s wild storm cleared to picture postcard scenery for the rally to Rocky Bay, Waiheke Island. Champagne sailing all the way on port tack in shorts and T-shirts was hard to beat.

Terminator led the way, and we were soon ashore. Pleased to report, next to no rubbish was found in our beach clean, although Tyson (Pink Cadillac) managed to pull out some nylon fishing line encrusted in seaweed. A brief shower heralded a wind change, so as the rising westerly buffeted the dinghies, the fleet transferred to shelter in Huruhi Bay to listen to the Black Ferns winning the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Line: Terminator – John Faire Handicap: 1st, Enjoy the Silence – Rick Menalda; 2nd, Pink Cadillac – Basil Orr; 3rd, Alacalufe – Rodger Jack.

A big thank you to MV Affinity – Mike Malcom and team – for two turns at Race Management and especially to Dave West from the Sailing Office for fabulous photos.

• December 3: Forecasts for this race to Mullet Bay on the east side of Motutapu promised a lightwind broad reach, but the weather had its own mind, and the event took place in a building north-east breeze, requiring a beat from start to finish. The 16 yachts were accompanied by Past Commodore Steve Burret in his launch V.

Carl Whiting on Emotional Rescue quickly pulled ahead, and gradually extended all the way to the finish, completing the course in just under two hours. They were chased by ‘the judge’ in Terminator and the leading two-handed entry The Black Pearl. with a number of close battles throughout the fleet.

While the race committee calculated the results aboard Mike Malcolm’s launch, Affinity, the participants headed ashore for a beach clean, followed by BBQ and drinks. Handicap: 1st, Enjoy the Silence; 2nd, Warringa; 3rd, The Black Pearl

Now we’re all preparing for our Christmas cruises with friends and family. Remember to contact Slowtilla – Hamish Williams, phone 027 475 4762 – to sail north in company before the holiday season.

Have a fabulous time and look after the sea, our playground, by avoiding losing anything overboard that fish wouldn’t normally eat in their own environment.

The Black Pearl finished 3rd in the December rally. – Dave West photo

• Rally dates for 2023: Feb 18; March 18; April 1 (no joke!); April 7-9, Easter Rally • Cruising contacts: Mike Malcolm, Murray Deeble, Ross McKee, Sheryl Lanigan, Matt Cole.

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