As there was no wind at the scheduled start time for the second race in the Bayleys Real Estate series the postponement flag was raised. After 45 minutes a light SW harbour draft arrived and course 10 (which has lots of options to shorten the race if necessary) was chosen. After a fairly tight start the fleet wnt to Green Point and then across the harbour to Lushingtons. Lightly Oiled was in the lead followed by Transition, Raging Hormones, Future One and Penzance. From there the course took them to the Paua Farm and then back to Childrens Bay where Lightly Oiled had established a significant lead over Transition, then Raging Hormones, Penzance, who had made up two places, followed by Escapade and Future One.
Lightly Oiled was first across the line in 2.08.10 as the wind started to drop. Transition was just over 10 minutes later with a further 5 minutes to Raging Hormones. As the wind dropped even further the remaining 3 boats had quite a tussle on the last two legs with Penzance so seconds ahead of Escapade and then Future One. Next Sunday the third race in the series will start at 1300.
Thanks, as always, to our sponsor Bayley’s Real Estate.
Sunday April 6 - Bayleys Real Estate Series, Race 2
A fleet of 5 entered the first race of the Bayleys Real Estate series. After the disappointment of no wind when this race was originally scheduled we were pleased to see a nice SW breeze arrive. As Whistler 3 is out of action for the rest of the season Jonny Bell has “lent” Outrageous to Jamie and his crew and they will sail her instead. We welcomed Rob Berry sailing single handed in Faarst Forward and also welcomed Lightly Oiled back into the fleet.
Lightly Oiled won the start but by the first mark at Green Point Outrageous was ahead of her then Transition, One Way and Faarst Forward. Transition used her spinnaker and by the next mark at Lushingtons had passed all those in front and established a lead. From there the skippers all took very different courses as they headed off to the next mark at the Kaik. When they came back into sight, on the way back to Lushingtons, Outrageous was once again ahead of Transition, who appeared to be gaining, with a long gap back to One Way, Lightly Oiled and Faarst Forward who withdrew from the race.
Transition was first around the mark with Outrageous close behind. As they crossed back towards Green Point the wind started to drop and Outrageous was able to gain on Transition with One Way and Lightly Oiled further back. The two leaders were neck and neck as they rounded the mark and through the whole spinnaker run to Childrens Bay where Outrageous was just a smidgeon ahead while Transition had the better position. The finish was the closest since I have been starter and it took several checks on the video replay to confirm Transition had won by a short nose. The other placings were also very close with One Way third and Lightly Oiled less then half a minute back.
Next week the last race of the two handed series is scheduled for Saturday starting at 1400 while the second race of the Bayleys Series, a long harbour race, starts at 1300. Also do remember that daylight savings ends on Sunday. Thank you to our series sponsor – Bayleys Real Estate. It was great to see Rob Berry out on Faarst Forward and while sailing single handed is always a huge ask he did the sponsor proud.
Sunday March 30 - Bayleys Real Estate Series, Race 1
Four boats competed in Day 2 of the Akaroa Dolphins Regatta. Course 45 was used for the first race (Start – Kaik – Childrens Bay – Kaik – Childrens Bay – finish). As much of this course is out of sight of the startbox there is little I can comment on. Hyperactive dominated the fleet finishing in 1-39-01 almost 7 minutes ahead of One Way with a further minute back to Future One and then Sneaky Heat.
A shorter course was chosen for the second race Course 31 – (start – Green Point – Childrens Bay twice – finish). At the half way point Hyperactive was leading One Way then Future One and Sneaky heat. In the latter part of the race One Way managed to get ahead of Hyperactive at mark 2 and the two boats took different tacks to get to the finish with One Way prevailing by just 13 seconds. Future One was third and Sneaky Heat fourth. Handicaps played a significant part in the results and the overall series was very tight with only a point separating each of the first 3 boats.
We really appreciate the ongoing support of the Waghorn Family and Akaroa Dolphins. This family business brings so much to Akaroa. Next week we will have the first race in the Bayleys Real Estate series starting at 1400.
Sunday March 9 - Akaroa Dolphins Regatta, Day 2
Due to the dreadful weather in early January when the Dolphins Regatta was due to occur it was rescheduled to this and next Sunday. A fleet of six boats competed on Day 1 starting with a light harbour draft from the south. A short course was chosen for the first race – start – Green Point – Lushingtons – Green Point – finish. One Way took the lead from the start and was first around the first mark. The light and shifty winds ade crossing the harbour to Lushingtons a real challenge with the boats taking a range of different options. One Way and Hyperactive were first around the mark followed by Transition and Raging Hormones and then Future One and Escapade. The winds were shifting around towards the northwest by this point and they came back under spinnaker. Again different course choices were made and Future One was first around the mark followed closely by One Way and Hyperactive then Transition, Escapade and Raging Hormones. This order was also the finishing order with Future One, who had passed the whole fleet in the previous leg, winning in 1.06.26 13 seconds ahead of One Way and a further 15 seconds back to Hyperactive. Transition was next, in conditions that did not suit her, then Escapade and Raging Hormones.
Race 2 was on a slightly longer course 44 (start – Kaik – Lushingtons – Tikao – Green Point – home) as the wind had picked up a little (but not much). Transition was first around the mark at Lushingtons followed by Raging Hormones and One Way who were neck and neck. Hyperactive was next then Future One and Escapade. By the time they got to Tikao Transition had a solid lead and the next 3 Young 88s had closed up on each other with One Way ahead of Raging Hormones and Hyperactive then Future One and Escapade. Transition won in 1.34.13 four minutes ahead of a group of 3 Young 88s One Way a minute ahead of Hyperactive and then a further 20 seconds to Raging Hormones, followed by Future One and Escapade.
Click the link below for the full results and series standings after the first day of the regatta. Day 2 will be next Sunday starting at 1300 and there will be a prizegiving following the conclusion of the racing. Thanks to the Waghorn family and Akaroa Dolphins for their sponsorship of one of our premiere events. If you are not on a yacht their boats are the second best way to experience the harbour – and also much more comfortable than sailing and independent of the wind.
Sunday March 2 - Akaroa Dolphins Regatta, Day 1
A fleet of 4 for the fourth race in the Saunders Robinson Brown Two Handed series on a lovely early autumn day with a brisk southerly at the start. Course 57 was chosen. After a fairly tight start the fleet headed off to the Kaik and when they came back into sight, on the way to Lushingtons, Future One was in the lead from Raging Hormones and then Escapade and One Way. Future One was first round the mark followed by Escapade and Raging Hormones who were very close together. The boats took different courses back across the harbour to Green Point and Escapade managed to get ahead of Future One. Escapade was first across the line in 1.34.54 almost 3 minutes ahead of Future One with Raging Hormones less than a minute further back and then One Way.
As this is a 5 race series the boats can drop their worst performance after this race and this has had a major effect on the series points. Click below to find these points and the handicap results for todays race. The final race in the series is scheduled for Saturday 5 April.
Huge thanks to Saunders Robinson Brown Law who sponsor this series. If you are looking for a lawyer they should be your first point of call.
Saturday March 1 - Saunders Robinson Brown Two Handed Series, Race 4
Five boats came to the line for the second race in the Akaroa Moorings Mark Foy Series. The scratch boat was Sneaky Heat followed 3 minutes later by Escapade then Raging Hormones on 6 minutes, One Way on 7 minutes and Transition on 10 minutes.
As the wind was very light course 1 was chosen as it gives multiple opportunities to shorten course. This was important and the eventual course was start to Green Point to Lushingtons and finish. Mark Foys are designed to ideally have all the boats finishing at the same time. While the fleet did spread the leading two were very close with Escapade across the line barely ahead of Raging Hormones. One Way was third, then Transition and Sneak Heat. In the series overall Raging Hormones and Transition both scored 6 points and both had a second as their best result. Consequently the order in the last race determined the series winner – Congratulations to Raging Hormones. Click the link below for full results (Thanks to Jamie Unsted, myITmanager, for fixing our website).
Thanks to Akaroa Moorings for sponsoring this series – They do a vital job for the whole boating community here in the harbour.
Next week the 4th two handed race will be on Saturday (1400) and the first 2 races of the rescheduled Akaroa Dolphins regatta will be on Sunday (1300). We wish all the best to Whistler 3 and Outrageous as they compete in the South Island Young 88 Championships at Naval Point.
Sunday February 23 - Akaroa Moorings Mark Foy Series, Race 2
From 23 February to the end of March the advertised programme is replaced by:
February 2025 Sun 23rd Akaroa Moorings – Mark Foy Race 2 Harbour 1400
March 2025 Sat 1st Saunders Robinson Brown Law- 2 Handed Series – Race 4 Harbour 1400
March 2025 Sun 2nd Akaroa Dolphin Series 2X Harbour races (Open Event) Harbour 1300
March 2025 Sun 9th Akaroa Dolphin Series 2X Harbour races (Open Event) Harbour 1300
March 2025 Sun16th Bayleys Real Estate Race 1 Harbour 1400
March 2025 Sat 22nd Young 88 Southern Region Championships, Naval Point – –
March 2025 Sun 23rd Young 88 Southern Region Championships, Naval Point – –
March Sunday 23rd – No racing in Akaroa
March 2025 Sun 30th Akaroa Dolphin’s Reserve Day Harbour 1300
IMPORTANT NOTICE - CHANGE TO RACE PROGRAMME
Sunday February 16- Gluyas Motor Group Series Sprint Races and Overall Results
A fleet of 6 came to the line for the third race of the Gluyas series. The wind was a brisk SW and course 2 (Start, Green Point, Lushingtons, Paua Farm, Lushingtons, Green Point, Childrens Bay, finish) was chosen. The windy conditions meant some boats had a few issues in the lead up to the start but all were safely away. Whistler 3 established an early lead as the fleet sailed towards Lushingtons. Some squally showers made it difficult to see the fleet on the far side of the harbour. Fortunately the weather cleared and when they came back into sight from the Paua Farm Whistler was in the lead with Penzance fairly close behind. Meltdown was next then, fairly close together, Raging Hormones and One Way with Future One a bit further back.
This order remained through the rest of the race although Penzance gave Whistler a run for their money and Raging Hormones made up considerable ground on Meltdown. Future One had some sail issues on the way to Childrens Bay but overcame these. Once again handicaps played a big part in the overall results and, with three sprint races next Sunday starting at 1300, and boats being able to discard their worst performance after 5 races have been completed in the series it is still anyone’s game.
Once again thank you to Gluyas Motor Group of Ashburton who are sponsoring this series.
Sunday February 9 - Gluyas Motor Group Series, Race 3
There was a fleet of 7 for the second race in the Gluyas Motor Group series on an overcast day with light SW breezes. Course 10 was chosen, given the light winds, as it is one that can be shortened if necessary (It was not necessary as the wind picked up a little). After an interesting start the fleet sailed to Green Point and then to Lushingtons where Transition led around the mark followed by Whistler 3, Meltdown, Escapade, Raging Hormones, One Way and Future One. From there they sailed to the Paua Farm and back to Childrens Bay where Transition was just ahead of Whistler. These two fought a tight battle for the rest of the race (Green Point, Childrens Bay, finish) with several lead changes and, at the end, Transition crossed the line by the tightest of margins. Meltdown was third and, in dying winds, Raging Hormones managed to overtake Escapade to finish 5th. Sailing can be a cruel sport as the wind died almost to nothing and Future One (who had started late due to some pre-start issues) and One Way (who like Escapade was sailing 2 handed) drifted over the line 16 and 18 minutes later after fighting out the last few legs very tightly.
Next week we host the Wellington – Akaroa race which starts in Wellington on Waitangi Day. See the newsletter for full details. Next Sunday is the 3rd race in the Gluyas Series starting at 1400. Due to the South Island Young 88 championships changing date the programme for March has changed significantly. Again see the Newsletter for details.
Thanks to our sponsor – Gluyas Motor Group of Ashburton
Sunday February 2 - Gluyas Motor Group Series, Race 2
Five Yachts took part in the third race of the Saunders Robinson Brown Law Two Handed series. Course 46 which basically is Green Point- Lushingtons and back twice was chosen given the nice SW breeze.
Meltdown quickly took the lead from Escapade then Future One and Hyperactive, who were fairly close together, and then Raging Hormones. This order was maintained throughout. Meltdown completed the course in 1.32.18, exactly 2 minutes ahead of Escapade. Future One and Hyperactive continued to battle closely with Future One prevailing by just 11 seconds and then Raging Hormones, who had made up much of her deficit, just over a further minute back. Handicaps will be very important in determining the corrected results and you can find these, and the series update, in the link below. Also keep in mind that in this series boats can discard their worst performance after 4 races have been completed (scheduled for March 22).
Huge thanks to our sponsor, Saunders Robinson Brown Law – I’m sure they will be happy to assist with your next protest hearing.
Saturday February 1 - Saunders Robinson Brown Law Two Handed Series, Race 3
Seven yachts entered the first race in the Gluyas Motor Group Series. At the start there was a pleasant southerly and warm conditions and the start was very closely fought with Penzance first across. Whistler 3 lead around the first mark at Green point followed by Neferititi, Penzance and Meltdown then Raging Hormones, One Way and Future One. From there they sailed to Lushingtons and made an impressive sight as they crossed the harbour with spinnakers flying. It was a bit hazy in that part of the harbour but it appeared the order was pretty much the same except Meltdown had got ahead of Penzance. As they headed towards the Paua Farm there were clearly some quite different strategies in play.
When they came back in sight on the way to Childrens Bay for the first time Whistler 3 had a good lead over Neferititi, Meltdown, and Penzance then One Way, Raging Hormones and Future One. On the next leg to Green Point Meltdown managed to get ahead of Neferititi but otherwise the order remained the same to the finish. Whistler finished in 1.48.46 , 4 minutes ahead of Meltdown with Neferititi 42 seconds back then a further 34 seconds to Penzance. One Way was another 2.16 back 49 seconds ahead of Raging Hormones and Future One only 18 seconds back. As always the handicaps will be important in determining the corrected results and you can find these by clicking the link below.
Two races next weekend – on Saturday Race 3 of the two handed series starting at 1400 and then on Sunday the second race in the Gluyas series, a long harbour race, starting at 1300. The following week we are hosting the finish of the Wellington Akaroa Race – see the newsletter for details.
Thanks to our great sponsor – Gluyas Motor Group for all your motoring needs and well worth a trip to Ashburton.
Sunday January 26 - Gluyas Motor Group Series, Race 1
A fleet of 6 lined up for the first Mark Foy of the season. Carouser, the only Trailer Sailor, was the scratch boat starting at 1400. Future one was 7 minutes later and then Raging Hormones and Penzance a further minute later. Whistler 3 was off at 1411, 1 minute before Transition.
Course 5, a fairly long course, was chosen. The race initially went to the Kaik and then to Lushingtons. At this stage Whistler 3 had taken the lead ahead of Future One, Carouser, with the other 3 fairly close together a bit further back. From there they sailed to the Paua Farm and then to Tikao where Whistler 3 led from Transition, Future One, Raging Hormones, Penzance and Carouser. The rest of the race was Green Point, Childrens Bay and home.
Mark Foy races are designed to promote close finishes and this was very much the case. Transition and Whistler 3 had the closest finish we have had in quite a while with Whistler 3 taking the race by about one second. Future One was third ahead of Raging Hormones then Penzance and Carouser.
Many thanks to our sponsor, Akaroa Moorings, who provide a fantastic service to Akaroa boaties.
Sunday January 19 - Akaroa Moorings Mark Foy, Race 1
Typical of our recent ‘summer’ weather it was cold and windy for the 5 boats & crews who raced out & back to Pompeys Pillar. There was a good 15 knot southerly in the harbour then the usual variable winds at the heads followed by a stronger 20-25 knot breeze from the south along the coastline.
Future One had to withdraw from the race early after gear failure but the remaining 4 boats enjoyed a good battle out the harbour with numerous changes in the lead. Whistler 3 were the first out to heads and also to the Virtual mark, followed by Shibbeen , Meltdown and One Way.
It was not an easy day of racing. The swell was up to 3m with an additional chop of 1.5m and very rough seas for the 4 Young 88’s. Everyone out there did very well just to hold on tight and cope with the conditions. It was one of the roughest & bumpiest Pompeys Races of recent years. Quite an experience for all!
On the way back from Pompeys Whistler 3 held onto their lead to be first home. One Way had a
good sail back from Pompeys to improve to second over the line, followed by Shibbeen and then
Meltdown.
click the link for the results
Sunday January 12 - myITmanager Coastal Series, Pompeys Race
It has not been the best of weather for holiday makers recently but despite this a good fleet of 6 boats turned up at the start. Typical of the recent weather it was cold with passing showers and 15 – 20 knots of breeze from the south.
A bit out of the ordinary was a down wind start which meant after a short run down to Childrens Bays 4 boats were all lined up together at the first mark. The boats on the inside had right of way & led the way. Whistler 3 was in the middle and ended up squeezed with nowhere to go & a bump to the side of the boat. On the outside was Meltdown with no right of way and in the wrong leading to a 720 degree penalty turn and a lot of catching up to do!
The boats then sailed to Lushingtons, Wainui & home. Hyperactive made the best of the windy conditions & took out line honours. It was great to see Hamish & Rebecca, new to the fleet this year in Escapade, home second with Whistler 3 third. Full results and handicap results below. Special mention to be made of Shibbeen who were the only crew to fly a spinnaker during the race.
Once again thank you to our sponsors Saunders Robinson Brown Lawyers.
Click the link for the results
Saturday January 11 - Saunders Robinson Brown Law Two Handed Series, Race 2
Sadly poor weather meant there was no racing either day. Hopefully this event will be rescheduled later in the year. Thanks to the Waghorn Family for their sponsorship of the Akaroa Dolphins series – their boats are less tied to the wind than our yachts and are always a great way to experience the harbour.
January 4 & 5 - Akaroa Dolphins Regatta
A fleet of 3 yachts came to the line for the NPD Akaroa Motor Garage Lady Skippers race – Hyperactive (Pamela Bone), Escapade (Rebecca McGregor) and Raging Hormones (Fiona Lynch and Marg Drake). A shortish course, 48, was chosen which is Start – Green Point – Lushington – Green Point – Finish. Hyperactive won the start and built on this lead throughout. For much of the race Escapade and Raging Hormones were close but Raging Hormones got ahead on the 3rd leg. Sailing can be a cruel sport sometimes, Hyperactive crossed first in 1.06.19 in a steady breeze which then started to drop as Raging Hormones crossed 5 minutes later and then almost died away as Escapade finished almost 10 minutes later.
Congratulations to Pamela Bone, the new Champion Lady Skipper who will win the Josephine de Latour Rosebowl for this season.
Thanks to our sponsor – NPD Akaroa Motor Garage. Please support them for both your motoring and marine fuel needs (and if you are lucky enough to have a Super Gold Card they will give you a good discount).
Thursday January 2 - NPD Akaroa Motor Garage Lady Skippers Race
A fleet of 14 boats celebrated the new year and entered the annual Heads Race sponsored by Walker Architecture. The start was a little messy due to a hooter fault. With such a big fleet there were a range of strategies employed – some more effective than others. While there were steady southerlies at the jetty end of the harbour things were very unpredictable nearer the Heads and concentration was essential. There were several very tight finishes. Transition crossed the line first a mere 20 seconds ahead of Faast Forward then a further minute back to Hyperactive and another 2 minutes to Future One. Shibben was a further 7 seconds back then One Way, Meltdown, Penzance, Whistler 3, Escapade, Raging Hormones. Lightly Oiled and Leonardo did not finish. It is likelyt that handicaps will play a big part in the results on corrected time and click on the link below to find out.
AYC wishes to thank Jason Walker of Walder Architecture for his ongoing sponsorship of this race, the most prestigious of our season.
Wednesday January 1 - Walker Architecture Heads Race
Due to the hectic period in the lead up to Christmas only 3 yachts competed in the sprint races which concluded the Oborn’s Nautical Series. Course 48 was chosen for the first race. Whistler 3 led around the first mark at Green Point ahead of One Way and Transition. This order was maintained around the next mark at Lushintons as they crossed back to Green Point. Whistler 3 took the win in 53 minutes with One Way just over 3 minutes back and then Transition
A shorter course, 31 (start -Green Point -Childrens Bay twice and finish) was chosen for the second race. . Whistler 3 took an early lead ahead of Transition and then One Way and maintained this throughout winning in just over 38 minutes, a minute ahead of Transition with One Way less than a minute back. The same course was chosen for the third race and while the start was very close the pattern of the race was the same with Whistler 3 crossing first in 41.12 ahead of Transition and then One Way
As 5 races were sailed in the series each boat can discard its worst performance and handicaps are significant in this. Click the link below for the final results of the series.
Once again thanks to Oborn’s Nautical who are a great supporter of the club and of sailing generally.
On behalf of AYC I wish you all a happy and safe Christmas. AYC open day is Friday December 27 when everyone is invited to come and have a sail starting at 1pm. There is no racing next weekend but we look forward to New Years Day and the Walker Architecture Heads Race then, on Jan 2nd, the NPD Akaroa Motor Garage Lady Skippers race at noon. The cruising and social boating day, originally scheduled for Jan 2, has been rescheduled to Saturday Jan 4. The Akaroa Dolphins Regatta is on the first weekend of the new year starting at 1300 each day.
Sunday December 22 - Oborns Nautical Series Sprint Races and Overall Results
After the disappointment of last week’s cancellation due to excessive winds a Fleet of 5 boats entered the long harbour race for the Oborn’s Series. It was great to welcome Nefertiti to the fleet. Course 15, which is 15.2 nautical miles, was chosen to make the most of a good noreasterly breeze. After a tight start Whistler 3 rounded the first mark at Childrens Bay in front and headed off to the next mark at Green Point. Meltdown was first around this mark ahead of Whistler 3, Nefertiti, One Way and Escapade. This order was maintained around the next mark at Lushingtons before the long leg to the Paua Farm. By the next mark, Tikao Bay, the fleet had spread and Whistler 3 was ahead of Meltdown, One Way, Escapade and Nefertiti and on the way back to the Paua Farm. When they came back into sight on the way to Childrens Bay the order remained the same. Whistler was first across the line in 2 hours, 12 minutes and 14 seconds, 5 minutes ahead of Meltdown with One Way another 3 minutes back and then Escapade and Nefertiti.
Next weekend the Oborn’s series concludes with 3 sprint races and a 1300 start. Provided all 3 races are sailed each boat will be able to discard her worst result so keep this in mind when looking at the series results in the link below.
A huge thanks to Oborn’s Nautical who are a wonderful supporter of the club
Sunday December 15 - Oborns Nautical Series, Race 3
A Fleet of 6 competed in our first offshore race of the season. Whistler 3 was first across the line in 4hours 46minutes 12 seconds. One Way was just less than 4 minutes later with a further 12 back to Penzance. Raging Hormones crossed 4th with Escapade less than a minute behind and Future One was 6th. Click the link for the full results which show just how crucial the handicaps can be.
Our thanks go to o
After the disappointment of last week’s cancellation due to excessive winds a Fleet of 5 boats entered the long harbour race for the Oborn’s Series. It was great to welcome Nefertiti to the fleet. Course 15, which is 15.2 nautical miles, was chosen to make the most of a good noreasterly breeze. After a tight start Whistler 3 rounded the first mark at Childrens Bay in front and headed off to the next mark at Green Point. Meltdown was first around this mark ahead of Whistler 3, Nefertiti, One Way and Escapade. This order was maintained around the next mark at Lushingtons before the long leg to the Paua Farm. By the next mark, Tikao Bay, the fleet had spread and Whistler 3 was ahead of Meltdown, One Way, Escapade and Nefertiti and on the way back to the Paua Farm. When they came back into sight on the way to Childrens Bay the order remained the same. Whistler was first across the line in 2 hours, 12 minutes and 14 seconds, 5 minutes ahead of Meltdown with One Way another 3 minutes back and then Escapade and Nefertiti.
Next weekend the Oborn’s series concludes with 3 sprint races and a 1300 start. Provided all 3 races are sailed each boat will be able to discard her worst result so keep this in mind when looking at the series results in the link below.
A huge thanks to Oborn’s Nautical who are a wonderful supporter of the club
ur new series sponsor – myITmanager who will keep your IT systems secure.
Sunday December 1 - myITmanager Coastal Series, Peraki Race
Six yachts came to the line for the first race in the Oborn’s Nautical Series and it was great to see Penzance on the water for the first time this season. The start towards Childrens Bay was tight although Meltdown had to go back across the line. Future One rounded the first mark ahead followed by Whistler 3, One Way, Meltdown, Raging Hormones and Penzance. From there they sailed to Lushingtons via Green Point and when they came into sight Whistler 3 led Meltdown then One Way, with Raging Hormones and Future One close together a bit further back ahead of Penzance. The course took them to the Kaik and then, as they came into sight on the way back to Lushingtons, Meltdown and Whistler 3 were having a real tussle for the lead with One Way a little further back ahead of the other 3.
Whistler 3 was first around the mark at Lushingtons and led Meltdown in the run to Green point with One Way next ahead of Raging Hormones and Future One and then Penzance. Meltdown rounded the mark at Green Point just ahead of Whistler 3 then One Way, Future One, who had overtaken Raging Hormones and then Penzance.
Meltdown crossed the line in 2hours 20minutes 7 seconds, 9 seconds ahead of Whistler 3. One Way was third across followed by Future One who was less then a minute ahead of Raging Hormones with Penzance 6th. With two close finishes handicaps will be significant and you can find these and the series points by clicking the link below.
Thanks to Oborn’s Nautical for sponsoring this series. Please remember this when making any decisions about your sailing purchases.
Next week is the first of our Coastal Races to Peraki. The race will start at noon and skippers will be sent special entry forms and Category 4 Safety Declaration forms by the secretary.
Sunday November 24 - Oborns Nautical Series, Race 1
Four Young 88s and one trailer-sailer (Carouser) lined up for the first two handed race of the season with a fresh Souwesterly and cooler weather. One Way (Keith Molloy and Sam Shuttleworth) took a different approach to the rest at the start which really paid off as they headed to the Kaik. One Way had some problems leading to the start and were a little late to get underway. When the Fleet reappeared on the way to Lushingtons for the first time Meltdown (Gil Smith and Bill McSweeney) were in the lead followed by Future One, Whistler 3 (Jamie and Chris Unsted) with Carouser (Bill Gaffaney and Max Pallet) and One Way (Mark Ochenden and Peter Zwart ) close together a bit further back. At Green Point, the next mark, the first 3 were in the same order and One Way had got ahead of Carouser.
The order remained unchanged as they sailed back to Lushingtons, Green point and home. Meltdown crossed the line first in 2hr 2min. Future One and Whistler 3 fought a close battle to the finish with Future One heading Whistler 3 by less than a boat length. One Way was fourth across the line with Carouser 5th. As the only Trailer-sailer competing against Young 88s this is a pretty impressive result for her. Click the link below for handicap results and series points.
Thank you to Saunders Robinson Brown Lawyers who sponsor this series.
Saturday November 23 - Saunders Robinson Brown Law Two Handed Series, Race 1
The first of the day’s 3 sprint races started at 1300. It was a tight start with Meltdown over the mark. Course 33 was chosen and One Way led around the first mark at Children’s Bay. From there they sailed to Green Point where One Way continued to lead. On the way back to Childrens Bay Meltdown was first around the mark followed by Raging Hormones and One Way who were very close and then Transition and Future One. The wind was very shifty on the way back to Green Point and at one point Future One took a different tack and sailed past most of the fleet. At the finish Raging Hormones took line honours 15 seconds ahead of Meltdown with Transition a further 32 seconds back and then another 30 seconds to One Way followed by Future One.
The second race was on the same course and we welcomed Hyperactive to the fleet, After a solid start she lead around the first mark. After sailing to Green Point they returned to Childrens Bay where Meltdown had a very narrow lead over Hyperactive with the other four close together. At the finish it was Meltdown ahead of Hyperactive, Transition, One Way, Raging Hormones and Future One. As this was the fifth race in the series each boat is allowed to drop their worst score which really evened up the series.
The final race was on Course 53. Again the start was to Childrens Bay where One Way led Meltdown around the mark followed by Future One, Hyperactive, Raging Hormones and Transition. From there the course went to Green Point and then Lushingtons, back to Green Point and home. Meltdown crossed first in 59.15 followed by Hyperactive (59.48), Transition (60.43), Future One (61.41), One Way (61.46) and Raging Hormones (62.11).
Given the close finishes in each of the 3 races handicaps are all important. To see the handicap results and the final series results please click the link below. Thank you to Black Cat Cruises for sponsoring this series. It was great to see their boats laden with passengers enjoying our wonderful harbour on a lovely day.
Next week we have the first Two Handed race on Saturday and the first race in our second series on Sunday both starting at 1400.
Sunday November 17 - Black Cat Cruises Series, Race 4, 5 & 6 (3 Sprint Races)
A fleet of 5 lined up for the 3rd race in the Black Cat Cruises Series, which was the first long harbour race of the year, with fresh NE winds. A special course was chosen due to Mark 7 not being in the correct place (which limited the number of long courses available on the northerly list).
After a somewhat chaotic start with 2 boats over the line, Meltdown led around the first mark at Childrens Bay. She maintained this lead ahead of One Way and Transition then Raging Hormones and Future One, who were sailing two handed, to Green Point. The next mark was mark 4, Robinsons Bay, which is out of sight from the start box, and Meltdown was still in the lead when they emerged back into sight. One Way was next then Raging Hormones and Transition who actually passed Raging Hormones on the way to Tikau. From there it was back to Robinsons Bay and once more out of sight. When they once again emerged Meltdown led from One Way, Transition, Raging Hormones and then Future One. As they headed across the harbour to the Kaik One Way caught and passed Meltdown before the fleet once again went out of sight.
One Way was first across the line in just under 2 ½ hours with Meltdown 4 ½ minutes later and then Transition just over another 2 minutes later followed by Raging Hormones and then Future One. Click the link below for the handicap Results and the series to date. Next weekend this series wraps up with 3 Sprint Races and, as there is a drop available after 5 or more races have been completed it is still anyone’s game. Also don’t forget the Annual Golf Tournament next Saturday 16th.
Thanks as always to our sponsor Black Cat Cruises.
Sunday November 10 – Black Cat Cruises Series Race 3
A Fleet of 4 Young 88s lined up for the second race of the season. A special course (67) was chosen, to take advantage of the steady sou-westerly wind, going from the start to the Kaik, to Childrens Bay, to Green Point and back to Childrens Bay and then finish.
As the race proceeded Whistler 3 built and maintained a lead over One Way and Raging Hormones who had a real tussle with the order changing several times. Future One was a little further back and a dying wind near the end of the race affected them badly.
Whistler 3 finished first, almost 2 minutes ahead of One Way, with Raging Hormones a further half minute back. Future One was hampered by the dying wind. The full results including corrected times (the handicapper has done a pretty good job) and series score can be found on the link below.
We acknowledge our sponsor, Black Cat Cruises. It’s great to share the harbour with you. Next week the third race in the series will be a long harbour race starting at 1300.
Sunday November 3 - Black Cat Cruises Series, Race 2
A Fleet of 4 Young 88s lined up for the second race of the season. A special course (67) was chosen, to take advantage of the steady sou-westerly wind, going from the start to the Kaik, to Childrens Bay, to Green Point and back to Childrens Bay and then finish.
As the race proceeded Whistler 3 built and maintained a lead over One Way and Raging Hormones who had a real tussle with the order changing several times. Future One was a little further back and a dying wind near the end of the race affected them badly.
Whistler 3 finished first, almost 2 minutes ahead of One Way, with Raging Hormones a further half minute back. Future One was hampered by the dying wind. The full results including corrected times (the handicapper has done a pretty good job) and series score can be found on the link below.
We acknowledge our sponsor, Black Cat Cruises. It’s great to share the harbour with you. Next week the third race in the series will be a long harbour race starting at 1300.
Sunday October 27 - Season 2024/25 Opening Day, Black Cat Cruises Series, Race 1
A weird weather day – at the start there was a blustery northerly that was forecast to build steadily so a relatively short course was chosen with the aim of finishing before it got too strong. What actually happened was the first 3 legs were sailed in the strong wind (some boats reefed their sails) and then the wind died right away so the last leg, Green Point to home, was a mere drift.
Seven yachts started although Escapade, with some novice crew, withdrew shortly after the start. There was another really tight finish with Whistler 3 sailing over Lightly Oiled to win by a mere 2 seconds. Penzance was third then Transition, Future One and One Way.
As all members have been informed by email, the Prizegiving will now be held at 1800 on Sunday June 1 with the AGM at 1100 the following Sunday, June 8. Both will be held at the clubrooms. Next Sunday will be the last racing day for the season with the fourth race of the Winter Series starting at 1300. The rules for this series means boats can discard their worst result after the fourth race has been completed so this is a very important race.
Thank you again to Akaroa Butchery and Deli for sponsoring our series. I can thoroughly recommend their sausages – my personal favourite is the “piglet”.
Sunday May 25 – Akaroa Butchery & Deli Winter Series Race 3
Six yachts came to the start on what was definitely a day made for the Winter Series – cold with misty rain and variable winds from the south. Visibility was limited so this report mostly covers the last part of the race. Course 10 was chosen which saw the fleet off to Green Point, Lushingtons and the Paua Farm before coming into clear view on the way to Childrens Bay. At this point Whistler 3 had established a lead over Transition with Penzance in third then Escapade, One Way and Infiltrator.
Whistler was first across the line in 1.42.48, 4 minutes ahead of Transition. As often happens at this time of year the wind started to drop as the afternoon proceeds. Penzance was third in 1.58.13 then Escapade, One Way and Infiltrator. For the full results and series update click the link below.
Next Sunday we have the third race in the Winter Series starting at 1300. All members should have recently received emails about the AGM to be held in the Clubhouse at 11am on Sunday June 8.
Thank you to our fantastic sponsors – Akaroa Butchery and Deli. If you have not tried their Lasagne I can thoroughly recommend it (but shop early in case it runs out – its so good!)
Sunday May 18 – Akaroa Butchery & Deli Winters Series Race 2
A lovely late autumn day saw a fleet of 7 for the first race in the Akaroa Butchery & Deli Winter Series, and it was great to welcome a new addition to the fleet – Infiltrator, skippered by new owner Tim Maguire. At the start time of 1300 it was flat calm but the water showed the wind was on its way and shortly a nice NE brreze arrived. The race actually started at 1317 on Course 20. After the first mark at Childrens Bay Whistler 3 led from Meltdown then Transition followed by Raging Hormones, Escapade, One Way and Infiltrator. They maintained this order around the next mark at Green Point and Whistler 3 and Meltdown established a lead over Transition with the other 4 further back as they headed to French Farm. From there the race went to Tikao and then Robinsons Bay. At that distance, even with good binoculars, it is difficult to identify the boats from the jetty so the report resumes when they emerge back into view on the way to Green Point and then home.
First into view was Whistler 3 who had established a good lead on Meltdown who was about the same distance ahead of Transition and again to Raging Hormones with One Way and Escapade further back and then Infiltrator. Whistler 3 was first across the line in 1.49.04 almost 4 minutes ahead of Meltdown with Transition a further 5 minutes back. Raging Hormones was another 3 ½ minutes back, but the match of the day was between Escapade and One Way who had been neck and neck (or is that bow and bow for yachts?) with Escapade just pipping One Way on the line by 1 second, and then Infiltrator a few minutes back. For corrected times and handicap results please click the link below.
Next weekend will be the second race in this series with a 1300 start. We acknowledge our sponsor; Akaroa Butchery & Deli, not only for their sponsorship of this series but for their overall support of our club as supplier of meat for our various purposes. I can thoroughly recommend their products – they are all great and I’m going to have one of their fantastic pork-chops for my tea tonight.
Sunday May 11 – Akaroa Butchery and Deli Winter Series Race 1
Sunday April 27 – Bayleys Real Estate Series – Sprint Races
No sailing today because there was no wind. Racing called off at 1430.
After a long wait for wind a course was called at 14.30 for a 1435 start. The start was probably the best all season with yachts jockeying for position at the top end of the start line in a really tight, but clean, start. With the late start and light SW wind a sprint course taking them to Green Point and Children’s Bay twice was chosen. When they went round the mark at Children’s Bay the first time the order was Meltdown, Whistler 3, and then, very close together, Future One, Lightly Oiled and Transition and then One Way. As a non-sailor watching the race from Brownies Jetty, it was interesting to see all 6 skippers had different tactics heading back to Green Point however, when they came back into sight, the order was much the same. From there it was around the Children’s Bay mark and then finish – but for the second day in a row in dying winds and, today, heavy rain.
Meltdown was first across the line in 56.27, then Whistler 3 a minute and a half back. A further 3 minutes back was Lightly Oiled and then, in the tightest finish of the day just under a further minute back Transition pipped Future One by one second. Unfortunately One Way did not finish within the 20 minute time limit. Once again the conditions meant the second race scheduled today was abandoned so the series was decided on the two sailed races – click the link below for these results
Once again thanks to Dean and the team at Brownies Direct Mattress – their generosity was on display at the prize-giving and I know all the club members appreciate their support,
Next week we conclude the Bayley’s Real Estate Series with 3 sprint races and, with the worst result discarded after 5 races are completed, anyone could take the series.
Easter Sunday – April 20 – Brownies Mattress Direct Easter Regatta Day 2
A Fleet of 7 for the first day of the Brownies Mattress Direct Easter Regatta. The first race got underway at 1300 with a very good start by the majority of the boats and, once round the first mark at Childrens Bay Whistler 3 already had a good lead over Lightly Oiled and then Transition and Escapade while Meltdown, Future One and One Way were close together a bit further back. From there they sailed to the Kaik and when they came back into sight Whistler 3 was in the lead ahead of Transition with a sizeable gap back to Meltdown then Lightly Oiled and Escapade followed by One Way and Future One. This order remained much the same around the mark at Childrens Bay, although Escapade passed Lightly Oiled, and from there, back to Childrens Bay with Transition gradually gaining on Whistler 3 and rounding the mark more or less together. From there it was spinnakers up and a sprint home with Transition first across the line in 1.14.36 and Whistler less than 20 seconds back. At this point the wind started to drop and Meltdown was third almost 10 minutes back and Escapade fourth in 1.32.40, less than a minute inside the time limit for the race. Sadly sailing can be a very cruel sport and Lightly Oiled (who were so close to the finish), Future One and One Way did not finish within the time limit of 20 minutes after the first boat.
Unfortunately the wind died right away and after waiting an hour the call was made to abandon the second race of the day. Day 2 of the regatta will be tomorrow starting at 1300 .
Thank you to Dean and the team at Brownies Direct Mattress – they are a wonderfully generous and long term sponsor of the club (Our wharf is Brownies Jetty). They also offer great deals to AYC members so please make sure you support them.
Saturday April 19 – Brownies Mattress Direct Easter Regatta Day 1
A fleet of 5 entered the third race in the Bayleys Series on a lovely Autumn day with brisk Northerlies. It was great to see both Meltdown and Whistler 3 back on the water. Course 50 was chosen and most good off to a good statrt although One Way was late to the line (but within the timelimit). Transition quickly took the lead in conditions that really suited her, followed by Meltdown and Whistler 3 who were evenly matched and tusselled the whole way, then Future One and One Way.
Transition was first across the line in 1.30.29, 3 minutes ahead of Whistler 3 and then Meltdown a further half minute back, then Future One and One Way.
Next weekend we have the Brownies Mattress Direct Easter Regatta, one of our annual highlights, with racing on both Saturday and Sunday, starting at 1300 each day.
Thank you to Bayleys Real Estate who sponsor this series and are great supporters of sailing here in the harbour.
Sunday April 13 – Bayleys Real Estate Series Race 3
A fantastic fleet of 10 boats came to the start for the last race of the season on a chilly winters day with light winds from the South. Course 10 was chosen. After a fairly conservative start the fleet headed to Green Point with Lightly Oiled and Whistler 3 very close together and already with a good lead over Transition and Meltdown and then, a little further back, Penzance and Raging Hormones ahead of Hyperactive, One Way, Escapade and Future One. From there they sailed to Lushingtons where Lighly Oiled was round first just ahead of Whistler 3. As it was a very hazy day on the harbour it was hard to identify yachts as they sailed to the Paua Farm before coming back to Childrens Bay..
As the wind had got lighter the call was made to “shorten course” so the race would now go to Childrens Bay then finish, 1S. Lightly Oiled won the race in 1.43.07 over 2 minutes ahead of Whistler 3. Transition was 3rd in 1.58.03 just 30 seconds ahead of Meltdown who they had duelled with for much of the race. The tightest finish of the day was between Raging Hormones 2.08.10 who just pipped Penzance (2.08.15) in the last leg home. As so often happens at this time of year the wind continued to drop and next, 4 ½ minutes back was Hyperactive, then Future One and Escapade. One Way withdrew from the race. For the full results, including the overall results for the series click the link below.
Thank you to Akaroa Butchery & Deli for sponsoring this series. Without the support of sponsors clubs like this can not survive.
This is the final race for the 2024/25 Season. Enjoy your winter break and we look forward to seeing you all again at Labour Weekend for the new season.
Sunday June 1 – Akaroa Butchery & Deli Winter Series Race 4