Some great shots of Day 2, courtesy of Richard Gladwell and Sail World (www.sail-world.com)

copyright Richard Gladwell

A cracking weekend of fine weather and close, competitive racing closed the curtain on a great summer of sailing.  On day 1 the first four races had four different winners, including Lindsay Kennedy's Quantum (1314) - making a welcome return to the fleet after a long absence - class stalwart Phil Pryde's Split Decision (914) - who also took a bullet in Race 8 - and master helmsman Gavin Gerrard.

On the whole the racing was tight and closely fought, with seconds separating first and last on the 1-mile course.  Nonetheless, Feng Shui (1348) soon established an insurmountable lead, fully 15 points clear of 2nd place after 8 races.

Congratulations to Andrew Wills, Anatole Masfen and Matt Kelway on an immaculately raced series.  Congratulations too to all competitors in this truly Corinthian competition.  

Many congratulations also to rookie Hayden Whitburn and Upfront (814).  Hayden's place on the podium is all the the more remarkable for his having missed two races due to rig failure.

Special thanks go to Megan Kensington and the RNZYS race committee who ran an exemplary series in sometimes trying conditions.

Particular thanks also to the Kensingtons and Craig Greenwood for the generous contribution of tow boats.  Finally, thanks to North Sails for furnishing the prizes and to North Sails and Coast New Zealand (I declare an interest) for sponsoring drinks after both days' racing. 

Results here

It was a magical evening on which to end the Summer Series and some close-quarters racing was enjoyed by all.

Congratulations to Al Gair and the crew of Valsheda II (950) for overall victory in the the 2014 Series and to all who took part over 9 enjoyable evenings.

Particular thanks to Annemarie Waugh and the crew of Captain Pete (716) for stepping up to provide race management at the last moment and sincerest thanks, as always, to Warwick and Theresa Gair for their tireless work as race officers throughout the season.

All images by kind permission of Annemarie Waugh.