AKAROA CLASSIC BOATS REGATTA
3rd and 4th November 201The 2018 Classic Boat Regatta almost didn't happen, entries were few and far between at the end of October and adding to the uncertainty were new requirements by the City Council to have liability insurance, another cost for us. What made the regatta go ahead were the 25 entries received including participants Julian Crane (Motueka), Peter Murton (Nelson) and Russell Cloake (Lumsden).
The weekend kicked off with an evening meal at the Grand Hotel on Friday. This was very well attended and gave everyone a chance to mix and mingle. We were promised a windy NW day for Saturday's main event which proved to be the case initially. After a show and tell session where the provenance of each boat was given – always interesting, the briefing followed with an excellent outline of procedure by RO Roger France who is a very experienced administrator, well done Roger. Ian Kington gave an outline of safety requirements i.e. signing in and out on the entry sheet and rescue procedures. We are very grateful to Simon Rutherford providing his RIB as pick up and lead boat. A weight off our minds as Simon is also very experienced, running his KORE sailing and outdoor education business.
And the sailing parade made a grand sight along the waterfront and around French Bay, keeping well clear of strong winds in the outer harbour. It was gusty to begin with and many boats opted to reef at the start however the wind died away with many left with slating sails and no way on. Ian Jackson with his own designed sailing/pulling boat got away well and was not seen again, so far ahead! However, those behind enjoyed a gentle sail around French Bay, some little slippery boats doing very well indeed.
The BBQ at Camp Taylor, Takamatua was appreciated by all, thanks to BBQ King, Warwick Stevens, Barbara Purves, Joan Beer and Judith Stevens. Followed by award presentations and a very entertaining, talk by Nigel Cook on his epic journey to Montana to build a boat in a week and float down the mighty Missouri River. (Next year the Mississippi perhaps?) A very laconic speaker with a dry wit with a great opening intro – “I set off to America with an idea and three screwdrivers!”
And the awards for this year’s event were:
Whalers Trophy – Best boat on show
Heidi – Welsford Navigator, Peter Murton, Nelson
Own design and build
Matuku – 14’ sailing/pulling boat, Ian Jackson, Christchurch
Classic replica boat new build
Swallow -Welsford Scamp, Julian Crane, Motueka
Best restored – motor
Poppet – clinker dinghy, Dan Ralph, Woodend
Furthest Travelled
Scamp – restored motor boat 40yrs+, Russel Cloake, Lumsden
Also, our grateful thanks to:
We all look forward to next year's event.
3rd and 4th November 201The 2018 Classic Boat Regatta almost didn't happen, entries were few and far between at the end of October and adding to the uncertainty were new requirements by the City Council to have liability insurance, another cost for us. What made the regatta go ahead were the 25 entries received including participants Julian Crane (Motueka), Peter Murton (Nelson) and Russell Cloake (Lumsden).
The weekend kicked off with an evening meal at the Grand Hotel on Friday. This was very well attended and gave everyone a chance to mix and mingle. We were promised a windy NW day for Saturday's main event which proved to be the case initially. After a show and tell session where the provenance of each boat was given – always interesting, the briefing followed with an excellent outline of procedure by RO Roger France who is a very experienced administrator, well done Roger. Ian Kington gave an outline of safety requirements i.e. signing in and out on the entry sheet and rescue procedures. We are very grateful to Simon Rutherford providing his RIB as pick up and lead boat. A weight off our minds as Simon is also very experienced, running his KORE sailing and outdoor education business.
And the sailing parade made a grand sight along the waterfront and around French Bay, keeping well clear of strong winds in the outer harbour. It was gusty to begin with and many boats opted to reef at the start however the wind died away with many left with slating sails and no way on. Ian Jackson with his own designed sailing/pulling boat got away well and was not seen again, so far ahead! However, those behind enjoyed a gentle sail around French Bay, some little slippery boats doing very well indeed.
The BBQ at Camp Taylor, Takamatua was appreciated by all, thanks to BBQ King, Warwick Stevens, Barbara Purves, Joan Beer and Judith Stevens. Followed by award presentations and a very entertaining, talk by Nigel Cook on his epic journey to Montana to build a boat in a week and float down the mighty Missouri River. (Next year the Mississippi perhaps?) A very laconic speaker with a dry wit with a great opening intro – “I set off to America with an idea and three screwdrivers!”
And the awards for this year’s event were:
Whalers Trophy – Best boat on show
Heidi – Welsford Navigator, Peter Murton, Nelson
Own design and build
Matuku – 14’ sailing/pulling boat, Ian Jackson, Christchurch
Classic replica boat new build
Swallow -Welsford Scamp, Julian Crane, Motueka
Best restored – motor
Poppet – clinker dinghy, Dan Ralph, Woodend
Furthest Travelled
Scamp – restored motor boat 40yrs+, Russel Cloake, Lumsden
Also, our grateful thanks to:
- To all our participants who travelled from near and far – your commitment and enthusiasm was much appreciated
- Assistance given by CCC staff in Christchurch and Akaroa
- Hollie Hollander, Promotions Officer, Akaroa
- Dave Deavoll for printing our posters designed by Bret de Thier
- Dave Johnstone for ongoing management of our web page
We all look forward to next year's event.