1st Phantasy 2nd Eye Spy 3rd Elan 4th Nona. Race Report from Nona The forecast for the day was “fresh” winds and that was so. With one crew member down with a stomach bug it was Mark Patterson and I who headed up to Taikata and listening to NOW forecasting- 34 at Bean Rock ..mmmmmm. The sail selection. What shall we hoist. A quick look at the sea state, very lumpy and it was decided. A reef and number two, and as we were two handed, start 3 mins early. No spinnakers (Bugger?) The course was Rhona, Chelsea Red, Rhona and home with a brisk SW. We set off and as we rounded Kauri Point ...yep, it was going to be a long day. Off the wind we two sailed/rolled down to Rhona with the fleet behind hoisting spinnakers. Elan ahead of us with his 8 crew put up a pretty red and blue spinnaker that once set sent him powering ahead. We rounded Rhona just behind Bill and headed out towards Watchman Island then tacked to hopefully tack advantage of a less boisterous sea state closer to shore and have starboard tack advantage when we headed to the next mark. The sea was only marginally softer. Tack and head to Chelsea Red and there is Bill again just ahead of us ready to round. We give him room and we both go round neatly and safely and head back to Rhona. Back around Rhona and hard on the wind again, I am lamenting the lack of crampons to help me get to the windward side of boat and still remain in contact with the tiller. Several tacks were needed to get around Kauri Point including a crash tack to avoid a CCYC boat who on port and we on starboard seemed undersided in his intensions. Better to be safe than sorry. Around Kauri Point and a slight cracking of the sheets headed to Hobsonville for a well earned beer for Mark and ginger beer for me. Thanks to the CCYC start boat and crew, fellow competitors and Jo on the BBQ. Last but not least, Jamie for doing the presentation (just needs a little polish – Jamie) Nona Race report from Eye Spy. Plenty of wind on Sunday……… Crew today was JK, John Emm and Big Joe. We decided on full main and No.2 headsail and set off to the start line at Taikata. CCYC all had two on board as they wee racing the ”Jack n Jill”. Most were reefed but the fully crewed boats from HYC held full main. We jibed to the start line only to notice the port head sheet was not through the block……damn. We tacked round and got it sorted to find we were crossing the line at 13 minutes instead of 12. Oh well……we need to find a way to make up time. The course was No.3 which was start to Rhona to pile buoy back to Rhona and finish. Our well laid plan was to run the small kite on the long leg to Rhona. Fly full main on the beat back to Pile. Gull wing back to Rhona. Reef main and beat back home. Everything went to plan apart from the reef on the homeward leg. A congested bottom mark meant our hands were full and we promptly distracted so we beat home somewhat over-powered. From Kauri point on we were glad of the extra sail area as sheets were cracked. Midway to the finish line at HYC we were passed by Phantasy. Satisfaction, who were enjoying the sailing so much that they continued to Hobby as well also cruised past. The heavier conditions suited the heavier boats but I think the Eye Spy did a valiant job keeping them honest. Well done to the crew. Nona went two handed which appeared to be a fairly tough day in the office. Elan appeared to have the best part of the Beach-haven population on board……..try that on “Isis” Jamie! Thanks to Joe and her helpers for the aftermatch grub. 1st Phantasy, 2nd Eye Spy, 3rd Elan and 4th Nona. A great afternoon had by all……….. |
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