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Last weekend's Interislander Optimist championships at the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club provided the perfect mixed bag of conditions to test the 164 sailors who took part.
Friday brought north-west winds that topped 20 knots later in the day, providing some exciting sailing; day 2 started with sunny skies and light winds which built a little during the day; and the third day dished up tricky southerly conditions.
Jasper Camenzind from the Murrays Bay Sailing Club coped best, finishing ahead of clubmate Joe Leith and Nelson Yacht Club's Noah Malpot.
Niamh Shanahan (Wakatere Boating Club) topped the white fleet, Oscar McMullen (Kohimarama Yacht Club) and Harry Pitts (QCYC) won the green and rainbow fleets respectively and Jack Manning (Glendowie Boating Club) won the 23-boat Port Marlborough Starling competition.
It was great to see Rose Dickey from the Napier Sailing Club helping local sailor Emilie Read to bail her boat after she capsized within the starting sequence.
The deck of the new Queen Charlotte Yacht Club gave supporters prime viewing of the inner harbour racing of the Rainbow and Green fleets.
Parents and sponsors also indulged in the Taste of Marlborough, when salmon, lamb, mussels and local wines were dished up.
The event again was a great success and next year Queen Charlotte will be able to host it in their finished clubhouse. A big thank you to all our competitors and their families, sponsors and our volunteers.
