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​THE AVON AND THE OBBC ~ FINAL

21/4/2016

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It has been a case of carpe diem, for the OBBC project of going down the Avon River post Christchurch earthquake and the last stage was no exception! So, a fine autumn day, a high tide just on the turn was an opportunity not to be missed. The 15 April gave us these conditions and Wes Purvis, Warwick Stephens, Cyrus Berry and Hugh Hobden gathered at the edge of Kerrs Reach rowing course for the final assault on the Avon River – down to the Estuary.
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​The boats, two Shellback dinghies, an Acorn dinghy and Cyrus, ‘cheating’ with a kayak set off, sails up and a slow beat up the first stretch – Cyrus vanished way ahead. It was down rigs for the first bridge at Avondale Rd and a long row for the next section with the wind on the nose. Warwick with the smallest boat battling, to keep up with the Shellbacks, something to do with longer waterlines and oars with more sweep. Two more bridges, a bit concerning with large cracks on some of the piers, hope the engineers got it right after their earthquake examinations. A fairly weed free river, probably for the rowing fraternity and lots of black swans. Quite spooky going through the Red Zone with street names and roads gradually being taken over by foliage.

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The tide well on the turn by the time Brighton was reached and with a favourable turn in the river and an easy reach, it was up sails to the last bridge at Bexley. Wes prudently lowered the sprit of his Optimist rig; Warwick followed but judged it was OK to manage full sail under the bridge, even more remarkable, Hugh with the full Shellback rig sailed through with a bit of a heel to clear the bridge! This was the bridge that had been jacked up after the earthquakes – just for us? The tide well down now and plates and rudders had to be raised to make it to the Pleasant Point jetty.
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Cyrus does it hard – serve him right for getting so far ahead !

​Cars and trailers had been taken around earlier and to our dismay the barrier was across the access to the Estuary so a bit of trolley hauling was in order to get from the mud flats to the vehicles. Meanwhile Cyrus who had long vanished ahead, appeared with our trolleys BUT what he had not told us was getting stuck in the mud and having to haul the kayak over the mudflats, sinking up to his thighs!
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Team Picture !
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Thanks to Barbara Purves for backup support, pics and walnut loaf and coffee!
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LAKE HOOD CLASSIC BOAT RALLY 2016 by Hugh Hobden

3/4/2016

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A great collection of large and small classic boats made the trip to Lake Hood, Ashburton for this regatta. We were fortunate to have a benign day with gentle breezes and mild temperatures.

There are always surprises at these gatherings, the most unexpected boats arrive. This year the sail parade was graced by the immaculate, Oyster, a New Haven Sharpie built by Neville Watkinson which looks and sails like a million dollars. Neville tried to source plans in the USA without success but managed to draw out the lines and construction details from many other sources. He spent a 1000 hours on this handsome build. Another new comer was an International 14, Finito, owned by Craig Howie, this sailing dinghy represented the top end of dinghy racing during the 1950's and 60's in the UK. Cold moulded in mahogany, this is a solid no nonsense boat with a substantial sail area. The class never took off in NZ but was probably the inspiration for the R Class that began in Canterbury. 

Also representing larger classic craft were Merlin, a fantail clinker gaffer, (Andrew Hewitt,) Romney, a steam cutter, (Russell Ward) and Fiddlers Green, (Stephen Jarvis). Smaller boats included three Shellback dinghies, the Pelham dinghy of Bill Beere and two clinker Seagull powered craft. A Flying Fifteen and Fireball dinghy also showed their paces on the big lake.
Model boats were sailed in the canal area where most launched (and lunched!) for the day. Local J Class boats from Ashburton and the Christchurch Model Yacht Club raced round a set of buoys provided by local model maker and yachty, Peter Vincent.

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Conditions were ideal for a leisurely sail, no particular course was set but this didn't matter as it was a case of enjoying the day – the lake is well used by picnicking families with power boats, jet skis and kayaks scattered all around the lake.
Thanks to the Ashburton Sailing Club for hosting the event and providing the BBQ food. It is a unique place to sail. Noticed were the new housing and road developments with a new passive lake being developed to the north of the current lake.
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