Post-Christmas Series - Flight 7

A squally, petulant southerly took both distinguished guests and locals by surprise, precipitating some hasty rig adjustments and not a few gear failures, which saw the initial fleet of 14 whittled down to 11 by the final start.

The RNZYS race committee was forced to set a short, cross-harbour course on the flooding tide, but, in spite of the tricky current and a general recall, the RO managed 3 races before the fleet headed home in the gloaming.

The fleet played host to former World Champions, Andy Beadsworth and Simon 'Stir' Fry aboard John Kensington's Unfinished Business (1184) - Pelle Petersson on Vilda Hilda (906) officiating with a hearty, welcoming barge off the first start.  The visitors weathered several more idiomatic rule interpretations and esoteric local customs before finding their usual form with a 2nd place in Race 3 and posting a credible 5th overall, behind Affinity (1059).

Rob Salthouse - keeping Hayden Whitburn's spot aboard Upfront (814) warm during the latter's European sojourn - established beyond reasonable doubt that last week's winning form was no fluke, taking 1st overall from Feng Shui (1348) and Valsheda (950).

With just over a fortnight until the Nationals, now is the time to fix any breakages and to prepare and equip boat and crew.  There is a directory of service providers on the website here - and your correspondent is also happy to assist with finding good, competent and experienced crew (albeit, a little despondent at losing them all to other boats...).  Just email me if you require assistance: alex@etchells.org.nz.

Results are here (flight) and here (series).