Issue date
The Whangarei Girls and Boys High School teams dished up the closest match at last month's three-day team's regatta at the Kerikeri Cruising Club as they battled for bragging rights.
Five teams - Whangarei Boys High School, Whangarei Girls High School, Team Waiuku and two teams from Kerikeri - completed six round robins (60 races) over the three days in near-perfect conditions.
The battle between Whangarei Boys and Girls came down to the last match to decide the result. Kerikeri Red finished on top overall, three points ahead of Whangarei Boys with Whangarei Girls a further point behind.
The main aim, however, was bringing on less experienced sailors with the help of competition from experienced teams.
The Waiuku Yacht Club brought five sailors from Franklin County Schools in their first foray in team's racing. They were able to muster only two 420s at the last minute, which saw the other teams to each sub in a boat and crew to make up the Waiuku team when they were racing.
It was very impressive how well most of the sailors from the other teams supported the spirit of team sailing and the two flag officers from Waiuku who are setting up the team were also impressed at the format and co-operative spirit.
The regatta was supported by a great group of volunteers, including parents, some of whom were learning on the job while others showed a respectable amount of experience. Alan Clarkson in particular was an excellent mark layer and all-round organiser. Thanks also to the Kerikeri Cruising Club for the use of their facilities on the water and at the clubhouse.
The racing was often very close and the results only reflect a learning regatta where skippers and crews were often interchanged and the main goal was learning and enjoying the sport.
Final standings
Kerikeri Red 19 points
Whangarei Boys High School 16 points
Whangarei Girls High School 15 points
Team Waiuku 6 points
Kerikeri Blue 4 points
