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Lawson's Dry Hills

Bay of Islands Sailing Week: They wanted more wind… they got way more wind

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East-Sou-East at 15 – 18 knots was the start of the day. This was only the beginning…….

B Division Race 1 – the breeze freshened. Power Play was ahead at the first cross-over, Elysium in second place. At the rounding of the top mark – there was no change. And so the race continued. Second time around the top mark first two positions still unchanged with Kaimai Express rounding in third place and Simply Red right in behind.

A Division Race 1 at the top mark Georgia was one boat length ahead of Kia Kaha with V5 close behind; a tight race.

At least half dozen dolphins checked out the top mark to make sure Quilter had laid it correctly…..

Second time at the top mark, Georgia was at least 300 metres in front, Wired next around with Kia Kaha third – V5 next.  This is racing….

B Division Race 2: Breeze up to 20 knots gusting 25. A good clean start.  Deep Throttle and Overload pushing hard to have a nose in front. This is serious stuff now with white caps and 20 – 25 knots of wind.

In A Division Georgia was first to the Wing mark – then a catastrophe – Wired wiped out. And she was smoking literally. Over, down and out – then up again moving forward. Amazing. What an experience – what a sight.

The Official Boat was then called to tow in ‘My Size’ from the Sport Boat Fleet. ”The broken rudder was ripped off the back” said Tom Kiff, still with a smile on his face – “that’s racing”.

See the regatta website for results and more. Images by Will Calver/Ocean Photography