All colours of the rainbow

Published 15:47 on 21 Nov 2022

Race 1 of AA Solar Gulf Series set off this morning with a downwind transit start from Gulf Harbour: Start GH Buoy (S) Marine-Nth (P) McKenzie Buoy (P) - GH Buoy (P) - Finish. Extras were hoisted for the first two legs with Memphis leading the pack after their strong start at the Frenchman Cap end of the line.
Hijinx took a bold move out into the bay that didn't pay-off, whilst the boats carrying symmetrical kites allowed for a more direct route towards Rangitoto lighthouse and benefitted from the compression of the breeze with the land. With the white kites at the front pairing up, the two purple kites had a close encounter in the middle and the goose-wingers brought up the rear, the race turned into a game of two halves. Hijinx this time set-out towards the landward side of the course, whilst the rest of the fleet went further offshore. The shifty conditions certainly made for a tricky windward leg. Two-handed, Satisfaction gradually reeled in the Big Kahoona crew, pipping them to the post in the final leg with some good upwind tussling with Hijinx taking line honours.
Back in the safe-haven of the marina, the thunderous clouds bore down and conveniently hosed the top decks. Shout-out to Cherry - RO on board Patiko. Podium positions - Satisfaction 1st, Patiko 2nd, Fast Lane 3rd

Last updated 07:46 on 19 May 2025