Winter Series kicks off with squalls

Published 17:28 on 23 May 2022

Race 1 of the 2022 GHYC / WBC Winter Series set off with panache this morning, once again giving World Class conditions out in the Hauraki Gulf. 30 boats signed up for this series & this morning they presented a magnificent vista south of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.

A 10am race start had our crews heading out from Gulf Harbour Marina & down the Weiti River towards the Start-boat Toyshop. John & Linda Parrish - our Race Officers, set the startline adjacent to the Yellow Gulf Harbour Mark giving a decent upwind leg away from the land. The day commenced with blue skies, fluffy cumulonimbus clouds & calm waters - however with a building breeze from the West, the turbulent skies had different plans than maintaining these champagne conditions for the duration of the race.

Patiko aced the White Division start, whilst the rest of the fleet were a little more conservative for their first race of the series. First around the top mark was Big Kahoona, with those boats who took the left making better gains. A few extras were hoisted around the triangular component of the course. The second upwind was equally favoured to the left with the White Division going the extra distance to the top mark & into the calmer waters under the cliffs of Long Bay. The downwind section had a few more extras hoisted, & several goose wingers & some good speeds as the breeze built. The final upwind leg to the finish presented the fleet with ominous dark grey skies. Auckland City - which, ever present in the distance, disappeared & soon the fleet was engulfed with a squall that threw 30knts of wind, sideways rain & a 45 degree windshift to the south.

Back in the clubrooms many stories were shared of the different strategies employed to weather this squall , with a few boats limping to the finish with a list of 'To-do's' to solve before WBC Race 2. A cracking first race of this competitive series setting up great expectations for a great season. A big shout out to Sarah & her crew Megan on Chase, who set the course & probably experienced the elements in a rawer form than most the crews. The Yacht Club was abuzz with stories accompanied by a sausage sizzle manned by Graeme & Lynn, a quenched thirst with thanks from Gill & Richard driving the Bar. Thanks to our Sponsors for this series: Liquid Laundromats & Neptune's gear who both offer some generous prizes & local benefits.
Results : Line Honours - Big Kahoma White Division :
3rd- Big Kahoona, 2nd- Memphis, 1st- Patiko

3rd - C McGuire, 2nd - Steelers Wheel, 1st - Mix T Motions

Last updated 09:19 on 20 February 2024