The Tamaki Estuary Cascade event on Saturday November 23rd had a 10 to 18 knot SW wind and incoming tide. Lloyd Perratt, Doug Ferguson, Claudio Barbuzza and Bruce Kendall beach started. They used the new format which had no restrictions from channel markers.
Racing was reasonably close between Doug and Bruce to the NZ rowing club, and there were some lead changes until they got close to Otahuhu Sailing Club where Bruce was able to comfortably round the rounding point well in front.
On the race back to Big Bucklands Beach, at Pakuranga Creek, Bruce pulled out to go back to see why the support boat had stopped, but found David Tangye and Ross Smith had not changed over fuel tanks before the first tank ran out. Bruce’s detour meant he was too far behind to catch Doug who won the race back to the finish. Bruce finished second, Lloyd 3rd and Claudio was a close 4th.
On the Sunday, the Motu Challenge event to Motukorea [Browns Island] had 12 to 18 knot SW winds. The regular fleet of Claudio, Doug, Lloyd and Bruce was increased by Sofia Currie, Andy Currie and Ryan Pausina.
David Tangye and Steph Kendall were in the support boat and got the best images and video we have got so far of the Windsurfer LT in champagne sailing conditions.
The handicap beach start saw the fleet start in around 18 knots downwind to Crater Bay. Bruce pulled out of the race just after the start to stay with Sofia to coach her through a new experience while the rest of the fleet, followed by the support boat, bombed it out to the finish on the beach. Doug arrived first with Lloyd close after.
Everyone had lunch and a drink before walking to the highest point on the island, followed by visiting the Golden Bell frogs in the abandoned water catchment tank which had been used by the home stead and farm. Golden Bell frogs are the largest and most commonly seen frogs in NZ. They originate from Australia where they are now an endangered species. This strong colony is now unusually strong as the water supply is stable and they are protected from predators by a bird proof wire fence and a pest trapping program.
A handicap start off the beach (based on ability) sent the fleet downwind to race around the navigational tower light, then a reach to the naval buoy and up wind back to Big Bucklands Beach. The biggest surprise was Ryan’s scooting away from Doug and Lloyd to round the Tower well in front and closing quickly on Claudio who was leading the fleet at Navy Buoy.
Sofia had the luxury of a support boat ride for the up wind ride home.
The Waiheke Ferry provided a bit of excitement for Ryan and Bruce who crossed it’s stern with Ryan showing real sail flipping skills in the swirling wind without falling off.
Bruce finished first at the beach with Doug then Claudio and Lloyd not far behind.
Bruce went straight back to swap equipment with Andy so Andy could try well tuned equipment and learn from Bruce’s technique. Fortunately, Steph and David were close by to video the technique and speed difference to be used by all for improvement.