Issue date
Lake Taupo Yacht Club held their annual Mighty River Power Regatta over the 14th and 15th of March 2015. The central location of the regatta attracted a good number of entrants in the Sailability divisions with sailors coming from the Hawkes Bay, Rotorua, Wellington, and Auckland. The participants were spread across two classes, the Hansa Liberty and 303, with each fleet comprising of seven and four boats, respectively.
With very little wind forecast for the Saturday we were not optimistic about getting much sailing in; however, after a long wait ashore boats made their way out to the race course not long after lunch. The first few races were sailed in light variable winds with the breeze dying all together at times, leaving boats drifting patiently awaiting more wind. The wind strength increased significantly as the day progressed allowing for better racing and the completion of the days four scheduled races.
The wind was much more conducive to sailing on Sunday - the breeze had changed direction to the East from the South on Saturday and was stronger allowing us to start on time. Although it was still fickle at times and especially light and patchy at the top mark close to shore, the remaining three races in the series were completed without any notable delays. With seven races being completed it enabled the competitors to discard their worst race.
Helena Horswell was defending her Liberty title she had won the previous year and she did so in style, dominating the liberty class winning all but one of the races. Second place was much closer with John Buchanan and Wayne South finishing equal on points only to be decided on a count back, John Buchanan was awarded second place as he was the only other competitor to have finished first in a race.
In the 303 class Paul Freeman was the clear winner finishing first in every race. Boat 1838 from Sailability Rotorua, helmed by Rentia de Fries and crewed by Don McGowan finished in second place; with boat 1840 from Sailability Hawkes Bay helmed by Katy Kenah and crewed by Mackenzie Kench placing third.
Overall the Mighty River Power Regatta was a smoothly run regatta and with conditions playing their part it made it an enjoyable event and one that sailors should add to their calendars for years to come.
Editors Note: Wayne South kindly contributed this article as "the ducks chose him" - many thanks Wayne. Both Nikayla Wood and Rentia de Fries received trophies for being first timers at a regatta. Full results can be found here .
