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Another beautiful day in the Bay of Islands, with the weatherman on our side for racing yachts. Mike Quilter, International Navigator gave the forecast to any and all boaties at the beginning of the day: “a ridge of high pressure establishes itself over the North Island today and tomorrow giving us SE going E breezes over the bay.”
Images by Will Calver/Ocean Photography
Mike’s forecast was for a 10 knot wind up to 15-20 knots by the end of the day; this proved to be correct. A good day for a yacht race and racing began on time. Today we covered the A, B and C Island Racing Divisions along with the Millennium Cup and the Pacific Cup.
In Island Racing A division, Equilibrium was first off the mark and held the lead to the finish taking first place. Cotton Blossom came home in second place with Hupane third.
A lot of action in Island Racing B division with an individual recall for both Northern Rebel and Wetherley. Both boats re-rounded the mark and were off in pursuit of the fleet. A faster race than expected with Kantime over the finishing line first, followed by Northern Rebel, then Fun n Games.
Island Racing C division Non-Spinnaker had only three competing yachts; Royale with a substantial lead was over the start line first, then Blazing Shadz and Cassandra. Royale held her lead around the course crossing the finish line in first place, followed by Cassandra, with Blazing Shadz in third place.
And then it was time for the Millenium Cup. The super yachts are divided into two groups, Millenium Cup – five yachts, the Pacific Cup – two yachts. This race is run under “Mark Foy Pursuit” rules. A simple explanation where each yacht has a staggered start time in anticipation of the group of yachts finishing together. These sleek yachts certainly added to the spectacle in the bay. Finishing times are on the Website www.bayofislandssailingweek.org.nz
The day was finished in the North Sail Tent with free nibbles courtesy of Southern Spars, with the band playing and 100s of people having a good time.
Tomorrow is Race Day number three with the evening prize giving compared by our friend Peter Montgomery. Peter does such a good job each year. His loyalty and sense of humour are enjoyed and appreciated.
The Bay of Islands Sailing Week website also has many photographs with a link to Ocean Photography, Will Calver. Check out Facebook for LOTS of news and photos.
