| WES IN THE WARS Our best wishes go to Wes Purves who is recovering well from the weekend’s most noteworthy mishap (Isn’t there always one?). Wes was launching his Joel White Shellback dinghy, Oky Dorey at Akaroa’s public ramp when a sudden gust brushed Wes off the adjacent elevated walkway. Wes reached for the handrail, but there wasn’t one, so he toppled into the waist-deep water. He’s not sure of the details (unsurprisingly), but thinks he landed head first on the rocky bottom. At some point on his descent he managed to bash his face and take a gouge out of his right thumb. Some of our group went to Wes’ aid immediately and the local constable was on the scene very quickly. From then on Wes was in good hands and taken directly to the medical centre. While he was there, his car keys were recovered and handed in by some locals. His (by now worthless) phone (with a good collection of boat pictures on it!) had to wait for low tide to be returned to its owner. By Takamatua barbecue time Wes was feeling a lot better and is photographed here with a yarn to tell and a beer to enjoy!. |  |
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 It’s been a tumultuous year in more ways than one. Our regatta this year followed form too. With the possibility of reduced numbers due to Covid restrictions and the significant cost of using the Akaroa Recreation Ground we decided to base our event at Chisnallwood Intermediate’s School’s outdoor camp at Takamatua. This was a successful move, especially being able to socialise.
The late tide and a blustery NW complicated sailing, however RO Roger France had it covered and outlined sailing conditions at the morning briefing, promising lighter wind conditions in the evening. Boats were trailered to the Akaroa launching ramp and rigged mid afternoon for a 3pm start.. It was still quite gusty and many decided to sit it out on shore.There was a diversion when Wes Purvis’s Shellback, on its way to the ramp, caught a sudden gust and was launched 2m on to the beach. Even worse was Wes, taking photographs from the finger wharf, took a step back and fell on to the rock retaining wall and into the rising tide. A very bruised and bloodied Wes was rescued and dispatched to theMedical Centre with the welcome assistance of Snr Constable Anita Osborne from Akaroa Police, Everyone was so relieved that there were no broken bones...or worse. (The Shellback had minor abrasions) So in spite of this drama, three boats faced the start at Daley’s Wharf, Hugh Hobden’s Shellback Pipi, Bill Beere’s Pelin Gem and Neil McLennan’s Wellsford, Janette. The wind was fresh but manageable. A circular course, in the inner harbour, marked by the harbour’s 8KPH markers, was ideal and as Roger predicted the wind became lighter and lighter. A hollow victory for the Shellback with full sail. It was good to see Russell Cloake’s Little Honey and Nigel Cook’s Radley also enjoying the improving conditions under motor. The social side was well supported at the camp that evening with the excellent catering services of Pat Braithwaite and family who provided a great BBQ and supper. A big thanks.This was able to be held in the outside eating area and we repaired inside for the Prize Giving and speakers.. Winners of the Whalers Trophy were Craig and Alex Howie, deserving so because their International 14, Finito, is a true classic from the 1950’s in original condition. They had a late sail after the race in ideal conditions. The Speaker(s) for the evening were all those gathered! Names were drawn out of the hat and each speaker was given three minutes to talk about “things nautical”. What great stories ! Mind you Nigel Cook’s song “Taranui on the Main Trunk Line” stretched credibility ! Russ Cloake from Mossburn on piano and Nigel, on guitar, entertained to end the evening. Special thanks also to our pick up boats, the Akaroa Sailing Club RIB, Simon Rutherford, Grant (Sky) Lomax and Sean Braithwaite on his jetski. Chisnallwood Intermediate for the use of Camp Taylor and all its wonderful facilities. We will be back! |
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