Issue date
In our regular focus on the regions, the regional support officers provide an update on what is happening in clubland.
Bay of Islands Red Socks Race Day
Sunny skies, a steady sou'wester, plenty of red and lots of laughs was the result of the 2020 Red Socks Race Day at the Bay of Islands Yacht Club on Sunday, August 9.
In the spirit of Sir Peter Blake, experienced sailors were teamed up with new sailors, either as double-handed crews or as single-handed teams, all boats starting in one fleet.
The racing was then levelled off with some fun bang-and-go-back races. This race approach allowed the race officer to decide (as the first boat crossed the finish line) whether the whole fleet had to turn around, reverse the course and race back to the start line.
As well as giving green fleet racers a fair chance to finish on the podium, this format made for plenty of laughs. Prizes on the day also included the largest age range in a team (53 years) and the best-dressed team.
Race officer for the day, Chris Fewtrell, said it was a great way to come together as a club and build a sense of community. It also gave the club the opportunity to remember the massive contribution Sir Peter Blake made to sailing, with his leadership and focus on teamwork.
Lowry Bay Winter Series
Photo: Splash Princess.
The Lowry Bay Yacht Club's winter series finished up recently after a small delay due to Covid-19 and attracted a great turnout of boats.
The Wellington weather gods also played their part and the resurgence in sailing after the lockdown was noticeable.
With a full calendar of racing and cruising planed for the coming season, the club will now look forward to the warmer temperatures of the summer months which will again include the Annual 24 Hour race at the end of March.
Nelson Yacht Club
Club spirit is alive and well at the Nelson Yacht Club with great turnout of volunteers for the painting and refurbishment of the clubrooms and Penguins nest.
Working bees are an important part of club life and building club spirit.
NZIODA vacancies
The New Zealand International Optimist Dinghy Association are looking to fill some vacancies on their committee after three key members stepped down.
The class still has a strong committee and recently employed two administrators but they're looking for a president, secretary and treasurer.
The previous members vacated the positions after their own children moved on from the class.
To register your interest or find out more information about these roles, please email
nzoptimist@gmail.com
Ghost diving at the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club
More than 2000kg of rubbish was hauled out of the bottom of Clyde Quay in Wellington recently and it's expected even more will be brought up in next month's Annual Harbour Clean Up.
Only three divers from Ghost Diving New Zealand hauled up 2000kg recently, which was considered an improvement after years of bigger removals. The team of divers and shore crew used the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club marina as a base for the successful operation.
The Annual Harbour Cleanup, which has been postponed twice this year due to lockdown, will now happen on September 20 and organisers are looking for divers, free divers and shore crew to help. They're targeting rubbish in and around the Wellington foreshore, specifically at and around Frank Kitts Park.
Registrations open at Frank Kitts Park at 9am with a briefing at 10am and there will be a competition for most interesting find.
Scuba divers who wish to participate must have a minimum of 50 logged dives and be comfortable working in low / zero visibility. Scuba and free divers must provide their own gear and tanks.
Read more about ghost diving and a cleanup of Okahu Bay last year.
Taipa Sailing Club
There has been a hive of activity at the Taipa Sailing Club in recent times and it's only going to get busier with a number of regattas and events planned.
On the back of a hugely successful Starling national championships in 2019, the club are now gearing up to host both the Farr 3.7m and Jollyboat nationals on February 26-28, 2021.
Before that, however, they'll also host the annual Far North Champs on November 21-22. This event embraces all classes and sailors from all around Northland and last year attracted 35 boats.
The latest Covid-19 lockdown in Auckland resulted in the cancellation of a Laser regatta in Auckland so Taipa will host a Laser-only regatta on September 12 for all abilities and rig sizes. Entry is $20 and five races are being planned.
All of this activity saw the club hold a working bee and there has been plenty of sailing with warm and sunny weather. Another learn to sail programme for both juniors and adults will start in November and anyone interested should contact Taipasailingclub@gmail.com.
Many local businesses have been throwing their support behind the Taipa Sailing Club, including Ray White, Coopers Beach Four Square, Total Span, Mangonui ITM, Doubtless Bay Water and the Doubtless Bay Lions.
Canterbury Boat Show
Class Associations and anyone else interested in displaying a boat (or any type of watercraft) at the upcoming Canterbury Boat Show are asked to contact the office by Friday, August 28. Email: admin@navalpoint.co.nz or phone 328 7029.
