Torbay pair too hot at Feva nationals

Harrison Baker and Max Henshaw claimed the RS Feva national title at the Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club after a weekend of contrasts.

The Torbay Sailing Club pair showed their class on Saturday with three bullets out of five races but the real drama was happening elsewhere on the course as five boats suffered broken masts and others struggled to stay upright in the gusty conditions.

The wind moderated throughout the day, allowing race officials to get through five races to constitute a series and it was fortunate they did because racing wasn't possible on the second day due to a lack of wind.

Baker and Henshaw finished one point ahead of Blake Hinsley and Nicholas Drummond (Buckland Beach Yacht Club) with another seven points back to Jack Carter and Glen Jeffery (Milford Cruising Club) in third.

Poppy Hoskin and Holly Liefting claimed the female title in their first regatta together, finishing four points ahead of fellow Royal Akarana Yacht Club sailors Andre Bennett and Kate Martin, and seventh overall in the 31-boat fleet. The composite side of Allegra Handa, Cate Tipler and Emily Hayes ensured a Royal Akarana sweep on the podium.

The RS Feva is a relatively new class in New Zealand but gaining in popularity because the boats are more affordable than a 420 or 29er and also provide a good transition for children graduating out of single-handed dinghies.

Results from the RS Feva national championships at the Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club at the weekend:

Open (31 boats)

1st: Harrison Baker / Max Henshaw (Torbay SC) 1 1 1 (5) 2 - 5 points
2nd: Blake Hinsley / Nicholas Drummond (Bucklands Beach YC) (4) 2 2 1 1 - 6 pts
3rd: Jack Carter / Glen Jeffery (Milford CC) 2 3 5 (8) 3 - 13 pts

Female

1st: Poppy Hoskin / Holly Liefting (Royal Akarana YC) 6 (10) 7 6 5 - 24 pts
2nd: Andre Bennett / Kate Martin (Royal Akarana YC) 3 9 8 (16) 8 - 28 pts
3rd: Allegra Handa / Cate Tipler / Emily Hayes (Royal Akarana YC) (23) 16 20 20 19 - 75 pts

Full results can be found here