A lovely warm evening but no wind, We almost made it to the top mark before the time limit, Race abandoned, a good effort though, last out the harbour, 2nd behind Wild Thing when abandoned,
Next Wednesday, breeze up hopefully?
Clear Vision is a "Young 11" keelboat owned by Kevin Skelton and is based in Nelson, New Zealand.
Build year: 1986; LOA 11.02m; Beam 3.78m; Draft 2.13m, Weight 4.0T; Mast 13.5m; IRC(2010) 1.060
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
NELSON REGATTA 2015
Day 1Sunday 18th Jan
Category 3 gear all off, C V dried out and tidy ready for 3 round the cans races starting 11;30 am
Crew :- Kev, Patrick, Knoxy, Jenna, Alix, Matt, Charlie. Steve had rung in sick,
Race 1 - 8 - 10 knot Northerly
We started at the pin end, but arrived a little early having to slow up then head to wind to miss the pin end mark meant we were slow off the start and a lot of work to do. No Nedax Racing this years so no agro at the pin end. Tony's favourite spot! 2nd around the top mark in a bunch of hot Ross 930's, Future Feedback the other Young 11in front, we moved away from the 930's on the run and gained a little on Future Feedback.
We held 2nd for the rest of the race gaining a little to Future Feedback, but as we were scratch boat on a .846 handicap only a 9th on handicap.
Race 2 - 10 - 12 knot northerly.
We were sure the breeze would kick in to a 15-16 knot sea breeze so changed to No 2 headsail, Future Feedback stayed on a No 1, this would be interesting?
A better start this time, a lot of traffic on the 1st beat but made it to the top in 1st place, just, a lot of boats including Future Feedback on our tail, we were opening out on the kite runs which was nice.
Our 1st gun of the regatta and a 3rd on handicap, much better.
Race 3 - 12-13 it still hadn't build but we stared with our No2
A good start this time and lead all the way opening up a big lead, a race were everything went right, but another 3rd on handicap, turned out Marcus (Lidgaurd 35) and Non Stop (Young 9.9) hand enjoyed the conditions and both on low handicaps.
A good day, 2 Guns and a 2nd
Back at prize giving and another night of parting we were pretty happy with our result, well worth the shitty Cook Strait crossing to get back to this.
Day 2 - Race 4 - Nelson - Torrent Bay.
A couple of crew changes the long races up the park, Patrick & Alix back to work, Steve still sick, I managed to talk Holly McKee and friend Nichole into joining us.
Both Divisions (36 boats) on a mass start line for this one, the pin end was the end again but with a lot of boats heading down there I decided to go Committee boat end, we were well to weather, should get the breeze first and we would all need height to clear the Aqua farms once the sea breeze kicked in.
IT DIDN'T, We started in 10-12 which dyed away to nothing, then a bit of everything, we had kites, jib tops inner staysail?
We wriggled along best we could surrounded by 30 footers sporting see through Code 0's, even Non Stop had a 0 that sheeted back to the quarter, Wild Thing, Airship and ourselves had a slight gap back to Non Stop Future Feedback, Oldsmobile etc.
The R O shortened course, finishing us off Fisherman Island fearing the Anchorage party would be late starting. Good call Jim
Wild Thing took the gun, Airship the highly modified 930 sporting a new wardrobe and the sailmaker, just pipped us in 2nd, Non Stop 4th, Future Feedback 5th. 7th on handicap for us was't bad considering the drifting conditions.
We all motored to Anchorage (Torrent Bay) for another big night, Wild Thing and Oldsmobile rafted up each side of C V which ended on the Shot Hook making an appearance yet again, the Wild Thing crew doing a great job filling in for Nedax Racing in their absence,
Day 3 - Race 5 - Torrent Bay - Tonga Island
This one is a short head clearer in light fluky air. no exception this year, Non Stop had a good run close inshore in the light NE, we went up the middle but seamed to suffer more that those outside us, Future Feedback had us until close to the finish where we were able to sail under them and pip them on the line.
Non Stop, Testarossa (Ross 930), Wild Thing, C V, Future Feedback, 10th on handicap.
Day 3 - Race 6 Tonga Island - Tarakohe
Still very light for this one, the sea breeze must come as it was already bloody hot, Local knowledge again I went out, Wild Thing and Testarossa stayed inshore, and sailed away from the fleet, Testarrossa with a big lead at Separation Point.
We finally started to get some sea breeze as we turned into Golden Bay, but for us the damage was done, too many miles traveled and code 0's loving it.
Finishing order - Testarossa, Non Stop, Ballistic (Ross 930), Future Feedback, Wild Thing, C V.
12th on handicap
Alan Kilgour the port manager was doing a great job fitting 36 boats into Tarakohe Harbour, but I was happy to anchor off the Yacht club and have another raft up, silly me.
Then another huge night a Pohara Boat Club, the locals but on another great meal and night again this year.
Day 4 - Race 7 Tarakohe - Nelson.
Some sore heads out there on this start, including me,
We started in a nice 11-12 knot Easterly, but once around Separation Point and into Tasman Bay it got lighter and lighter, hotter and hotter, not god for hangovers.
Wild Thing again worked the coastline, I again went out to meet the breeze, eventually it came around 1pm but the race was shortened and finished half way home at Pitt head as by now there was a big split in the field with some boats at risk of running out of time.
Wild Thing took another Gun C V 2nd, Non Stop 3rd, Testarossa, Oldsmobile.
8th on handicap.
Another Regatta over, a lot of sunburnt and hungover bodies back in Nelson that night.
Overall we faired pretty well considering the light airs.
5th overall behind 2015 winner, Non Stop (Waikawa/TBCC, 2nd Airship (RPNYC), Wild Thing (TBCC), Testarrossa (RPNYC), Clear Vision (TBCC)
Jim Young designs 1, 3, 5. Ross 930's 2nd, 4th.
See you all next year, Next Regatta Feb 6th Trailer Yachts at Lake Brunner regatta West Coast.
Category 3 gear all off, C V dried out and tidy ready for 3 round the cans races starting 11;30 am
Crew :- Kev, Patrick, Knoxy, Jenna, Alix, Matt, Charlie. Steve had rung in sick,
Race 1 - 8 - 10 knot Northerly
We started at the pin end, but arrived a little early having to slow up then head to wind to miss the pin end mark meant we were slow off the start and a lot of work to do. No Nedax Racing this years so no agro at the pin end. Tony's favourite spot! 2nd around the top mark in a bunch of hot Ross 930's, Future Feedback the other Young 11in front, we moved away from the 930's on the run and gained a little on Future Feedback.
We held 2nd for the rest of the race gaining a little to Future Feedback, but as we were scratch boat on a .846 handicap only a 9th on handicap.
Race 2 - 10 - 12 knot northerly.
We were sure the breeze would kick in to a 15-16 knot sea breeze so changed to No 2 headsail, Future Feedback stayed on a No 1, this would be interesting?
A better start this time, a lot of traffic on the 1st beat but made it to the top in 1st place, just, a lot of boats including Future Feedback on our tail, we were opening out on the kite runs which was nice.
Our 1st gun of the regatta and a 3rd on handicap, much better.
Race 3 - 12-13 it still hadn't build but we stared with our No2
A good start this time and lead all the way opening up a big lead, a race were everything went right, but another 3rd on handicap, turned out Marcus (Lidgaurd 35) and Non Stop (Young 9.9) hand enjoyed the conditions and both on low handicaps.
A good day, 2 Guns and a 2nd
Back at prize giving and another night of parting we were pretty happy with our result, well worth the shitty Cook Strait crossing to get back to this.
Day 2 - Race 4 - Nelson - Torrent Bay.
A couple of crew changes the long races up the park, Patrick & Alix back to work, Steve still sick, I managed to talk Holly McKee and friend Nichole into joining us.
Both Divisions (36 boats) on a mass start line for this one, the pin end was the end again but with a lot of boats heading down there I decided to go Committee boat end, we were well to weather, should get the breeze first and we would all need height to clear the Aqua farms once the sea breeze kicked in.
IT DIDN'T, We started in 10-12 which dyed away to nothing, then a bit of everything, we had kites, jib tops inner staysail?
We wriggled along best we could surrounded by 30 footers sporting see through Code 0's, even Non Stop had a 0 that sheeted back to the quarter, Wild Thing, Airship and ourselves had a slight gap back to Non Stop Future Feedback, Oldsmobile etc.
The R O shortened course, finishing us off Fisherman Island fearing the Anchorage party would be late starting. Good call Jim
Wild Thing took the gun, Airship the highly modified 930 sporting a new wardrobe and the sailmaker, just pipped us in 2nd, Non Stop 4th, Future Feedback 5th. 7th on handicap for us was't bad considering the drifting conditions.
We all motored to Anchorage (Torrent Bay) for another big night, Wild Thing and Oldsmobile rafted up each side of C V which ended on the Shot Hook making an appearance yet again, the Wild Thing crew doing a great job filling in for Nedax Racing in their absence,
Anchorage Raft up and party under way
Day 3 - Race 5 - Torrent Bay - Tonga Island
This one is a short head clearer in light fluky air. no exception this year, Non Stop had a good run close inshore in the light NE, we went up the middle but seamed to suffer more that those outside us, Future Feedback had us until close to the finish where we were able to sail under them and pip them on the line.
Non Stop, Testarossa (Ross 930), Wild Thing, C V, Future Feedback, 10th on handicap.
Day 3 - Race 6 Tonga Island - Tarakohe
Still very light for this one, the sea breeze must come as it was already bloody hot, Local knowledge again I went out, Wild Thing and Testarossa stayed inshore, and sailed away from the fleet, Testarrossa with a big lead at Separation Point.
We finally started to get some sea breeze as we turned into Golden Bay, but for us the damage was done, too many miles traveled and code 0's loving it.
Finishing order - Testarossa, Non Stop, Ballistic (Ross 930), Future Feedback, Wild Thing, C V.
12th on handicap
Alan Kilgour the port manager was doing a great job fitting 36 boats into Tarakohe Harbour, but I was happy to anchor off the Yacht club and have another raft up, silly me.
Tarakohe raft up off Pohara boat club
Their off
Whoops
Just finish my beer until the rescue boat turns up
A big hit again this year was the Opti racing, each boat must enter a crew member, we 6 Opti's 6 heats then into the final.
Our own Holly McKee taking out the final for team C V, Jamie didn't enter this year, but with a little more breeze this year there was more than one capsize. (The sea breeze came along after the race finished)
Clive adjusting water ballast
Then another huge night a Pohara Boat Club, the locals but on another great meal and night again this year.
Day 4 - Race 7 Tarakohe - Nelson.
Some sore heads out there on this start, including me,
We started in a nice 11-12 knot Easterly, but once around Separation Point and into Tasman Bay it got lighter and lighter, hotter and hotter, not god for hangovers.
Wild Thing again worked the coastline, I again went out to meet the breeze, eventually it came around 1pm but the race was shortened and finished half way home at Pitt head as by now there was a big split in the field with some boats at risk of running out of time.
Wild Thing took another Gun C V 2nd, Non Stop 3rd, Testarossa, Oldsmobile.
8th on handicap.
Another Regatta over, a lot of sunburnt and hungover bodies back in Nelson that night.
Overall we faired pretty well considering the light airs.
5th overall behind 2015 winner, Non Stop (Waikawa/TBCC, 2nd Airship (RPNYC), Wild Thing (TBCC), Testarrossa (RPNYC), Clear Vision (TBCC)
Jim Young designs 1, 3, 5. Ross 930's 2nd, 4th.
See you all next year, Next Regatta Feb 6th Trailer Yachts at Lake Brunner regatta West Coast.
BACK HOME, MONDAY PREPARE C V FOR WELLINGTON
Knoxy & I departed Nelson 0800 Tuesday 13th for Wellington - Nelson race due to start 1130 Friday morning.
Not much wind all the way and a little sailed out from the Noelex at Waikawa we were happy to motor all the way, besides I had installed a new fridge over Xmas and needed to test it.
A calm crossing through the straits arriving off the south coast amongst what seemed like all the Cook Strait ferries plying the straits, turned on the Nav lights and flat battery? No way we had been motoring for13 hours?
Switch over to the start battery, turn off fridge, auto pilot, stereo, instruments
We tied up at midnight, C V back in her old berth at Chaffers Mariner (Thanks Tony & Vesna) .
Next morning, check why we had lost battery power, again Knoxy sorted our problem, on removing the alternator for testing he found a broken wire. repaired, alternator replaced and we were charging.
The next couple of days we spent catching up with friends,
Not much wind all the way and a little sailed out from the Noelex at Waikawa we were happy to motor all the way, besides I had installed a new fridge over Xmas and needed to test it.
A calm crossing through the straits arriving off the south coast amongst what seemed like all the Cook Strait ferries plying the straits, turned on the Nav lights and flat battery? No way we had been motoring for13 hours?
Switch over to the start battery, turn off fridge, auto pilot, stereo, instruments
We tied up at midnight, C V back in her old berth at Chaffers Mariner (Thanks Tony & Vesna) .
Next morning, check why we had lost battery power, again Knoxy sorted our problem, on removing the alternator for testing he found a broken wire. repaired, alternator replaced and we were charging.
The next couple of days we spent catching up with friends,
C V back in Wellington for 2015 Wellington - Nelson race
Friday 16th Jan 8am, Steve, Jenna, Alix, Griz Taylor (owner Young 8.4 Wild Thing) arrive on morning flight from Nelson, Matt had arrived Thursday night by ferry.
Stores and gear stowed ready for the 11:30am start,but after perfect conditions all week Wellington had decided today was going to be a blow hard day? in-fact the forecast was for gale force northerlies through until Thursday.
Pedro our race officer called a postponement which throughout the day went 11:30, postponed, try for 3:30pm, postponed, try for 5:30, postponed, try for 11:30 pm, at 9:30pm Race cancelled.
So here we are stuck in Wellington, No race 35-40 knots in the straits, but the forecast was for a drop to 25-30 overnight, increasing again in the morning, THE NELSON REGATTA on Sunday?
I decided to go anyway at 11:30pm but first needed some expert local knowledge, Brent Drewhurst Gucci, a local with miles under his keel and knows the straits like the back of his hand.
I phoned Brent to ask his advice, Gucci and crew were leaving at midnight was his reply, good enough for me.
I then phoned Missy the Nelson Regatta organiser to send out text to other boats in the race and entered in the regatta, we were going, maybe others would come along.
Richard on the other Nelson boat, Jet was keen, so the 3 boats headed out into the darkness of a very windy Cook Strait.
Storm jib and both reefs in the main, we cleared Moaning Milly at 1am, not a bad sail across Island Bay in flatfish water, but as we progressed on we had a couple of 37 and a 40 plus knotters,
Brent had the timing perfect as we had very little rip at Tarawhiti and once in the Straits proper settled into a bumpy but bearable crossing, and tide pushing us across, we were pleased we were not having to slog our way up to The Brothers, Tory Channel was slightly cracked sheets which made life easier.
As we neared Tory the breeze eased back to 27-33 and the sea flatter in the lee of Cape Koamaru.
We entered the shelter of the sounds at 5am, a 4 hour crossing, all 3 boats close together all the way.
drop the sails and motor through the sounds, some sleep for some of us and out North entrance, around Cape Jackson and home, we even had a wee shower of rain to wash the salt of us through the sounds.
There can't have been much wind through Jackson as I didn't wake until at Titi Island, off Pelorus Sound.
Nice and sunny now with a 12 knot northerly, we pushed on under motor as we were going to be late for French Pass, all on deck and lunch over, heading up Admiralty Bay we decided to see how the Freezer in new fridge was working, Ice creams all round.
14 hours after leaving Wellington, Ice creams, lunch desert
We arrived at French Pass 2 1/2 hours after the SW turn and shot through at a great rate C V twisting and shuddering as we hit the odd whirl pool, we were now on the last lap home.
We picked up a sniff of sea breeze south of Durville Island so hoisted the kite, we handed the helm over to Grizz for some practice as Wild Thing would be sporting Oldsmobile's old "Big Red" in the regatta.
The breeze dropped away again after a while so we dropped sails and motored home, arriving Nelson 8pm. A long day, but we were home and would be fronting up tomorrow for Day 1 Nelson Regatta.
BUSY 2015 SO FAR
After working through Xmas - New Year I was ready to go sailing.
First up the Waikawa Regatta.
This year we took trailer yachts, I helmed Knoxy's Noelex 22 Christabel, with Knoxy & Alix, Matt, & the 2 Holly's in their Noelex 22, Hairy Navel, and of course Howdie in his Elliott 5.9 Eagle crewed by Steve & Sam.
An impressive 51 entries in total this year, in 5 Divisions.
Our Division the smallest, 3 Canterbury boats, an Elliott 780, and 2 Noelex 22's including Outlaw 3rd at 2014 Nationals.
Race 1 on Saturday the Elliott's took off ahead while we 1st time racers tangled with Tux the other Canterbury 22 off the line, Tux won that battle, Outlaw well ahead, Matt the Holly's bringing up the rear, still coming to grips with their new sails and hangovers.
Race 2 the breeze now up around 13 - 16 we were again in 4th when Outlaw pulled out?
Turns out the 2 old fellas, (even older than me) don't like too much breeze, so a 4th on line.
Matt and the Holly's had missed this one as the were swimming off their hangovers when the gun went.
Race 3 the breeze now up to around 18 but the steadiest I have ever seen in the sounds, Outlaw still out, but Hairy Navel had started, Tux beat us to the top mark but didn't fly a kite, we were back with them at the bottom mark but again they pulled out, but less this time, however we had a wee kite issue on the hoist and by the time we were sorted we were rounding the bottom mark side by side.
We split tacks,meeting again at the top right on their stern but this time they were hoisting a kite, we were side by side, both having to gybe for the finish, ours went well, theirs not so well, they broached, rounded up then sat for ages head to wind?
Talking later they admitted being forced into a kite on the last run, the round up had put so much force on the rudder that it snapped the blade.
Howdie and the other Elliott had taken off, in the fresh conditions especially on the down hills.
Prize giving later, another fun evening with friends, we had managed 2 2nds and a 1st on handicap.
Day 2 Sunday
A little hung over as we waited for breeze, in came a light NW not as steady as Saturday's northerly, more the typical Sounds breeze we know. varying from 8-14 knots and 20 degree shifts.
Race 4. 2nd Noelex 22 most of the way around the track until the Hairy Navel but in a last lap challenge which turned into a close boat on boat kite reach to the finish, we just managed to hold them off.
Race 5. Very shifty again but this time all 4 Noelex's were closely bunched. Outlaw wasn't clearing out anymore but still leading, Tux, Hairy Navel and ourselves mixing it up all race,
The Navel getting us this time, Outlaw, Hairy Navel, Christabel, Tux,
Race 6. A rerun of previous race pretty much, good close racing.
Overall results
National Trailer yacht handicapping
1st - Overspray - Elliott 780, 2nd - Eagle - Elliott 5.9 (Howdie) 3rd Outlaw - Noelex 22, 4th Christabel (Knoxy, Alix, Kev), 5th Hairy Navel (Matt, Holly McKee, Holly Fry. 6th Tux.
Club handicap, 1st Christabel, 2nd Hairy Navel, 2rd, Outlaw
Great grassroots racing. Thanks Knotty
First up the Waikawa Regatta.
This year we took trailer yachts, I helmed Knoxy's Noelex 22 Christabel, with Knoxy & Alix, Matt, & the 2 Holly's in their Noelex 22, Hairy Navel, and of course Howdie in his Elliott 5.9 Eagle crewed by Steve & Sam.
An impressive 51 entries in total this year, in 5 Divisions.
Our Division the smallest, 3 Canterbury boats, an Elliott 780, and 2 Noelex 22's including Outlaw 3rd at 2014 Nationals.
Race 1 on Saturday the Elliott's took off ahead while we 1st time racers tangled with Tux the other Canterbury 22 off the line, Tux won that battle, Outlaw well ahead, Matt the Holly's bringing up the rear, still coming to grips with their new sails and hangovers.
Race 2 the breeze now up around 13 - 16 we were again in 4th when Outlaw pulled out?
Turns out the 2 old fellas, (even older than me) don't like too much breeze, so a 4th on line.
Matt and the Holly's had missed this one as the were swimming off their hangovers when the gun went.
Race 3 the breeze now up to around 18 but the steadiest I have ever seen in the sounds, Outlaw still out, but Hairy Navel had started, Tux beat us to the top mark but didn't fly a kite, we were back with them at the bottom mark but again they pulled out, but less this time, however we had a wee kite issue on the hoist and by the time we were sorted we were rounding the bottom mark side by side.
We split tacks,meeting again at the top right on their stern but this time they were hoisting a kite, we were side by side, both having to gybe for the finish, ours went well, theirs not so well, they broached, rounded up then sat for ages head to wind?
Talking later they admitted being forced into a kite on the last run, the round up had put so much force on the rudder that it snapped the blade.
Howdie and the other Elliott had taken off, in the fresh conditions especially on the down hills.
Prize giving later, another fun evening with friends, we had managed 2 2nds and a 1st on handicap.
Day 2 Sunday
A little hung over as we waited for breeze, in came a light NW not as steady as Saturday's northerly, more the typical Sounds breeze we know. varying from 8-14 knots and 20 degree shifts.
Race 4. 2nd Noelex 22 most of the way around the track until the Hairy Navel but in a last lap challenge which turned into a close boat on boat kite reach to the finish, we just managed to hold them off.
Race 5. Very shifty again but this time all 4 Noelex's were closely bunched. Outlaw wasn't clearing out anymore but still leading, Tux, Hairy Navel and ourselves mixing it up all race,
The Navel getting us this time, Outlaw, Hairy Navel, Christabel, Tux,
Race 6. A rerun of previous race pretty much, good close racing.
Overall results
National Trailer yacht handicapping
1st - Overspray - Elliott 780, 2nd - Eagle - Elliott 5.9 (Howdie) 3rd Outlaw - Noelex 22, 4th Christabel (Knoxy, Alix, Kev), 5th Hairy Navel (Matt, Holly McKee, Holly Fry. 6th Tux.
Club handicap, 1st Christabel, 2nd Hairy Navel, 2rd, Outlaw
Great grassroots racing. Thanks Knotty
Friday, December 26, 2014
LAST YEAR WELLINGTON - NELSON
Photo stolen from Alix, Charging through Cook Strait
Left to Right-Jenna-Ryan-Knoxy-Steve-Kev behind Steve-Matt
Let's hope for same ride this January (16th 2015) but better breeze in Tasman Bay this time
Monday, December 15, 2014
Sunday, December 14, 2014
WHAT A BOTTOM
A day and a half of sander above the old fella's head isn't fun, but I made it, the painting would have been easier if I could still lift my arms above my head?
Due for a medical with the Doc this week, might put it off? He will blame the smokes and drinking again?
Due for a medical with the Doc this week, might put it off? He will blame the smokes and drinking again?
It will turn white won't it Mr International?
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Burnsco Spring series Photos
Late off the start - playing catch up
Getting into the pack
Still getting onto the pack?
Into the pack?
BURNSCO SPRING SERIES Race 11 (final)
Raining all day wasn't a nice way to prepare for our last race of the series? To top it off, SE although light anything with east in it I hate! gusty, fluky had to sail in.
Crew:- Kev, Steve, Knoxy, Jenna, Howdie, Matt, Holly, Charlie, Aaron, Aaron being from Picton can't see why I hate these breezes, they sail in these conditions all the time? Well We Don't Aaron?
I had set all 3 Divisions courses out to the Fairway beacon, at least we were 2 miles off the bank and a little steadier.
The breeze was around 6 - 12 pre start and really fluky near the line under the Port Hills, despite this we decided to fly a kite off the line, hopefully carry it out to the 1st mark, Pile 0,
A minute to go, pole set up, a Wild Thing and McLeod to manoeuvre around and the breeze goes light, we are going to be late, hoist the kite and chase the pack, only McLeod behind.
We made up ground on the pack which put us back in the mix as we gybed onto starboard in the Cut.
Future Feedback, Skippered tonight by Patrick (C V tactician/trimmer) had a good start and without the hassles of a kite was leading out to the 1st mark, a bit nerve racking in the gusty conditions with boats close by as the gust now up around 12-16.
We picked up Wild Thing rounding the 1st mark as they dropped their gennaka, we slid up inside, Future Feedback lead, Smak, Redline, Blackout, Ballistic, C V, Wild Thing, Zenith, McLeod.
We sailed over Ballistic on the tight reach up to Boulder middle, and closed up on Redline.
Positions stayed the same rounding Boulder middle, approaching the mark I had a change of mind, deciding to do a bear away kite set rather than bear away, the breeze was now up to the odd 18 - 20 gust.
Everyone ahead did bear away sets, our gybe set quickly payed off, but we were very flat laying the Fairway beacon, Future Feedback had pulled a big lead, as we moved into 2nd, at least it was Young 11's in front, Future Feedback had done a couple of gybes by the time they reached the mark, were we had managed to soak down without gybing, we changed headsails to a 2 for hard on back to the cut and finish,
We were busy dropping the kite, rounding the mark, almost taking out the Division 3 leader Kotare Grace the Noelex 25, as we bore away under them after rounding.
Future Feedback hadn't changed headsails, still on a 1, and was staggering quite a bit, we had the odd wee over powered moment, lower but quicker.
we arrived a the Cut ahead but had to tack across the entrance to the port beacon, F F bearing down on us with a full head of steam only 4-5 boat lengths behind, now back in the harbour under the Port Hills the breeze was very fickle again, we were soft in the lighter stuff now.
Ahead and close to the lay line to the finish looked a little light so we tacked, needing a wee lift at pile 3
(It's usually there) but not tonight, we had to do another short board then back, meanwhile F F had gone further and was charging in to weather, we were slow out of the tack in this lighter stuff, Future Feedback taking the gun JUST.
I know what you are all thinking WHY didn't we stay on their bow and sit on them?
Blood rush to my head, and greed, wanting a bigger margin, And we needed a good result as Blackout was only 3 points ahead of us for 2nd overall in the series? My Excuse anyhow.
The margin? 1 second.
Handicap results:- Future Feedback - Clear Vision 2nd by 2 minutes on corrected time. Blackout? = 8th
Overall
1st Redline - Ross 930
2nd Clear Vision (only a point ahead of Blackout)
3rd Blackout Ross 914
4th Future Feedback (Young 11)
5th Wild Thing (Young 8.4)
Out for a well overdue bottom paint today.
Crew:- Kev, Steve, Knoxy, Jenna, Howdie, Matt, Holly, Charlie, Aaron, Aaron being from Picton can't see why I hate these breezes, they sail in these conditions all the time? Well We Don't Aaron?
I had set all 3 Divisions courses out to the Fairway beacon, at least we were 2 miles off the bank and a little steadier.
The breeze was around 6 - 12 pre start and really fluky near the line under the Port Hills, despite this we decided to fly a kite off the line, hopefully carry it out to the 1st mark, Pile 0,
A minute to go, pole set up, a Wild Thing and McLeod to manoeuvre around and the breeze goes light, we are going to be late, hoist the kite and chase the pack, only McLeod behind.
We made up ground on the pack which put us back in the mix as we gybed onto starboard in the Cut.
Future Feedback, Skippered tonight by Patrick (C V tactician/trimmer) had a good start and without the hassles of a kite was leading out to the 1st mark, a bit nerve racking in the gusty conditions with boats close by as the gust now up around 12-16.
We picked up Wild Thing rounding the 1st mark as they dropped their gennaka, we slid up inside, Future Feedback lead, Smak, Redline, Blackout, Ballistic, C V, Wild Thing, Zenith, McLeod.
We sailed over Ballistic on the tight reach up to Boulder middle, and closed up on Redline.
Positions stayed the same rounding Boulder middle, approaching the mark I had a change of mind, deciding to do a bear away kite set rather than bear away, the breeze was now up to the odd 18 - 20 gust.
Everyone ahead did bear away sets, our gybe set quickly payed off, but we were very flat laying the Fairway beacon, Future Feedback had pulled a big lead, as we moved into 2nd, at least it was Young 11's in front, Future Feedback had done a couple of gybes by the time they reached the mark, were we had managed to soak down without gybing, we changed headsails to a 2 for hard on back to the cut and finish,
We were busy dropping the kite, rounding the mark, almost taking out the Division 3 leader Kotare Grace the Noelex 25, as we bore away under them after rounding.
Future Feedback hadn't changed headsails, still on a 1, and was staggering quite a bit, we had the odd wee over powered moment, lower but quicker.
we arrived a the Cut ahead but had to tack across the entrance to the port beacon, F F bearing down on us with a full head of steam only 4-5 boat lengths behind, now back in the harbour under the Port Hills the breeze was very fickle again, we were soft in the lighter stuff now.
Ahead and close to the lay line to the finish looked a little light so we tacked, needing a wee lift at pile 3
(It's usually there) but not tonight, we had to do another short board then back, meanwhile F F had gone further and was charging in to weather, we were slow out of the tack in this lighter stuff, Future Feedback taking the gun JUST.
I know what you are all thinking WHY didn't we stay on their bow and sit on them?
Blood rush to my head, and greed, wanting a bigger margin, And we needed a good result as Blackout was only 3 points ahead of us for 2nd overall in the series? My Excuse anyhow.
The margin? 1 second.
Handicap results:- Future Feedback - Clear Vision 2nd by 2 minutes on corrected time. Blackout? = 8th
Overall
1st Redline - Ross 930
2nd Clear Vision (only a point ahead of Blackout)
3rd Blackout Ross 914
4th Future Feedback (Young 11)
5th Wild Thing (Young 8.4)
Out for a well overdue bottom paint today.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
BURNSCO SPRING SERIES Race 10
A 15 knot northerly this week, a change from the previous couple of weeks of 30 knotters.
Crew:- Kev, Knoxy, Jenna, Matt, Charlie.& Patrick, 7 weeks since Patric last sailed with use, the 2 weeks with Future Feedback then sailed with Howdie on Eagle (Elliott 5.9) leading up to the %.9 Nationals in Napier.
They but up a good showing improving every day finishing a credible 14 off 17, with 2 11's in the last races,
The 1st 10 boats were all out of Auckland sailing a series of regattas each month, a lot of professionals sailing in theses boats.
We / I decided to leave the Dacron cruising main on, with the fresh breezes lately we had been saving the racing main from reefs & flogging
All of our division (9 tonight) seemed to be wanting to start in the same piece of water on the start line this week, but we came out of the start in good shape, with only Blackout and Ballistic to weather
Blackout popped a gennaka for a short burst into the lead, we slotted onto the pileline on their stern with Ballistic on our transom.
Blackout was fast in these conditions, the breeze now down to 12-13 knots, Ballistic made an early tack into the bank to clear our dirty air, we pushed on into the tide covering Mcleod, Wild Thing and Future Feedback.
Our tack back on port into the Boulder bank, having to dip Ballistic coming out on Starboard, the early board on port, out of the tide was paying off as next cross as we came out we were ahead again.
The same happened with McLeod, as they stayed in the mix with Ballistic and ourselves.
Blackout meanwhile was loving the conditions and our 3 way battle, moved out to a big lead.
The breeze was dropping, now only 10 as we worked our way to the top mark, Ballistic had pulled 200 metres on us at the top mark, 3rd around, Mcleod 150m behind us, then Wild Thing, Future Feedback and Zenith, having a 3 way battle for 5th, Redline and Smak a long way back, infact the Div 2 boats were catching them?
For us not a lot changed for the rest of the race, we opened out a little on McLeod on the windward - leeward, by the time we rounded the top for the run home the breeze was down to only 8-10 knots.
Blackout finished 5 minute ahead of Ballistic in 22nd we were 3 minutes behind Ballistic, Wild Thing, McLeod, Future Feedback, Zenith we all tangled up together and amongst some Div 2 boats, Wild Thing making the most of it finishing 4th.
No crew for Saturday's Current Basin Race or Sunday's Cans racing?
I will be making up the numbers on Wild Thing instead.
Crew:- Kev, Knoxy, Jenna, Matt, Charlie.& Patrick, 7 weeks since Patric last sailed with use, the 2 weeks with Future Feedback then sailed with Howdie on Eagle (Elliott 5.9) leading up to the %.9 Nationals in Napier.
They but up a good showing improving every day finishing a credible 14 off 17, with 2 11's in the last races,
The 1st 10 boats were all out of Auckland sailing a series of regattas each month, a lot of professionals sailing in theses boats.
We / I decided to leave the Dacron cruising main on, with the fresh breezes lately we had been saving the racing main from reefs & flogging
All of our division (9 tonight) seemed to be wanting to start in the same piece of water on the start line this week, but we came out of the start in good shape, with only Blackout and Ballistic to weather
A bit of push and shove at the pile line. C V bow far left
A little more orderly now C V far right
Allmost sorted now C V far left. Blackout ahead - C V - Ballistic
Blackout was fast in these conditions, the breeze now down to 12-13 knots, Ballistic made an early tack into the bank to clear our dirty air, we pushed on into the tide covering Mcleod, Wild Thing and Future Feedback.
Our tack back on port into the Boulder bank, having to dip Ballistic coming out on Starboard, the early board on port, out of the tide was paying off as next cross as we came out we were ahead again.
The same happened with McLeod, as they stayed in the mix with Ballistic and ourselves.
Blackout meanwhile was loving the conditions and our 3 way battle, moved out to a big lead.
The breeze was dropping, now only 10 as we worked our way to the top mark, Ballistic had pulled 200 metres on us at the top mark, 3rd around, Mcleod 150m behind us, then Wild Thing, Future Feedback and Zenith, having a 3 way battle for 5th, Redline and Smak a long way back, infact the Div 2 boats were catching them?
For us not a lot changed for the rest of the race, we opened out a little on McLeod on the windward - leeward, by the time we rounded the top for the run home the breeze was down to only 8-10 knots.
Blackout finished 5 minute ahead of Ballistic in 22nd we were 3 minutes behind Ballistic, Wild Thing, McLeod, Future Feedback, Zenith we all tangled up together and amongst some Div 2 boats, Wild Thing making the most of it finishing 4th.
No crew for Saturday's Current Basin Race or Sunday's Cans racing?
I will be making up the numbers on Wild Thing instead.
Monday, December 1, 2014
AIMEX NOMINATED SPEED TIME TRIALS Sunday 30th Nov
A 27-30 knot SW wasn't nice conditions for a motor event, so moved inside the harbour for the sake of the Launches?
Clear Vision - Transition - Pelorus start jockeying for position on start line
We have the lead so far just after start Zeta M & Transition
Transition about to open up the horses, 1800 HP against 18 HP no contest, Zeta M at right
Well behaved crew. Vicky & Gypsy
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Photos taken Wednesday 26th
Shots from ashore last Wednesday (Thanks Bill Evans)
Lining up for the start - McLeod - Clear Vision - Future Feedback
We're OFF Clear Vision - Blackout
Heading for the Cut
Wild Thing (Young 8.4) Clear Vision (Young 11) Blackout (Ross 914) Future Feedback (Young 11)
Clear Vision Out the Harbour in 1st place
Clear Vision Out the Harbour in 1st place
Friday, November 28, 2014
BURNSCO SPRING SERIES Wednesday 27th November
Another breezy SW evening, a little less this week at 22-25 knots.
Crew:- Kev, Knoxy, Steve, Aaron, Jenna, Alix, Matt, Holly, Charlie.
This week we reefed the main pre start, last week we kept full main for the run up the Bolder Bank, reefing for the on wind leg back but lost too much while reefing.
From the start it was on, hard on the wind off the line, 5 of us in a line trying to climb over each other, McLeod and Blackout to weather of us, Redline, Wild Thing, to leeward, Future Feedback astern to leeward.
With a strong outgoing tide, I decided to have a go a laying the harbour entrance early, tacked onto port, cleared the sterns of McLeod and Blackout,and started gaining all the height we could.
Some shouting behind caught our attention, Redline had Wild Thing, McLeod and Blackout in his sights, the three had overlaid as we had just proved, but Redline wasn't looking for the layline, he wanted blood, Wild Thing was head to wind but no were to go, as McLeod with Blackout above charged on. Nice not to be in that battle.
The early tack had us out the entrance and on our way to the approach beacon in 1st place, the next 4 boats still sorting themselves out after their wee incident in the entrance,
At the Approach Beacon the breeze was around the 25-27 knots with some west in it so I had decided to go for the gennaka, but once on deck it was discovered it hadn't been packed. NO!
Fractional kite then? by the time they were changed we were around the Beacon heading for Boulder north, Blackout had popped a gennaka and was flying at us, they are certainly sailing well.
Crew:- Kev, Knoxy, Steve, Aaron, Jenna, Alix, Matt, Holly, Charlie.
This week we reefed the main pre start, last week we kept full main for the run up the Bolder Bank, reefing for the on wind leg back but lost too much while reefing.
From the start it was on, hard on the wind off the line, 5 of us in a line trying to climb over each other, McLeod and Blackout to weather of us, Redline, Wild Thing, to leeward, Future Feedback astern to leeward.
With a strong outgoing tide, I decided to have a go a laying the harbour entrance early, tacked onto port, cleared the sterns of McLeod and Blackout,and started gaining all the height we could.
Some shouting behind caught our attention, Redline had Wild Thing, McLeod and Blackout in his sights, the three had overlaid as we had just proved, but Redline wasn't looking for the layline, he wanted blood, Wild Thing was head to wind but no were to go, as McLeod with Blackout above charged on. Nice not to be in that battle.
The early tack had us out the entrance and on our way to the approach beacon in 1st place, the next 4 boats still sorting themselves out after their wee incident in the entrance,
At the Approach Beacon the breeze was around the 25-27 knots with some west in it so I had decided to go for the gennaka, but once on deck it was discovered it hadn't been packed. NO!
Fractional kite then? by the time they were changed we were around the Beacon heading for Boulder north, Blackout had popped a gennaka and was flying at us, they are certainly sailing well.
This wasn't a great sight from the other side either as Blackout runs us down
Finally we had a hoist and started to at least hold Blackout, now further out to sea, as we run flat to Bolder North.
Blackout dropped their gennaka before the gybe, 2 sail reaching at us on starboard, rounding only 20-30 metres ahead, Mcleod hadn't flown a kite but were 3rd round followed by Redline , Wild Thing and Future Feedback
Wild Thing (Young 8.4) photo from Future Feedback
We were slowly making inroads on Blackout, managing to climb off him a little, but 15 minutes into the beat out to the Cardinal Mark and the breeze dropped down to 18 - 20 knots, Blackout was now quicker and we were loosing ground, we shook out the reef, which helped but we had lost some more shacking it out, and weren't making anything on them, behind McLeod was closing.
Some Division 2 traffic at the Cardinal didn't do us any favours, more ground was lost.
A tight 2 sail reach back to the entrance, McLeod was closing all the time, we were now in blocking mode forcing them below us, and bugger me they slowly moved through us, we popped the gennaka for the turn to the finish, finishing 3rd, 2 min 20 sec behind Blackout, who had sailed a faultless race, we were only 40 sec behind McLeod.
Handicaps 1st McLeod, 2nd Redline, 3rd Clear Vision
We are 2nd overall in the series with 2 to go, Redline with too many points in 1st to catch, Blackout and Future Feedback only a couple of points behind us, so a 3 way race for 2nd Overall.
AIMEX TIME TRIALS ON SUNDAY - Launch & Yachts under motor
Handicaps 1st McLeod, 2nd Redline, 3rd Clear Vision
We are 2nd overall in the series with 2 to go, Redline with too many points in 1st to catch, Blackout and Future Feedback only a couple of points behind us, so a 3 way race for 2nd Overall.
AIMEX TIME TRIALS ON SUNDAY - Launch & Yachts under motor
Monday, November 24, 2014
FISHERMAN ISLAND RACE 22 November
We were due to do the Nelson - Tarakohe race Friday night but with 40 knots forecast Friday and Saturday I decided to postpone he race and race the Fisherman Island race instead, starting Saturday morning, at least there was only 25 of NW in the south end of the Bay.
We decided to change the main as we are still using the old batched de-laminating main on Wednesday nights, but with the forecast, I decided to use the Dacron cruising main, less roach and I don't shudder as much if flapping.
Crew:- Kev, Steve, Knoxy, Alix,Jenna.
11 boats fronted on the start at 10am, in light rain and a light 6-10 NE,
Wild Thing lead the way out the harbour Blackout, Kauri Ann and ourselves right behind,
We all headed out hard on the wind, Wild Thing on a Code 0 was sailing fast and low, as was Blackout, Future Feedback and ourselves had managed to climb out to weather of the rest.
The breeze went north,picking up a little so we were happy to be out there, Blackout was picking north of the marine farms as Future Feedback and ourselves had decided, the rest were sailing free down toward the coastline to go inside the Marine farms off Motueka.
Blackout had been falling away with a code 0 so had tacked out to us, but now the breeze was dropping not freshening?
The fleet was now split, Future Feedback ourselves and Blackout out to the north looking for breeze, Wild Thing, Zenith, Jet, Kauri Ann, Redline on the coast, we were still ok, I thought, there was a wind line and sunshine out to the north.
Future Feedback was covering our every move as we tacked on some big knocks slowly heading north, every time we got close they managed to sneak away again, we but this down to our bottom not being the cleanest and the cruising main, but wait till the forecast breeze kicks in?
We were both now well ahead of Blackout who was stuck in a hole way to leeward but the boats on the coast were flying kites? I still wasn't too worried at this stage as Predictwind is usually pretty good and a 25knot NW with a nice fast kite ride home was still possible. I HOPE.
Well it wasn't happening, earlier in the race I made the statement the 2 Young 11's were in front by 3-4 pm, 3 back markers had retired, Blackout had headed way north and found some northerly to sail around us, Wild Thing still leading the rest up the coast under spinnaker, a big red ex Oldsmobile one I had lent them.
So an afternoon of light to no wind with a terrible slop, no steering at times to make matters worse.
We finally got a light easterly and managed to fly a kite to Fisherman Island. Future Feedback was still close by so we still had someone to race. the rest apart from 1 behind the Island had rounded and heading home.
It must have taken an hour to get around the Island, finally reaching the top at 5:30pm.
Here we broke 2 records, the longest it has ever taken us and 1st time we have been last around.?
7 1/2 hours to do 18 miles
On reflection I can remember a slower one in Oldsmobile, we rounded later than this, in those days there wasn't a time limit, we pulled out in a big rain storm and no wind at 10pm, 10 minutes later a 20 knot northerly kicked in and we were charging home at 12-14 knots.
As we came out around the top Jet (Farr 1020) was sitting there, Future Feedback picked up a couple of zephyrs to park next to them, we worked a few wee zephys closer in against the Island, as we strained our eyes ahead and could just make out 3 of the 5 boats up front, 2 well out to sea and 1 on the rum line,
Two, NO, three questions!
Q 1 - Anyone keen to stay in the Park tonight?
I happened to know some of the Table of Knowledge boys were at Anchorage onboard Transition, would be a good party.
Q 2 - Out to sea?
Q3 - On the coastline
A quick check on VHF 22, Nelson = average - 27, highest gust 31, from 239 ? with only 3 1/2 hours to beat the time limit we would need it, and soon.
We headed slowly along the island in a light NE then a wee sniff of southerly and a dark line ahead, we changed to #2 and were soon hard on the wind in 27 knots trying to get inside the Farms, Future Feedback were to leeward so for the 1st time all afternoon we were not last.
The SSW kicked in at 24-27 as we staggered our way to the NW corner of the Marine farm, Future Feedback and Jet couldn't make it and had cracked sheets for the northern end.
Once at the NW corner a small bear away made life easier and faster, we were sitting on 8-10 knots in 25-31 knots. funny old day?
We reached the southern end of the farms to bear away on a course to Nelson 12 miles away but now eased enough to fly the inner staysail this took us up another knot with the breeze now down too 18-24.
The breeze slowly settled down to 15 -18 so we decided to try the gennaka, more slick work on the foredeck by Knoxy and up she went, filled and we were now carriering gennaka, #2 headsail and inner staysail, (cool) boat speed back up to 8-10 and some 11's
We decided to change the main as we are still using the old batched de-laminating main on Wednesday nights, but with the forecast, I decided to use the Dacron cruising main, less roach and I don't shudder as much if flapping.
Crew:- Kev, Steve, Knoxy, Alix,Jenna.
11 boats fronted on the start at 10am, in light rain and a light 6-10 NE,
Wild Thing lead the way out the harbour Blackout, Kauri Ann and ourselves right behind,
We all headed out hard on the wind, Wild Thing on a Code 0 was sailing fast and low, as was Blackout, Future Feedback and ourselves had managed to climb out to weather of the rest.
The breeze went north,picking up a little so we were happy to be out there, Blackout was picking north of the marine farms as Future Feedback and ourselves had decided, the rest were sailing free down toward the coastline to go inside the Marine farms off Motueka.
Blackout had been falling away with a code 0 so had tacked out to us, but now the breeze was dropping not freshening?
The fleet was now split, Future Feedback ourselves and Blackout out to the north looking for breeze, Wild Thing, Zenith, Jet, Kauri Ann, Redline on the coast, we were still ok, I thought, there was a wind line and sunshine out to the north.
Future Feedback was covering our every move as we tacked on some big knocks slowly heading north, every time we got close they managed to sneak away again, we but this down to our bottom not being the cleanest and the cruising main, but wait till the forecast breeze kicks in?
We were both now well ahead of Blackout who was stuck in a hole way to leeward but the boats on the coast were flying kites? I still wasn't too worried at this stage as Predictwind is usually pretty good and a 25knot NW with a nice fast kite ride home was still possible. I HOPE.
Well it wasn't happening, earlier in the race I made the statement the 2 Young 11's were in front by 3-4 pm, 3 back markers had retired, Blackout had headed way north and found some northerly to sail around us, Wild Thing still leading the rest up the coast under spinnaker, a big red ex Oldsmobile one I had lent them.
So an afternoon of light to no wind with a terrible slop, no steering at times to make matters worse.
We finally got a light easterly and managed to fly a kite to Fisherman Island. Future Feedback was still close by so we still had someone to race. the rest apart from 1 behind the Island had rounded and heading home.
It must have taken an hour to get around the Island, finally reaching the top at 5:30pm.
Here we broke 2 records, the longest it has ever taken us and 1st time we have been last around.?
7 1/2 hours to do 18 miles
On reflection I can remember a slower one in Oldsmobile, we rounded later than this, in those days there wasn't a time limit, we pulled out in a big rain storm and no wind at 10pm, 10 minutes later a 20 knot northerly kicked in and we were charging home at 12-14 knots.
As we came out around the top Jet (Farr 1020) was sitting there, Future Feedback picked up a couple of zephyrs to park next to them, we worked a few wee zephys closer in against the Island, as we strained our eyes ahead and could just make out 3 of the 5 boats up front, 2 well out to sea and 1 on the rum line,
Two, NO, three questions!
Q 1 - Anyone keen to stay in the Park tonight?
I happened to know some of the Table of Knowledge boys were at Anchorage onboard Transition, would be a good party.
Q 2 - Out to sea?
Q3 - On the coastline
A quick check on VHF 22, Nelson = average - 27, highest gust 31, from 239 ? with only 3 1/2 hours to beat the time limit we would need it, and soon.
We headed slowly along the island in a light NE then a wee sniff of southerly and a dark line ahead, we changed to #2 and were soon hard on the wind in 27 knots trying to get inside the Farms, Future Feedback were to leeward so for the 1st time all afternoon we were not last.
The SSW kicked in at 24-27 as we staggered our way to the NW corner of the Marine farm, Future Feedback and Jet couldn't make it and had cracked sheets for the northern end.
Once at the NW corner a small bear away made life easier and faster, we were sitting on 8-10 knots in 25-31 knots. funny old day?
We reached the southern end of the farms to bear away on a course to Nelson 12 miles away but now eased enough to fly the inner staysail this took us up another knot with the breeze now down too 18-24.
The breeze slowly settled down to 15 -18 so we decided to try the gennaka, more slick work on the foredeck by Knoxy and up she went, filled and we were now carriering gennaka, #2 headsail and inner staysail, (cool) boat speed back up to 8-10 and some 11's
Gennaka - number 2 headsail inner staysail all working well
Future Feedback and Jet were now 3-4 miles back and to leeward so wouldn't be sailing as free as we were, she was a handful however all on the rail aft, Knoxy working the main, Steve on the gennaka while I had to keep he on the edge of a round up (had a few) but with main & gennaka good heavy cloth I had no fear of damaging them.
We struggled to lay Nelson most of the time but too a good a ride to worry about that now.
Approaching the finish we had a couple of big round ups trying to make the Cut so dropped the headsail, hardened up a little loosing speed but gaining height, then headed again and 2-3 knots more breeze so down gennaka up headsail.
A great ride while it lasted, we crossed the line at 2105 hours 7 1/2 hours to Fisherman, 3 1/2 home
Jet finished at 2123, Future Feedback 2327, so we did a good job in both on the way back.
Wild Thing (Young 8.4) had stolen the show, finishing at 19:07 hours, 2 hours ahead of us, Blackout 2nd finishing at 20:08, Zenith 20:12, Redline20:21
So up the coast lie payed this time? and as for Mr Predictwind & Met service, "I'm not happy".
The 4 sail reach home saved the day from being a "Bloody horror"
What about a steady 15-16 knot northerly Wednesday?
Friday, November 21, 2014
BURNSCO SPRING SERIES Race 8
This spring weather is certainly dishing up some fresh south-westerlies but Wednesday's was a good steady 30 knotter.
This was the one we were waiting for, I was anyway, a chance to pop a kite for a fast ride down the boulder bank, then a good slog home in conditions favouring the bigger heavier boats, C V?
Mistimed the start with the small (7 boat) Div 1 fleet all in front of us, as we sucked up dirty air, we picked up Future Feedback with a better lay line to the entrance,
Blackout lead out from McLoud, Redline, Wild Thing, C V, Future Feedback, Ballistic.
The reach from the harbour entrance to the Approach beacon was a procession as some of us set up downwind sails, FOR THE BIG RIDE?
We were the only Div 1 boat carrying full main so were quick on the reach but we had some catching up to do.
The run to Boulder North would be our chance, as not everyone was setting up for kites, around the beacon, pole up and hoist, we couldn't square the pole and the fractional kite was flapping and cracking, the bloody tack was hooked on the Pulpit? NO, turns out the brace is through the pulpit, Matt & Charlie try to free it but too much weight snapping at it with each crack of the kite, simple hook up the spare brace, we use for double sheet gybing in these conditions, but not run tonight?
Drop the bloody thing, no time to re-pack it so try fractional gennaka, up she went and we were off overtaking McLoud, and started catching Redline and Blackout, two wee moments 1st I fell of the helm against the lifelines pushed the tiller extension adjustment button sending C V into a potential Chinese gybe, but Knoxy saved the day by catching her in time while I regained my composure.
The next wee moment was when the mark was spotted ahead, fine in the port bow, as I looked ahead she started to round up, Knoxy on the gennaka sheet thought I was altering course for the mark until I yelled I had lost her and on our side we went.
We arrived at the mark with Redline without the "we'll show them how to fly a kite moment"in 3rd place and now had to reef for the upwind, we lost more ground slipping back to 4th as the 43 foot McLoud powered upwind loving the conditions, Future Feedback were now onto us.
Reef in we settled into the slog home, tacked onto starboard and the port car had moved back on the track now too much twist in the blade, tack back onto port just clearing Future Feedback on starboard but no closer to McLoud, Redline or Blackout.
The next tack on starboard was much better with the car reset, we got into the grove (Finally),
As a tanker was due to leave port the course was shortened to an outside finish which shortened our recovery time.
We crossed the line in 4th, 15 seconds behind Redline, with Blackout 1st, McLoud 2nd,
Future Feedback 5th
What a night? surprisingly though, we were 3rd on handicap? 1st McLoud, 2nd Redline, they both had good races, we must have been best of the shockers?
8 of 11 races down in the series and the points are:-
Redline 25 points
Clear Vision, Future Feedback, Blackout all on 35 points
This weekends Tarakohe race cancelled due to bad forecast, we will be racing to Adel Island (20 miles) return on Saturday instead
Tarakohe rescheduled for next year now (march 21st)
This was the one we were waiting for, I was anyway, a chance to pop a kite for a fast ride down the boulder bank, then a good slog home in conditions favouring the bigger heavier boats, C V?
Mistimed the start with the small (7 boat) Div 1 fleet all in front of us, as we sucked up dirty air, we picked up Future Feedback with a better lay line to the entrance,
Blackout lead out from McLoud, Redline, Wild Thing, C V, Future Feedback, Ballistic.
The reach from the harbour entrance to the Approach beacon was a procession as some of us set up downwind sails, FOR THE BIG RIDE?
We were the only Div 1 boat carrying full main so were quick on the reach but we had some catching up to do.
The run to Boulder North would be our chance, as not everyone was setting up for kites, around the beacon, pole up and hoist, we couldn't square the pole and the fractional kite was flapping and cracking, the bloody tack was hooked on the Pulpit? NO, turns out the brace is through the pulpit, Matt & Charlie try to free it but too much weight snapping at it with each crack of the kite, simple hook up the spare brace, we use for double sheet gybing in these conditions, but not run tonight?
Drop the bloody thing, no time to re-pack it so try fractional gennaka, up she went and we were off overtaking McLoud, and started catching Redline and Blackout, two wee moments 1st I fell of the helm against the lifelines pushed the tiller extension adjustment button sending C V into a potential Chinese gybe, but Knoxy saved the day by catching her in time while I regained my composure.
The next wee moment was when the mark was spotted ahead, fine in the port bow, as I looked ahead she started to round up, Knoxy on the gennaka sheet thought I was altering course for the mark until I yelled I had lost her and on our side we went.
We arrived at the mark with Redline without the "we'll show them how to fly a kite moment"in 3rd place and now had to reef for the upwind, we lost more ground slipping back to 4th as the 43 foot McLoud powered upwind loving the conditions, Future Feedback were now onto us.
Reef in we settled into the slog home, tacked onto starboard and the port car had moved back on the track now too much twist in the blade, tack back onto port just clearing Future Feedback on starboard but no closer to McLoud, Redline or Blackout.
The next tack on starboard was much better with the car reset, we got into the grove (Finally),
As a tanker was due to leave port the course was shortened to an outside finish which shortened our recovery time.
We crossed the line in 4th, 15 seconds behind Redline, with Blackout 1st, McLoud 2nd,
Future Feedback 5th
What a night? surprisingly though, we were 3rd on handicap? 1st McLoud, 2nd Redline, they both had good races, we must have been best of the shockers?
8 of 11 races down in the series and the points are:-
Redline 25 points
Clear Vision, Future Feedback, Blackout all on 35 points
This weekends Tarakohe race cancelled due to bad forecast, we will be racing to Adel Island (20 miles) return on Saturday instead
Tarakohe rescheduled for next year now (march 21st)
Thursday, November 13, 2014
BURNSCO SPRING SERIES Race 7
One of those days, the weather couldn't decide what to do, not what I wanted when deciding what courses we would use for each of the 3 divisions.
Get it right, not a lot said. Get it wrong and take the wrath of the 'hard done by'
By 5:30pm steaming out the mariner, the rain had held off, the breeze up and down 7-11 knot westerly.
Crew:- Kev, Knoxy, Steve, Alix, Jenna, Matt, Holly, Charlie, Vicky
The reach off the start and the fluky conditions had boats squirting ahead then being caught, (a raffle) best describes it?
We we 3rd into the entrance which become a beat through it tonight. Blackout, Zenith, C V in a tight wee battle up front, Wild Thing and Future Feedback close behind.
As we rounded the approach beacon for the short reach to Boulder south, Blackout in the lead and able to fly a tight kite, C V 2nd, Zenith, Wild Thing close by in a luffing match as the much larger Zenith tried to sail over the much smaller Wild Thing.
Around Boulder south 100 metres behind Blackout for the 2 mile beat out to the Fairway Beacon.
The breeze was now up to 8-15 knots and 10-20 degree shifts, hard work but we seemed to make the best of it with a good enough gain on Blackout to have them dip us on the 2nd cross, the left was paying off at this stage.
We had put time on Zenith, Wild Thing and Future Feedback so were quite happy as Blackout sufferers another knock having to tack on our stern 50 metres back.
Then the bloody breeze went left - left and more left, so much, Blackout was now to weather, it will go back to the right surly? NO was that answer, in-fact, as we approached the Beacon the breeze swung 20 degrees right the about 40 degrees left, we were on the wrong side of this one, now Zenith, Ballistic (who had started late) were ahead of us, they had carried the fresher, left shift from way back until back in the race.
We finally rounded the Fairway Beacon after dealing with more shifts in 5 minutes than we've seen all season?
We were meant to be having a nice kite ride an a beer back to the entrance at this stage, instead we we in a 12-17 knot SW in 4th place, tight reaching, we quickly sailed through below Ballistic into 3rd, but the 45ft Zenith with her narrow beam was loving the conditions, Blackout short but light doesn't mind reaching either, so we were all pretty much in our finishing positions.
UNLESS someone made a mistake?
Blackout luffed Zenith head to wind as Zenith tried to sail above them,
Mistake number 1, C V a little closer?
Blackout pulled away, tried to hoist a gennaka, which lay them down in a shaking - flapping stall out
Mistake number 2, C V a little closer?
Blackout regained their composure but a couple of small round ups
Mistake number 3, C V a little closer? now bow to bow and to weather.
We turned the corner in the entrance, hoisted our kite, sailed over Blackout and "HELLO" zenith just ahead gull winged genoa?
Mistake number 4, Don't blow out your best kite in Cook Srait, then return home without it.
C V - OVER THE LINE 1st place, Blackout 2nd Zenith 3rd Future Feedback 4th.
Only a 5th on handicap but 1st over the line is SO SWEET
Rotary Charity harbour race this Sunday.
Get it right, not a lot said. Get it wrong and take the wrath of the 'hard done by'
By 5:30pm steaming out the mariner, the rain had held off, the breeze up and down 7-11 knot westerly.
Crew:- Kev, Knoxy, Steve, Alix, Jenna, Matt, Holly, Charlie, Vicky
The reach off the start and the fluky conditions had boats squirting ahead then being caught, (a raffle) best describes it?
We we 3rd into the entrance which become a beat through it tonight. Blackout, Zenith, C V in a tight wee battle up front, Wild Thing and Future Feedback close behind.
As we rounded the approach beacon for the short reach to Boulder south, Blackout in the lead and able to fly a tight kite, C V 2nd, Zenith, Wild Thing close by in a luffing match as the much larger Zenith tried to sail over the much smaller Wild Thing.
Around Boulder south 100 metres behind Blackout for the 2 mile beat out to the Fairway Beacon.
The breeze was now up to 8-15 knots and 10-20 degree shifts, hard work but we seemed to make the best of it with a good enough gain on Blackout to have them dip us on the 2nd cross, the left was paying off at this stage.
We had put time on Zenith, Wild Thing and Future Feedback so were quite happy as Blackout sufferers another knock having to tack on our stern 50 metres back.
Then the bloody breeze went left - left and more left, so much, Blackout was now to weather, it will go back to the right surly? NO was that answer, in-fact, as we approached the Beacon the breeze swung 20 degrees right the about 40 degrees left, we were on the wrong side of this one, now Zenith, Ballistic (who had started late) were ahead of us, they had carried the fresher, left shift from way back until back in the race.
We finally rounded the Fairway Beacon after dealing with more shifts in 5 minutes than we've seen all season?
We were meant to be having a nice kite ride an a beer back to the entrance at this stage, instead we we in a 12-17 knot SW in 4th place, tight reaching, we quickly sailed through below Ballistic into 3rd, but the 45ft Zenith with her narrow beam was loving the conditions, Blackout short but light doesn't mind reaching either, so we were all pretty much in our finishing positions.
UNLESS someone made a mistake?
Blackout luffed Zenith head to wind as Zenith tried to sail above them,
Mistake number 1, C V a little closer?
Blackout pulled away, tried to hoist a gennaka, which lay them down in a shaking - flapping stall out
Mistake number 2, C V a little closer?
Blackout regained their composure but a couple of small round ups
Mistake number 3, C V a little closer? now bow to bow and to weather.
We turned the corner in the entrance, hoisted our kite, sailed over Blackout and "HELLO" zenith just ahead gull winged genoa?
Mistake number 4, Don't blow out your best kite in Cook Srait, then return home without it.
C V - OVER THE LINE 1st place, Blackout 2nd Zenith 3rd Future Feedback 4th.
Only a 5th on handicap but 1st over the line is SO SWEET
Rotary Charity harbour race this Sunday.
Monday, November 10, 2014
CLIVE LEWIS DESIGN - Bluff to Bluff Race Sunday 9th Nov
After our lack of pace in recent races we needed to start at the bottom.
How good a job was the dock brush doing? I cleaned her bum again with the repaired brush (Thanks Knoxy) Saturday, then Knoxy dived on her for inspection and tidy up of sail drive, bulb, keel and rudder, the places the brush isn't quite up to it.
Sunday, race day, a 28 mile triangle in the bottom of the Bay.
Crew:- Kev, Knoxy, Jenna, Matt, Steve & Livy, Vicky. and Gypsy,
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How good a job was the dock brush doing? I cleaned her bum again with the repaired brush (Thanks Knoxy) Saturday, then Knoxy dived on her for inspection and tidy up of sail drive, bulb, keel and rudder, the places the brush isn't quite up to it.
Sunday, race day, a 28 mile triangle in the bottom of the Bay.
Crew:- Kev, Knoxy, Jenna, Matt, Steve & Livy, Vicky. and Gypsy,
The sign on sheet showed, 7 POB + 1 DOG.
Gypsy look for wind shifts
The start line just outside the entrance was a little tricky with only 3-4 knots of northerly and a big 4.4 metre tide flooding across the line.
We hit the line with good pace at 2-3 knots at the top end of the line with Blackout and Xena (Young 9.9), to weather, Future Feedback to leeward, our other treat in these conditions Wild Thing (Young 8.4) way to leeward, Code 0 unrolled and moving quickly up the Bolder Bank out of the tide.
Blackout & Xena to weather just after the start
We managed to sail out from under both Blackout & Xena with better boat speed and height, Wild Thing had come up below us against the bank crossing ahead as they came out.
We stayed in, working the bank out of the tide, taking back the lead with our next cross with Wild Thing, the tide had affected them.
Blackout had done an early tack out to clearer air from Xena, Future Feedback and Geralda the Giant Slayer (Elliott 6.5) all 3 were tacking on Blackout, bouncing them out into the tide.
We did the same to Wild Thing, tacking on their nose each time, sending them on short boards out as we worked up the bank in less tide and the odd lift in the slowly building breeze.
Xena was working the Bolder Bank, that close the were almost on it but it was paying off, as they were in 3rd place, Future Feed Back 4th.
At the Glen Marine Reserve buoy , 8 miles up the bank we had a good half mile lead on Wild Thing, Future Feedback not too far behind them, followed by Xena and Blackout.
A tight kite across to the west side of the Bay to the Marpua Bluffs 12 miles away, a 3rd the way across and the breeze increasing to 8-10 we started to power up the light masthead kite, now struggling to stay high enough to lay the mark.
The sea breeze was now on it's way, time to change to either the heaver 3/4 oz masthead kite or try the gennaka - jib top - inner staysail combo? I have been waiting to try this combo since I bought C V.
All up and flying, no trouble staying up on or above course but a knot slower. Bugger.
What do we do? The wise old Fellow that hold's the steering stick decided, "NO WORRIES", the breeze was freshening, soon the 3 behind would be struggling to hold kites and we would be in the groove with our triple foresail setup.
The 2 of them got closer and closer carring the breeze to us and still holding mastheads, Wild Thing a huge gennaka, Future Feedback a kite.
AS much as I liked the look and idea of this 3 sail combo, we looked like a Volvo 65 in slow motion I thought? but we had been caught up, hoist the fractional, Wild thing took the lead, Future Feedback now level to leeward.
For some reason Wild Thing was high on the mark and now running low & slow, we were approaching the Mapua mark together, much discussion on the next setup for the tight reach home? Large tiptop and inner staysail, the decision,
The plan the kite brace becomes the jib top sheet, we need to get rid of the pole, the staysail needs to be gybed and oh the kite needs to come down, easy, and all this with an audience, the two other boats.
We run to the mark side by side with Future Feedback, they dropped their kite 1st, got their pole off and ready to gybe, our plan, get the pole off, fly the kite without the pole, to the mark drop the kite, Matt on the foredeck would ping the kite (normally we run it), hook the brace to the jib top as the sheet, hoist the jib top, as the kite was being retrieved. a busy time for all, and a cock up waiting to happen?
Wild Thing got around the mark 1st, we gybed across Future Feedback's bow on port, but they were slow running flat to the mark with the early but orderly kite drop.
The C V crew went into action, as planned, beautiful to watch, around the mark in 2nd all set up for the 8 mile tight reach to the finish.
Mapua mark rounded, rift of photo, just the staysail to sheet in, then off to the finish
Everything sheeted and drawing we pulled in Wild Thing, taking back the lead, at the finish only a minute or so between each boat, C V 1st, Future Feedback 2nd Wild Thing 3rd, Blackout 4th, 5 minutes back.
Prize giving sounded like a Jim Young benefit race. Young 11's 1st and 2nd, Young 8.4 3rd and Young 9.9 Xena 1st on handicap. - Well done Jim,
Thanks Knoxy for the bottom clean
Im feeling much better than I have the last couple of weeks, much more fun up front!
Thursday, November 6, 2014
BURNSCO SPRING SERIES Race 6
Fresh gusty easterlies all day, I hate easterlies.
My pre race chores didn't go well, clean bottom with dock brush, starboard side done, with the gusty wind I decided not to turn C V around on my own fearing and knowing another gust would come through at the wrong time.
Mitchell & Vicky turned up just after 4pm to help, so turned her around and started to clean port side then the bloody brush broke? Have to set a course tonight with all port tacks?
Vicky & Mitchell ??? Vicky is the Spanish girl we bumped into while in Vanuatu, she had sailed up on a Cat from Aussie, met the Dream team aboard Bloomers, decided we were more fun than the owner/skipper she was with and jumped ship.
They arrived in Nelson Monday to see what sort of town breeds crew like "The Dream Team".
Crew:- Kev, Steve, Knoxy, Alix, Jenna, Charlie, Vicky & Mitchell
The easterly was up and down but we went for the No 1 headsail, off the wind start, then a reach up the Bolder bank to the top mark.
The middle of the line looked the spot to start until 30 seconds to go then the right had breeze? we were left with very little, again, we were left behind with Blackout as company this time, although worse off, than us.
We all bunched up again at the Entrance so back in the mix, the back end at least.
A tight reach up to the top, quite a few gusts causing the odd round up, no passing lanes
McLoud (Spencer 42) Out for the 1st time with re-feared keel and new anti-foul, lead all the way to Boulder north ahead of Ballistic, Future Feedback, Wild Thing, C V, Red Line, Blackout, Smak.
We had a kite ready at the top, as the course I picked out to the Cardinal and back next. I THOUGHT? However the front runners were heading home? I had text the courses for the night to the start box, but the wrong ones?
Stupid old fool, then to top things off the next mark was Boulder middle which was missing? what a night???
However, Jim back in the start box had been informed and re directed Div 1 & 2 in the form off a shortened course, i.e. straight home, we just hadn't heard the radio chatter? It was off.
We got onto Wild Thing's transom on the way home managing to poke ourselves up inside as we hardened up for the beat through the entrance, we had a good couple of tacks to the line almost picking up Ballistic on the line.
Another average night, the bottom is starting to effect us, I need my A into G and re anti- foul.
So, On line - McLoud, Future Feedback, Ballistic, Clear Vision, Wild Thing, Blackout, Redline, Smack.
Handicap - McLoud. - C V 7th, Blackout 8th not good.
Next race Clive Lewis Design Bluff to Bluff Sunday
My pre race chores didn't go well, clean bottom with dock brush, starboard side done, with the gusty wind I decided not to turn C V around on my own fearing and knowing another gust would come through at the wrong time.
Mitchell & Vicky turned up just after 4pm to help, so turned her around and started to clean port side then the bloody brush broke? Have to set a course tonight with all port tacks?
Vicky & Mitchell ??? Vicky is the Spanish girl we bumped into while in Vanuatu, she had sailed up on a Cat from Aussie, met the Dream team aboard Bloomers, decided we were more fun than the owner/skipper she was with and jumped ship.
They arrived in Nelson Monday to see what sort of town breeds crew like "The Dream Team".
Crew:- Kev, Steve, Knoxy, Alix, Jenna, Charlie, Vicky & Mitchell
The easterly was up and down but we went for the No 1 headsail, off the wind start, then a reach up the Bolder bank to the top mark.
The middle of the line looked the spot to start until 30 seconds to go then the right had breeze? we were left with very little, again, we were left behind with Blackout as company this time, although worse off, than us.
We all bunched up again at the Entrance so back in the mix, the back end at least.
A tight reach up to the top, quite a few gusts causing the odd round up, no passing lanes
McLoud (Spencer 42) Out for the 1st time with re-feared keel and new anti-foul, lead all the way to Boulder north ahead of Ballistic, Future Feedback, Wild Thing, C V, Red Line, Blackout, Smak.
We had a kite ready at the top, as the course I picked out to the Cardinal and back next. I THOUGHT? However the front runners were heading home? I had text the courses for the night to the start box, but the wrong ones?
Stupid old fool, then to top things off the next mark was Boulder middle which was missing? what a night???
However, Jim back in the start box had been informed and re directed Div 1 & 2 in the form off a shortened course, i.e. straight home, we just hadn't heard the radio chatter? It was off.
We got onto Wild Thing's transom on the way home managing to poke ourselves up inside as we hardened up for the beat through the entrance, we had a good couple of tacks to the line almost picking up Ballistic on the line.
Another average night, the bottom is starting to effect us, I need my A into G and re anti- foul.
So, On line - McLoud, Future Feedback, Ballistic, Clear Vision, Wild Thing, Blackout, Redline, Smack.
Handicap - McLoud. - C V 7th, Blackout 8th not good.
Next race Clive Lewis Design Bluff to Bluff Sunday
Friday, October 31, 2014
BURNSCO SPRING SERIES Race 5
After a stormy afternoon of rain and strong northerlies gusting 40 knots the weather had settled down to a cloudy 18-20 knot WSW .
Crew:- Kev, Steve, Knoxy Aaron, Alix, Jenna, Matt, Charlie.
Full main & Number 3 tonight, as I thought the breeze and weather had settled down maybe swing to the SW around 18-20?
Crews putting reefs in pre start ,when the breeze dropping to 12-15 as we started in Div 1.
My thoughts were it would stay in at around 17 - 20 as Kev and predict wind had suggested,
A poor start stuck behind Redline and Future Feedback had us trailing the 6 boat Div 1 fleet out through the cut, kites up (fractional), as I still expected more?
We were inside the rest kite up 1st thinking we're ok here as we shuddered & shook our way through the nasty northerly swell left over from the earlier blow.
The breeze line out further moved onto Blackout, Ballistic and Future Feedback, the latter broaching twice, which now had us bow to bow with C V well to leeward.
Blackout and Ballistic were off, Future Feedback were again upright and took off after them C V, Wild Thing and Redline sat and watched? yes were were stuck in a hole, flopping in a confused slop, not the only thing that was confused? we finally picked up some breeze, but still not as much as the front 3 who were now gone.
Around Boulder 1 behind Wild Thing and now hard on the wind to the Cardinal, we had changed to #2 headsail for this upwind, with good speed and height, climbing over Wild Thing but the front 3 were way ahead.
We arrived at the Cardinal amongst the Div 2 boats so at least had some company out there.
A big right shift (WSW) as we approached the Cardinal made a kite ride home look good as the SW made it a tight gennaka, we rounded and bugger me, the breeze swung back to the west, this was properly the 4th wrong call (at least) from me tonight so why not go for the big one?
Up with the masthead? we won't make the height to the entrance but we will get a good ride and with all the bad luck and shifts tonight, we may have earned a big get out of jail shift and make it?
Not to be. We did have a good ride then had to drop and 2 sail reach up to the entrance for a worst of the season 4th and last on handicap.
A frustrating night, the next day (Thursday) a 24 knot (STEADY SW). I predicted it. just 12 hours out?
Congratulations - Noel and crew on Blackout. 1st local boat to crack the magic 0.900 club handicap.
Busy November ahead
Sunday 2nd - Club Golf tournament
Sunday 9th - Clive Lewis Design Bluff to Bluff
Sunday 16th - Rotary Charity race
Friday 21st - Nelson - Tarakohe race No rest for the wicked?
Crew:- Kev, Steve, Knoxy Aaron, Alix, Jenna, Matt, Charlie.
Full main & Number 3 tonight, as I thought the breeze and weather had settled down maybe swing to the SW around 18-20?
Crews putting reefs in pre start ,when the breeze dropping to 12-15 as we started in Div 1.
My thoughts were it would stay in at around 17 - 20 as Kev and predict wind had suggested,
A poor start stuck behind Redline and Future Feedback had us trailing the 6 boat Div 1 fleet out through the cut, kites up (fractional), as I still expected more?
We were inside the rest kite up 1st thinking we're ok here as we shuddered & shook our way through the nasty northerly swell left over from the earlier blow.
The breeze line out further moved onto Blackout, Ballistic and Future Feedback, the latter broaching twice, which now had us bow to bow with C V well to leeward.
Blackout and Ballistic were off, Future Feedback were again upright and took off after them C V, Wild Thing and Redline sat and watched? yes were were stuck in a hole, flopping in a confused slop, not the only thing that was confused? we finally picked up some breeze, but still not as much as the front 3 who were now gone.
Around Boulder 1 behind Wild Thing and now hard on the wind to the Cardinal, we had changed to #2 headsail for this upwind, with good speed and height, climbing over Wild Thing but the front 3 were way ahead.
We arrived at the Cardinal amongst the Div 2 boats so at least had some company out there.
A big right shift (WSW) as we approached the Cardinal made a kite ride home look good as the SW made it a tight gennaka, we rounded and bugger me, the breeze swung back to the west, this was properly the 4th wrong call (at least) from me tonight so why not go for the big one?
Up with the masthead? we won't make the height to the entrance but we will get a good ride and with all the bad luck and shifts tonight, we may have earned a big get out of jail shift and make it?
Not to be. We did have a good ride then had to drop and 2 sail reach up to the entrance for a worst of the season 4th and last on handicap.
A frustrating night, the next day (Thursday) a 24 knot (STEADY SW). I predicted it. just 12 hours out?
Congratulations - Noel and crew on Blackout. 1st local boat to crack the magic 0.900 club handicap.
Busy November ahead
Sunday 2nd - Club Golf tournament
Sunday 9th - Clive Lewis Design Bluff to Bluff
Sunday 16th - Rotary Charity race
Friday 21st - Nelson - Tarakohe race No rest for the wicked?
Thursday, October 23, 2014
BURNSCO SPRING SERIES Race 4
Wednesday 22nd October
A nice sunny day and a 13 knot sea breeze I was looking foreword to the sail, this time I made sure I run the dock brush over the bottom with the help of Aaron.
Patrick was to be steering Future Feedback tonight so we needed to redeem ourselves / myself after last weeks spanking.
I decided to go for N0 2 light jib rather than the Genoa as the Fairway beacon was still showing 12-14 knots.
This was despite Future Feedback hoisting their genoa. a last minute discussion almost had us changing but with incoming tide the sea should be flatter and we should be higher on No2.
Only 6 in Division 1, so plenty of room on the start line, (33 on the water in 3 divisions)
A good start mid line Future Feedback ahead, to weather, Blackout, ahead to leeward, then both recalled, over the start, now we were front runners with Redline (Ross 930) and Wild Thing (Young 8.4) hard on our heals, Zenith behind them.
Out through the harbour entrance we held the lead but not pulling away as we hoped, we were again in that in-between mode on which headsail, we tacked onto port to stay out of the incoming tide just clearing Redline and Zenith hoping to have us on starboard no doubt.
The board on port and across the slop was boring and under powered, I decided to bite the bullet, admit I had headsail choice wrong and needed to go for a headsail change,
Being hanked we would drop some places but no good slowly being overtaken? better to drop back in one big chunk? Bugger!!!
Sail change done we headed out on port to measure our loss, with only 6 in division and Future Feedback's recall we were fighting it out for last place, Blackout despite their recall were now in front and flying? I discovered later Auckland sailmaker on board.
Our cross with Future Feedback confirmed we were now last, but if we wanted a head to head Y 11 match race this was it.
We both managed to get back in touch with Zenith and Redline the latter wanting to dump on us whenever he could, We approached the top mark on port, FF on starboard, we had had some close crosses on the way up, this time we might just sneak across their bow? We did just. tacking on top of them.
Both Y 11's rounded the mark side by side crews frantic in their kite hoists, as we rounded I had cut inside for an overlap, both crews did well with kites filling almost together except FF was short - hoist?
I found out latter their halyard was through the forestay, they weren't slow because if it as we run down side by side to the Boulder 2 mark.
We were leeward boat, and on starboard so could dictate the gybe and hopefully lead in to the mark for the next beat.
redline was running into the mark on port so it was worthwhile delaying the gybe until he had to gybed away.
A good drop and hard on the wind back to the top now up the 3rd behind Blackout and Wild Thing who had had a clean run while the 4 of us were sorting out 3rd to last. we held on maybe opening out a little to the top then the run home.
Wild Thing wasn't too far ahead now maybe 3 - 400 meters, under gennaka, we worked hard on our kite trimming, run out to the lay line to the entrance gybed onto port ahead and to weather of Wild Thing for what was looking like a close encounter at the entrance? It was, Wild Thing came barrelling in from lowed down straight into our wind shadow, I said I was sorry to be in the way, but they didn't seem to think I was genuine?
Kite drop at the entrance at the entrance, reach around the piles, hard on the wind to the finish, the whole time keeping C V's big bum on the nose of Wild Thing.
2nd on line 6th,( last on handicap)
Future Feedbacks Over at start and our sail change bought us back together for a good boat on boat battle. Great racing.
A nice sunny day and a 13 knot sea breeze I was looking foreword to the sail, this time I made sure I run the dock brush over the bottom with the help of Aaron.
Patrick was to be steering Future Feedback tonight so we needed to redeem ourselves / myself after last weeks spanking.
I decided to go for N0 2 light jib rather than the Genoa as the Fairway beacon was still showing 12-14 knots.
This was despite Future Feedback hoisting their genoa. a last minute discussion almost had us changing but with incoming tide the sea should be flatter and we should be higher on No2.
Only 6 in Division 1, so plenty of room on the start line, (33 on the water in 3 divisions)
A good start mid line Future Feedback ahead, to weather, Blackout, ahead to leeward, then both recalled, over the start, now we were front runners with Redline (Ross 930) and Wild Thing (Young 8.4) hard on our heals, Zenith behind them.
Out through the harbour entrance we held the lead but not pulling away as we hoped, we were again in that in-between mode on which headsail, we tacked onto port to stay out of the incoming tide just clearing Redline and Zenith hoping to have us on starboard no doubt.
The board on port and across the slop was boring and under powered, I decided to bite the bullet, admit I had headsail choice wrong and needed to go for a headsail change,
Being hanked we would drop some places but no good slowly being overtaken? better to drop back in one big chunk? Bugger!!!
Sail change done we headed out on port to measure our loss, with only 6 in division and Future Feedback's recall we were fighting it out for last place, Blackout despite their recall were now in front and flying? I discovered later Auckland sailmaker on board.
Our cross with Future Feedback confirmed we were now last, but if we wanted a head to head Y 11 match race this was it.
We both managed to get back in touch with Zenith and Redline the latter wanting to dump on us whenever he could, We approached the top mark on port, FF on starboard, we had had some close crosses on the way up, this time we might just sneak across their bow? We did just. tacking on top of them.
Both Y 11's rounded the mark side by side crews frantic in their kite hoists, as we rounded I had cut inside for an overlap, both crews did well with kites filling almost together except FF was short - hoist?
I found out latter their halyard was through the forestay, they weren't slow because if it as we run down side by side to the Boulder 2 mark.
We were leeward boat, and on starboard so could dictate the gybe and hopefully lead in to the mark for the next beat.
redline was running into the mark on port so it was worthwhile delaying the gybe until he had to gybed away.
A good drop and hard on the wind back to the top now up the 3rd behind Blackout and Wild Thing who had had a clean run while the 4 of us were sorting out 3rd to last. we held on maybe opening out a little to the top then the run home.
Wild Thing wasn't too far ahead now maybe 3 - 400 meters, under gennaka, we worked hard on our kite trimming, run out to the lay line to the entrance gybed onto port ahead and to weather of Wild Thing for what was looking like a close encounter at the entrance? It was, Wild Thing came barrelling in from lowed down straight into our wind shadow, I said I was sorry to be in the way, but they didn't seem to think I was genuine?
Kite drop at the entrance at the entrance, reach around the piles, hard on the wind to the finish, the whole time keeping C V's big bum on the nose of Wild Thing.
2nd on line 6th,( last on handicap)
Future Feedbacks Over at start and our sail change bought us back together for a good boat on boat battle. Great racing.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
I know this is C V's site. But Oldsmobile is a pretty boat and we all still love her
Photo stolen from Julliet's Waikawa Boating Club Pre wine race sponsors race
Last Wednesday's late finish after starting in 12 knots of breeze
N Z BOAT SALES 3 ISLAND SERIES Race 1 Fisherman Island
Down on crew, 3 out of 10, and this the first longer race of the season?
I was close to pulling the pin but with a good forecast light for the start, building to a 18 knot northerly, too good to miss.
A call to Milo, tutor at the Sea school, some of his students on the Super yacht course were keen.
Charlie & Jenna started preparing C V while I did briefing, this took longer than it should as most skippers needing sailing instructions despite them being on line for 2 weeks to down load?
No super yacht students turned up? 1st lessen for them should be turn too when an opportunity arises.
So Kev, Jenna and Charlie headed out to join the the other 9 boats for the 1000 start , we had the main up heading out, and started to get the overlapping No 1 on deck, but we already had a 6 knot northerly,
Short of crew I decided to go with the No 2 and save a headsail change later.
A good start at the boat end to weather of all, a little slower than Future Feedback but higher, footing it with Blackout both of them to leeward, then the breeze started dropping? NOT Good. the wind line to the north looked encouraging so we tacked out on port and up the bank, Future Feedback coming with us but now to weather,
The board out wasn't wasted (I thought) as it was taking us to breeze and the spat farms are hard to clear on one board, so we pushed on, the normal patten emerged as it does with sailing, 10 boats, some cracked sheets heading for the western coast line below the farms, some in the middle, the straight A-B approach and see what happens and the Y 11's out to sea.
We both tacked back onto starboard at the edge of the breeze line, laying the farms and able to sail slightly free for the still light conditions, back up to 5-6 of breeze, which built to 11 knots.
We were now 300 - 400 metres behind Future Feedback, not too bad considering our small headsail, we were both well to weather of the fleet and sailing slightly faster, OK at this stage, we just needed the breeze to settle in and we were off. It didn't. the dark promising wind line stayed outside us, and at the Spat farms went fluky and died.
Over-lapper up now, Future Feedback was up about a mile ahead, we were parked against the farms with Blackout and Redline, Wild Thing was sailing through the farms despite the warning at briefing, once they were in the middle the were informed on the radio and had to sail back out and around the end, Zenith and Farr A Way were down on the coastline with kites up?
We rocked, rolled, lost steerage for what seemed like ages, the breeze line staying outside of us all.
Future Feedback had a healthy lead, but the smaller boats, with their code zero's up were carving us heavier boats up now.
Blackout managed to get to the Island 1st with Redline and Wild Thing on their heals, it was going to be a case of the rich get richer as once around the inside of the Island they would sail out to the breeze and off home to Nelson.
As we approached the back of the Island Blackout was coming out, the other 3 still behind the Island, we drifted around the back to see Future Feedback starting into the light northerly that would take them out into the breeze, meanwhile Zenith had sneaked their way up the coast and were only 100 metres behind us.
We finally got around and needed Spec-Savers to see the 4 boats ahead, just small dots.
Too tight for a kite as we got into the breeze so we hoisted the inner staysail for the reach to the Farms, we were now in the 16-18 knot northerly that had stayed 3-4 miles offshore all day, I guess Predictwind had it right, sort of ? I had it wrong that's for sure.
Once we were happy we could clear the farms we popped the gennaka (Well done Young Charlie, only been with us for 2 crewed up races, now foredeck on his own)
We were now in18 knots NNW sitting on 10-12's, Zenith had been slowly pulling us in while we were both reaching, her narrow 45 feet working for her,
Under gennaka we were now pulling away, then they hoisted their kite opposite the farms overtaking us but heading below the rum line, as they crossed our bow, I happen to mention they were only a broach or a cock up away when soon after their kite blow out. we were ahead again.
As we closed on Nelson we were having trouble laying the entrance and I was doing a balance act on the edge of losing her, 5 miles out we dropped the Gennaka, two sail reached to the line.
Because we had fallen low Zenith up to weather was bearing down on us, ever sow slowly they pulled us back in, overtaking us just short of the finish at the harbour entrance by 12 seconds.
Not a great race for us, but the 3 of us agreed it was a good day out, Well done Jenna and Charlie, a great effort on your own.
No handicaps done yet but I'm sure we were scratch boat, and a 10th, finish times reflect the rounding of the Island and out into the breeze.
Blackout = 17 04 55 (Finish time, not elapsed)
Redline = 1714 41
Wild Thing = 1721 00
Future Feedback = 1726 01
Zenith = 1755 03
Clear Vision = 1755 15
Farr A Way = 1826 10
Play Doh = 1829 00
The other 2 withdrew
It's all on again next Wednesday
I was close to pulling the pin but with a good forecast light for the start, building to a 18 knot northerly, too good to miss.
A call to Milo, tutor at the Sea school, some of his students on the Super yacht course were keen.
Charlie & Jenna started preparing C V while I did briefing, this took longer than it should as most skippers needing sailing instructions despite them being on line for 2 weeks to down load?
No super yacht students turned up? 1st lessen for them should be turn too when an opportunity arises.
So Kev, Jenna and Charlie headed out to join the the other 9 boats for the 1000 start , we had the main up heading out, and started to get the overlapping No 1 on deck, but we already had a 6 knot northerly,
Short of crew I decided to go with the No 2 and save a headsail change later.
A good start at the boat end to weather of all, a little slower than Future Feedback but higher, footing it with Blackout both of them to leeward, then the breeze started dropping? NOT Good. the wind line to the north looked encouraging so we tacked out on port and up the bank, Future Feedback coming with us but now to weather,
The board out wasn't wasted (I thought) as it was taking us to breeze and the spat farms are hard to clear on one board, so we pushed on, the normal patten emerged as it does with sailing, 10 boats, some cracked sheets heading for the western coast line below the farms, some in the middle, the straight A-B approach and see what happens and the Y 11's out to sea.
We both tacked back onto starboard at the edge of the breeze line, laying the farms and able to sail slightly free for the still light conditions, back up to 5-6 of breeze, which built to 11 knots.
We were now 300 - 400 metres behind Future Feedback, not too bad considering our small headsail, we were both well to weather of the fleet and sailing slightly faster, OK at this stage, we just needed the breeze to settle in and we were off. It didn't. the dark promising wind line stayed outside us, and at the Spat farms went fluky and died.
Over-lapper up now, Future Feedback was up about a mile ahead, we were parked against the farms with Blackout and Redline, Wild Thing was sailing through the farms despite the warning at briefing, once they were in the middle the were informed on the radio and had to sail back out and around the end, Zenith and Farr A Way were down on the coastline with kites up?
We rocked, rolled, lost steerage for what seemed like ages, the breeze line staying outside of us all.
Future Feedback had a healthy lead, but the smaller boats, with their code zero's up were carving us heavier boats up now.
Blackout managed to get to the Island 1st with Redline and Wild Thing on their heals, it was going to be a case of the rich get richer as once around the inside of the Island they would sail out to the breeze and off home to Nelson.
As we approached the back of the Island Blackout was coming out, the other 3 still behind the Island, we drifted around the back to see Future Feedback starting into the light northerly that would take them out into the breeze, meanwhile Zenith had sneaked their way up the coast and were only 100 metres behind us.
We finally got around and needed Spec-Savers to see the 4 boats ahead, just small dots.
Too tight for a kite as we got into the breeze so we hoisted the inner staysail for the reach to the Farms, we were now in the 16-18 knot northerly that had stayed 3-4 miles offshore all day, I guess Predictwind had it right, sort of ? I had it wrong that's for sure.
Once we were happy we could clear the farms we popped the gennaka (Well done Young Charlie, only been with us for 2 crewed up races, now foredeck on his own)
We were now in18 knots NNW sitting on 10-12's, Zenith had been slowly pulling us in while we were both reaching, her narrow 45 feet working for her,
Under gennaka we were now pulling away, then they hoisted their kite opposite the farms overtaking us but heading below the rum line, as they crossed our bow, I happen to mention they were only a broach or a cock up away when soon after their kite blow out. we were ahead again.
As we closed on Nelson we were having trouble laying the entrance and I was doing a balance act on the edge of losing her, 5 miles out we dropped the Gennaka, two sail reached to the line.
Because we had fallen low Zenith up to weather was bearing down on us, ever sow slowly they pulled us back in, overtaking us just short of the finish at the harbour entrance by 12 seconds.
Not a great race for us, but the 3 of us agreed it was a good day out, Well done Jenna and Charlie, a great effort on your own.
No handicaps done yet but I'm sure we were scratch boat, and a 10th, finish times reflect the rounding of the Island and out into the breeze.
Blackout = 17 04 55 (Finish time, not elapsed)
Redline = 1714 41
Wild Thing = 1721 00
Future Feedback = 1726 01
Zenith = 1755 03
Clear Vision = 1755 15
Farr A Way = 1826 10
Play Doh = 1829 00
The other 2 withdrew
It's all on again next Wednesday
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Burnsco Spring Series race 3
Mid afternoon an 18 knot northerly out in the bay, by our 1750 start down to 12, but still ok,
Patrick, our sail trimmer/tactician was sailing with Future Feedback (sister Y 11) to see if he could help with the lack of pace in the 2 previous races.
We still had a big team, Kev, Steve, Knoxy, Aaron, Alix, Matt, Holly Charlie.
Future Feedback had been out early for a look at sails and as we had talked about no speed difference between both boats I decided to start close to them.
This didn't happen as we looked like we were early with the out going tide carrying us across, I gybed around to have another go and stalled her !!!!!!
Last off the line with Ballistic who had started up to weather under kite, we just managed to get out the entrance ahead of them but right on the stern of Zenith, in the dirty air of a 45 footer isn,t were I wanted to be watching Blackout and Future Feedback sail away.
We headed out to sea using the ebb tide and looking for the breeze line, tonight the bolder bank payed and we arrived at the top mark on port with Zenith and Wild Thing coming at us on starboard.
We rounded the top between them, trying to overtake Zenith under kite, meanwhile up front Blackout & Future Feedback we gone.
We were still behind Zenith after the short windward leeward and just the run home to try and secure 3rd and some creditability?
The breeze was now down to 9 knots,we were slowly rolling over Zenith as we started coming up on Div 2 & 3 traffic, I never like sailing over these boats but these a desperate times, we weaved our way through, making a better job of it than Zenith putting 4 -5 lengths on him.
Ahead, at the entrance the breeze had gone a mass of boats (37 on the water tonight) half them parked up, held out by the out going tide.
We now had a drifter on our hands and the clock ticking close to the time limit BUGGER.
At one stage we were back on the genoa for a while in a light westerly, then back to light kite through the entrance.
It seemed most we sitting with limp kites waiting for something to happen, while a few were trying to sail through them, where ever we went there were boats in the way, the same one 3 times at one stage as we gybed our way through them.
Blackout and Future Feedback had finished so we had a race, not sure I wanted one?
We were now into the front runners in Div 2, making passing a lot harder, we finally made it across the line 3rd in division, a long way behind BO and FF, hurts the pride - helps the handicap.
Patrick, our sail trimmer/tactician was sailing with Future Feedback (sister Y 11) to see if he could help with the lack of pace in the 2 previous races.
We still had a big team, Kev, Steve, Knoxy, Aaron, Alix, Matt, Holly Charlie.
Future Feedback had been out early for a look at sails and as we had talked about no speed difference between both boats I decided to start close to them.
This didn't happen as we looked like we were early with the out going tide carrying us across, I gybed around to have another go and stalled her !!!!!!
Last off the line with Ballistic who had started up to weather under kite, we just managed to get out the entrance ahead of them but right on the stern of Zenith, in the dirty air of a 45 footer isn,t were I wanted to be watching Blackout and Future Feedback sail away.
We headed out to sea using the ebb tide and looking for the breeze line, tonight the bolder bank payed and we arrived at the top mark on port with Zenith and Wild Thing coming at us on starboard.
We rounded the top between them, trying to overtake Zenith under kite, meanwhile up front Blackout & Future Feedback we gone.
We were still behind Zenith after the short windward leeward and just the run home to try and secure 3rd and some creditability?
The breeze was now down to 9 knots,we were slowly rolling over Zenith as we started coming up on Div 2 & 3 traffic, I never like sailing over these boats but these a desperate times, we weaved our way through, making a better job of it than Zenith putting 4 -5 lengths on him.
Ahead, at the entrance the breeze had gone a mass of boats (37 on the water tonight) half them parked up, held out by the out going tide.
At one stage we were back on the genoa for a while in a light westerly, then back to light kite through the entrance.
It seemed most we sitting with limp kites waiting for something to happen, while a few were trying to sail through them, where ever we went there were boats in the way, the same one 3 times at one stage as we gybed our way through them.
Blackout and Future Feedback had finished so we had a race, not sure I wanted one?
We were now into the front runners in Div 2, making passing a lot harder, we finally made it across the line 3rd in division, a long way behind BO and FF, hurts the pride - helps the handicap.
Fisherman Island race on Saturday, a chance to stretch our legs
Sunday, October 12, 2014
C V comming through Nelson Harbour entrance on her way to Line & Handicap win
"Big Blue" Ex Oldsmobile Masthead looks good as Fractional on C V
Friday, October 10, 2014
BURNSCO SPRING SERIES Race 2
Wed 8th, a nice 20 knot WSW breeze.
An on the wind start was a nice change, we were back a bit from the line and to leeward of Blackout, with Future Feedback and others to leeward.
We broke through Blackout, lower but faster, and powered over Future Feedback, the tack on the lay line out the entrance was going to be tight but local knowledge has a hint of a lift or two as we clear Haulashore Island, Blackout crossed our bow, tacking to weather ,we laid the cut but had to sit on Blackout's transom on the reach out to O beacon, both hoisting for the run up to Bolder 1.
We had of course gone for our masthead, Blackout had a reef in the main and had gone for a fractional gennaka, we were running flat to the mark while Blackout run further out to sea and into the incoming tide, Future Feedback, Zenith and the others back fighting for 3rd.
Around Bolder 1 and a short beat to Bolder 2 then another run back to the top, we had a little hick up dropping the kite when the halyard jambed coursing us to over shoot and loose 5-6 boat lengths.
That out the way and the long slog back to the harbour entrance, the breeze had eased off a little but we were still ticking off 7 - 7.4 knots up wind.
As we approached 0 beacon we were amongst the Div 2 leaders, MacIntosh (Kim Harris) and Farr A Way (Mike Rose) having a close battle for the lead. the other Div 2 boats hard on their heals, no room for mistakes in this newly formed Division, the majority, 35 footers.
We popped the fractional kite for the run to the finish, not wanting another jambed halyard. crossing the finish just under 3 minutes ahead of Blackout.,
1st again on handicap.
Last weeks results showed we had sailed to a .901 and Blackout a .906, this week our sailed too was 915, no prizes for guessing what our handicap has done? we are now on .877, Blackout .885.
The night wasn't quite over, we went to drop the main up in the basin to find it wouldn't budge?
Patrick up the mast to find the main had been shackled in the wrong hole and the mashed kite halyard block smashed, a little maintenance to do for next week.
We are lending our mainsheet trimmer and tactician to Future Feedback next week,
I hope we won't regret this?
An on the wind start was a nice change, we were back a bit from the line and to leeward of Blackout, with Future Feedback and others to leeward.
We broke through Blackout, lower but faster, and powered over Future Feedback, the tack on the lay line out the entrance was going to be tight but local knowledge has a hint of a lift or two as we clear Haulashore Island, Blackout crossed our bow, tacking to weather ,we laid the cut but had to sit on Blackout's transom on the reach out to O beacon, both hoisting for the run up to Bolder 1.
We had of course gone for our masthead, Blackout had a reef in the main and had gone for a fractional gennaka, we were running flat to the mark while Blackout run further out to sea and into the incoming tide, Future Feedback, Zenith and the others back fighting for 3rd.
Around Bolder 1 and a short beat to Bolder 2 then another run back to the top, we had a little hick up dropping the kite when the halyard jambed coursing us to over shoot and loose 5-6 boat lengths.
That out the way and the long slog back to the harbour entrance, the breeze had eased off a little but we were still ticking off 7 - 7.4 knots up wind.
As we approached 0 beacon we were amongst the Div 2 leaders, MacIntosh (Kim Harris) and Farr A Way (Mike Rose) having a close battle for the lead. the other Div 2 boats hard on their heals, no room for mistakes in this newly formed Division, the majority, 35 footers.
We popped the fractional kite for the run to the finish, not wanting another jambed halyard. crossing the finish just under 3 minutes ahead of Blackout.,
1st again on handicap.
Last weeks results showed we had sailed to a .901 and Blackout a .906, this week our sailed too was 915, no prizes for guessing what our handicap has done? we are now on .877, Blackout .885.
The night wasn't quite over, we went to drop the main up in the basin to find it wouldn't budge?
Patrick up the mast to find the main had been shackled in the wrong hole and the mashed kite halyard block smashed, a little maintenance to do for next week.
We are lending our mainsheet trimmer and tactician to Future Feedback next week,
I hope we won't regret this?
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