New Zealand Champions - Team Lisa
From left to right, David Chapman, Al Gair, Gair Jnr, Alex Webster (Fleet Captain, presenting), Martin Hill, Leonie Eichhorst

The COAST Etchells National Championships provided challenging, light conditions to a large fleet of 16 boats, including 4 overseas entries.  

After a late start on day 1 (waiting for the wind to fill) the leader-board was exceptionally close and it was clear that the local skippers were not going to have it all their way.

Day 2 dawned promisingly, but the promised breeze never really steadied.  An eager fleet was champing at the bit and several general recalls and a black flag were required to rein them in before 3 more races.

Martin Hill, ably assisted by local Al Gair, David Chapman and Leonie Eichhorst completed a masterful performance to take the New Zealand Championship, with Lincoln Fraser's Alliance second and Andrew Wills' Cruel Jane third overall.

Many thanks to the RNZYS, led by Meghan Kensington and to sponsors COAST New Zealand, Orakei Marina and Mount Gay Rum

A cracking day on the water, once the breeze filled in from the west.

Images courtesy of Lissa Reyden,  Live Sail Die