On Saturday 26th September the Junior sailors had the opportunity to have a sail on the big yachts. Waterwitch, Nona and Eye Spy, skippered by Gary Matthews, Denise Ellis and Trevor May kindly offered to take out anyone who wanted to have a longer sail on the Upper Waitamata Harbour. Gary and Waterwitch crewed by Niall, picked up junior sailors Jackson and Mac accompanied by their dads, Andy and Dave. Andy had a secret plan to find out what Gary's secrets are for making Waterwitch go so fast in CCYC races, but alas, Waterwitch was in cruising mode, so no trade secrets escaped. Denise and Nona took Harrison out and they showed the rest of the yachts a clean pair of heels (or maybe it was just a clean bum), and took off towards the Harbour Bridge at great speed. They were closely followed by Trev and Eye Spy, with Mackenzie and her Dad, Stuart, who is more at home with an engine to drive the boat, rather than sails. They showed a very dirty bum to Waterwitch as they passed us by Kauri Point, and proceeded to try and catch Nona. Nona reached the bridge, just, before the wind failed completely, and turned round to let the tide bring her back to join the others. All three yachts fired up the "donk" and set off for home arriving back at the moorings about 1600hours. A great afternoon on the water and many thanks to Gary, Denise and Trev for taking the time to share their beautiful yachts with Some budding sailors. If any of the Junior sailors want another ride on a yacht, they are most welcome to come racing, as part of a racing crew, on the Opening Day Race, 1100hours start on Saturday 3rd October. Please contact Gill Moore if you want to come so that she has time to organise a yacht for you to go on. Otherwise the Junior Sailing Programme kicks off on Friday 9th October at 1700hours, with a great variety of dinghies potentially able to get out on the water. We now have seven Optis, two Sunbursts, a Topper Taz and two Omegas! The two new Omega dinghies, loaned to the Club by YNZ, look great fun and will give us the chance to run some adult learn to sail courses too. If any club members want to get involved helping with the Junior Sailors, please offer your expertise to either Gill Moore or Gary Matthews. Gybo Gill Dinghy Sailing Coordinator  |
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