Five Junior Sailors took up the offer to go racing on a yacht at the Hobsonville Yacht Club Closing Day Race. Alice Raea went on Eye Spy, Brooke and Poppy went on Nona, Jack Drake went on Blue Beat and Emma Brockes went on Waterwitch. Thank you to Trev May, Denise Ellis, Gary Swain and Gary Matthews, skippers and owners of the aforementioned yachts, for kindly taking out children who have limited experience on the yachts. The three Young88s had some very close racing on the first couple of laps with Eye Spy and Blue Beat changing positions a few times, chasing on the heels of Nona, who gradually crept away to a commanding lead. Nona's lead increased throughout the race, with both Poppy and Brooke taking it in turns to helm like true professionals. Jack did some very cunning distraction tactics on Eye Spy by talking non stop to anyone within earshot! Oh dear at that stage Mindbender managed to sneak past Eye Spy. Emma had a more peaceful time on Waterwitch, who was one of the last to start on the Mark Foy handicap system. The light conditions didn't really suit the longer and heavier yacht and despite flying her huge spinnaker she made little inroads on the little, lighter boats at the front. It was Young88 weather with them taking the first four places. Well done to Nona, first over the line, fastest time around the course and best dressed pirate crew at the Prizegiving. John must have felt outnumbered, but judging by the smile on his face 5 females to 1 male works well on a yacht. The next Junior Sailing is on Saturday 14th May at 10am, HW at 13.38. Please either email or text Gill if you plan to come. |