It was indeed a lazy Sunday, after a cool start the sun came up and we were treated to a benign autumn day for the Classic Boats Rally on Lake Hood, near Ashburton. As usual there was a great mix of about 20 craft for the event, mostly sail and a good display of model boats, power and sail convened by Peter Vincent from Ashburton. The south end of the lake has trees and easy launching into the lake via temporary slip provided by the Ashburton Sailing Club. The area was a great picnic venue for the many families, friends and supporters who made the trip to enjoy the setting and mild weather. Our website pictures, kindly supplied by Barbara Purves and Dave Johnstone really tell the story of a memorable day.
After the morning display craft there was the usual Parade/Race for the sailors starting at the bottom of the lake from the start boat Mapu skippered by Paul Pritchett, one of the larger trailer boats launched that day. The wind was a patchy northerly but enough to make sailing pleasant. The slim double ender of Sandy Powell made the most of it and slipped around the first mark with a Wagstaff/Pururi Moth in close attendance. It was a fairly short course so the RO sent everyone round again and after that many headed to the lake bankside for a spot of afternoon tea.
Participants had come from all over Canterbury but the most travelled were Ian and Alison Milne from Dunedin as well as Russell Cloake from Mossburn in Southland with his interesting small classic inboard motor boat.
Thanks to all the faithful and new for attending, it is so different sailing on a freshwater lake. Also our thanks to the Ashburton Sailing Club for hosting our event, providing buoys and barbecue facilities for the day.
Hugh Hobden
After the morning display craft there was the usual Parade/Race for the sailors starting at the bottom of the lake from the start boat Mapu skippered by Paul Pritchett, one of the larger trailer boats launched that day. The wind was a patchy northerly but enough to make sailing pleasant. The slim double ender of Sandy Powell made the most of it and slipped around the first mark with a Wagstaff/Pururi Moth in close attendance. It was a fairly short course so the RO sent everyone round again and after that many headed to the lake bankside for a spot of afternoon tea.
Participants had come from all over Canterbury but the most travelled were Ian and Alison Milne from Dunedin as well as Russell Cloake from Mossburn in Southland with his interesting small classic inboard motor boat.
Thanks to all the faithful and new for attending, it is so different sailing on a freshwater lake. Also our thanks to the Ashburton Sailing Club for hosting our event, providing buoys and barbecue facilities for the day.
Hugh Hobden