Issue date
Our International Navigator Mike Quilter has forecasted “An easterly 17-20 gusting to 23, easing in the later afternoon and evening down to 15 or 16 knots easterly”. This has made a lot of sailors happy; Mother Nature has come up with the breeze they want - to ‘fly’ on the last day of racing.
Images by Will Calver/Ocean Photography
Why not start the day chatting with a few of the Atamai crew from Westhaven. It seems there is a private battle between Atamai and the sister ship Notorious, both in B Division. Yesterday Notorious was leading in the private duel, but as Simon said “today we’re going hunting”. This is Atamai’s first Bay Regatta, and when asked if they will return next year, the chorused reply was “absolutely”!
It’s almost 5.30pm, and all boats are in. What a fantastic regatta. Perfect weather on the last day. We walked the marinas to take as many crew shots as possible on the respective yachts. Murray Walbran of CRC on Cruise Control was particularly happy as our major sponsor. I think he ‘arranged the perfect weather’ to make Bay of Islands Sailing Week one of the best regattas in New Zealand.
Mike Alison from the Protest Committee said, “we have had ten protests over the three days of racing due to the competitive nature of this regatta, now regarded as New Zealand’s premier Keelboat Event”. Fortunately, all protests were resolved.
Mayhem is pretty happy with two good days out of three. Skipper Harry Dodson has competed at the Bay Regatta on both Formula One and Mayhem and said “we will be back”.
Connel McClaren, the skipper of Viento, was ‘pretty chuffed’ with today’s effort winning two races and coming in 4th in the third race. We are getting very used to the response made by McClaren when asked if they will return next year …..”Absolutely”
Gillian Williams of Slipstream is very satisfied with the Bay of Islands Sailing Week. She said, “we have had immaculate conditions, and over the three days have enjoyed running with dolphins, sharks, and our American tourist on board…” Gillian and crew are visiting Opua and cruising the area over the next week.
Aussie boat ‘First Picasso’ is sailing with a multi-national crew with NZ Roy Dickson on bow and Debbie Whiting working the starboard winch. They have a great crew with a 45-year gap between the youngest and oldest crew members. Thanks for coming over the Tasie ‘First Picasso’.
Peter Montgomery as usual is in charge of the Prize Giving tonight; The Millennium Cup celebrations will begin at 7.00pm, followed by the Bay of Island presentations at 7.30pm. A lot of happy sailors will party the night away.
Head to the regatta website for results.
