The Inaugural Double Run! Race

Both divisions started at 0900 hours -
Division 1 (Gulf Series) starting from Gulf Harbour in light SW winds.
Division 2 (Cruising Division) starting from Kawau, also in light SW winds.

Forecasts were for strengthening blustery SW to W winds - forecasts which, for once, proved accurate!

Division 1 - Eight yachts left the Gulf Harbour line with 'Nakoni' working the light breeze showing 'Planet X' the way to Tiri Channel.
As the breeze built Planet X showed her speed with the rest of the fleet in close contact.
Passing Kawau we lost 'Lorenz' and 'Minaret' to the attraction of Bon Accord Harbour but at sea Cantilta was working her kite nicely to keep contact with the bigger boats.
After Cape Rodney the change of wind angle and fresher breeze gradually spread out the boats with line honours going to 'Planet X' and 'Nakoni'
finishing first on handicap.

Division 2 - 13 boats crossed the line off Pembles Island and experienced similar conditions and either ran 'gull winged' or set spinakers/gennakers until rounding Taketu Point. From there northwards, a rising WSW gave the fleet a fast race with winds gusting 25K giving a beam reach right up to the finish off Home Point at the entrance to Whangarei Harbour.
'Chase' taking line honours with 'Nureme' first on handicap.

Division 3 - no entrants for the launch log run started this year...
however, in less boisterous conditions this event would be an ideal way for launch owners to painlessly become part of the 'racing fraternity'.

A well marked channel led into Marsden Cove Marina with a few 'interesting'
moments berthing in the blustery conditions!
A lack of mooring lines led to a few stretched arm sockets - however, fortunately no unintentional dunkings occurred!

The crew of Sterndl experienced a few 'character building' moments off the port but after a few restorative beverages are still very much alive to tell the tale!

Once tied up in the marina Stace and his staff made the fleet very welcome with free berthage and shower usage. A small marquee/cafe/bar provided shelter from the winds together with excellent, and very welcome, hot food on the Saturday evening.

The prizegiving took place after everyone had eaten with 5 very impressive trophies presented by the Marsden Cove Marina company to the various winners. A 'convivial' evening followed!

Next morning a full cooked breakfast was welcomed by the many who rose early to watch the Rugby Final on the big TV thoughtfully provided by the Marina.

A blustery Sunday was spent by most entrants socialising, telling tall tales and readying for the return trip on Monday.

Several boats returned to Kawau on the Sunday and many others following on the Monday - all experiencing blustery westerlies up to 40K. Others took a more conservative approach, leaving their boats in the marina to return when more clement weather conditions prevailed.

Overall, the race proved to be a great success with all participants expressing their appreciation of the welcome, trophies and services provided by Marsden Cove Marina and its staff.

To sum up... once a few minor 'teething problems' are streamlined the race will become an extremly popular addition to the racing/cruising calendar.



Div 1
Boat Name         Line      Corrected
Nakoni                 4           1
Planet X               1           2
Hurricane              2           3
Cantilta                5           4
Glory Days            3           5
Einstein                6           6
Minaret
Lorenz
Prozac


Div 2                
Nureme                3            1
Dresden               8            2
Kastaway             2            3
Chabot                5            4
Chase                 1            5
Brigand              12           6
Euphoria              7           7
Sterndl              11            8
Kirsten J              4           9
Zeppo               10          10
Guadalest           6           11
Island Voyger      9           12
Chesapeake