We're back!  They're back (you know who I mean) and it's time to roll the dice again because the series is far from over...

As stalwarts of the fleet were breaking the ice on the second half of the season (hardly - another scorcher), your correspondent was treading the familiar path from Pier Z to the boatyard with another Etchells on the tow bar - seriously, what a palaver - but as I (re-) crossed the harbour bridge I stole a long glance at the ensuing action off the Wynyard Quarter - and it was evident that, notwithstanding the furtive breeze, all was simmering action on the race course.

Sailing is, of course, famously, the only sport that technology has had to speed-up (rather than slow-down), in order to make watchable.  But if you know what to look for, it is every bit as exciting as cricket (bear with me here) in those pivotal moments when, suddenly and precipitously, there is everything to play for and everything is in flux.  Admittedly, as kiwis, you are unlikely to have experienced this as often as, I don't know, every other test nation, but surely you know what I mean.  It is the uncertainty, the unfolding drama, the chaos, that makes it interesting...

So, enough with the procrastination and the summer-holiday apathy.  YOU can win this thing - you can move up, you can do better than you did last year, you can have fun doing it, you can win the respect of your peers...

5 boats is awesome, but 12 boats is better.  See you next week.

A suggestion for the Tuesday Night Series - Part Deux  - an "invitational" for potential new owner/drivers:  They drive your boat and it doesn't count?!?!  Not sure why I put question marks there.  It is obviously a brilliant idea.  Let's ink it in for the Tuesday after next?

Pay your crane dues, please, if you not already done so.

p.s. there is no Flight 7 report - sorry.
p.p.s. please let me know if ever you would like to submit a race report and/or photos.

Welcome to 2013.  Yadda yadda yadda.  Ready to go racing.  No?  Well get on it because there is fun to be had in 2013 and - call me a pie-eyed optimist - but I have a feeling that this is your year...

Dust off that sailing mojo and - as always - let me know if you need crew.