A perfect day for sailing capped off a very successful Regatta at Akaroa this year with a gratifying number of 23 boats taking part. A mixture of older restored and replica craft took part and the rigged boats made a great display when assembled on the Akaroa Recreation Ground. Sail was the dominant theme but there were powered craft ranging from Seagull powered dinghies to an immaculate gentleman's runabout. Those taking part tend to be older small boat sailors with a love for the boats they sailed in their youth! The Judge for this event was Melvyn Selwood who had the task of finding the best of the various classes on display. As well as these categories there was a people's choice award which was well subscribed by the general public many of whom were attracted by the assembled boats and sails flapping in the breeze. They often tagged along as we held the “Show and Tell” moving along the assembled boats where the owners gave a brief run down on what their boat was all about.
Akaroa turned on a perfect day, warm with a south west wind that fluctuated from mild to fresh at times. The fleet that joined the ‘race’ (that wasn't a race but rather a parade) was kept as close as possible to the shore along the Akaroa waterfront, sailing around conveniently placed buoys and a large moored catamaran. There was a serious start made by the three Shellback dinghies vying for the best spot while others bided their time to be clear of a crowded start. The runabout Arnold of Roger France was again the lead and pick up boat for this sail and fortunately only had to lead the first boats to the next mark. Buoys were often missed or taken the wrong way but this didn't matter as it was not a race, right! It was great to have two Ness Yawls, George (John Hodge) from Nelson and Trondra (Ian Milne) from Dunedin taking part. They offered a great sight when under way in a freshening breeze.
After all boats had been packed up everyone was invited to our barbecue this year based at Chisnallwood Intermediate School's Camp Taylor at Takamatua. We are grateful for the use of this magnificent facility which has a perfect setting and facilities for such an event. After the meal we retired to the Hall for the Prize Giving and two talks by Ray Shoebridge and Neil McLennan, both were very topical and very well received. Ray's ordeal on the Wairarapa coast in his classic A Class keeler Manutara some years ago was appreciated and Neil gave us a very interesting update on the Lyttelton Port developments since the earthquakes. Thanks to you both.
Sunday was a go slow day, patchy weather and most headed home or went into Akaroa for coffee after the camp had been tidied up.
As usual our thanks go to Peter Braithwaite for his organisation and planning, he was tearing his hair out two weeks prior to the day with only seven entries but everything came together making it a great event.
PRIZE LIST
Concours d’elegance or Best Boat Overall (Whalers Trophy)
Janet K (Clinker dinghy – replica) Bill Nicholson - Prebbleton
SAIL- in original condition
Edmund Fitzgerald (Fireball) Kees Tabak – Christchurch
Over 40 years old, restored
Patricia Too (Frostbite -1940’s) Paul Pritchett – Church Bay
Replica of a classic traditional design
Gem (Pelin –Gemini) Bill Beere - Christchurch
Replica of a classic traditional design
The Clinker (Sailing cutter) Andy Gillies – Christchurch
Rowing
Janet K (Clinker dinghy – replica) Bill Nicholson - Prebbleton
Motor powered - Over 40 years, restored
Arnold (Fibreglass runabout – 1950’s) Roger France - Christchurch
1. People’s Choice
Trondra (Yawl – replica) Ian & Alison Milne - Dunedin
OTHER PRIZES
Most distance travelled to Akaroa
George (Ness Yawl – replica) John Hodge - Nelson
Loyal Supporters
Martin Wellby Windlass – Southbridge Neil McLennan Kaiarahi – Christchurch Hugh Hobden Pipi – Christchurch
Akaroa turned on a perfect day, warm with a south west wind that fluctuated from mild to fresh at times. The fleet that joined the ‘race’ (that wasn't a race but rather a parade) was kept as close as possible to the shore along the Akaroa waterfront, sailing around conveniently placed buoys and a large moored catamaran. There was a serious start made by the three Shellback dinghies vying for the best spot while others bided their time to be clear of a crowded start. The runabout Arnold of Roger France was again the lead and pick up boat for this sail and fortunately only had to lead the first boats to the next mark. Buoys were often missed or taken the wrong way but this didn't matter as it was not a race, right! It was great to have two Ness Yawls, George (John Hodge) from Nelson and Trondra (Ian Milne) from Dunedin taking part. They offered a great sight when under way in a freshening breeze.
After all boats had been packed up everyone was invited to our barbecue this year based at Chisnallwood Intermediate School's Camp Taylor at Takamatua. We are grateful for the use of this magnificent facility which has a perfect setting and facilities for such an event. After the meal we retired to the Hall for the Prize Giving and two talks by Ray Shoebridge and Neil McLennan, both were very topical and very well received. Ray's ordeal on the Wairarapa coast in his classic A Class keeler Manutara some years ago was appreciated and Neil gave us a very interesting update on the Lyttelton Port developments since the earthquakes. Thanks to you both.
Sunday was a go slow day, patchy weather and most headed home or went into Akaroa for coffee after the camp had been tidied up.
As usual our thanks go to Peter Braithwaite for his organisation and planning, he was tearing his hair out two weeks prior to the day with only seven entries but everything came together making it a great event.
PRIZE LIST
Concours d’elegance or Best Boat Overall (Whalers Trophy)
Janet K (Clinker dinghy – replica) Bill Nicholson - Prebbleton
SAIL- in original condition
Edmund Fitzgerald (Fireball) Kees Tabak – Christchurch
Over 40 years old, restored
Patricia Too (Frostbite -1940’s) Paul Pritchett – Church Bay
Replica of a classic traditional design
Gem (Pelin –Gemini) Bill Beere - Christchurch
Replica of a classic traditional design
The Clinker (Sailing cutter) Andy Gillies – Christchurch
Rowing
Janet K (Clinker dinghy – replica) Bill Nicholson - Prebbleton
Motor powered - Over 40 years, restored
Arnold (Fibreglass runabout – 1950’s) Roger France - Christchurch
1. People’s Choice
Trondra (Yawl – replica) Ian & Alison Milne - Dunedin
OTHER PRIZES
Most distance travelled to Akaroa
George (Ness Yawl – replica) John Hodge - Nelson
Loyal Supporters
Martin Wellby Windlass – Southbridge Neil McLennan Kaiarahi – Christchurch Hugh Hobden Pipi – Christchurch
LAKE HOOD
A reminder that the Ashburton Sailing Club invites the Classic Boats group to join them at Lake Hood next Sunday, 22 November.
A reminder that the Ashburton Sailing Club invites the Classic Boats group to join them at Lake Hood next Sunday, 22 November.
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