news from around the traps
John Campbell
had plenty of opportunity at the Auckland champs
.I have just taken a crash lesson on how to use this site.Ok all you
computer buffs lets see you hang a door with a left handed hammer.
The Auckland champs proved an entertaining event with a good turn out
from most clubs(well Maraetai and French Bay any way).Torbay did have
a couple of die hards who graced us with their presence.(good on ya
Blair and Graham).
No one seemed to listen to the old master(winters) advice about the
first rule of sailing. "Stay in the boat"! at one stage I was
wondering if I was at the Auckland surf life saving champs,cause there
was so much swimming going on.
Of the 17 starters only 4 completed all the races.
Well done bill, blair dave and chelsee and Mike in 115.(115 won the
handicap division)
I started all of them but that don't count for much.
Some skinny guy who stacks so hard he needs a snorkel to breath came
out the single handed and over all winner with a younger model of the
old master and another skinny chick winning the double.Dave just a
hint start gun is 5minutes after class flag.
Who said you need to be 90.kilos to sail these things in a blow.Maybe
we will see Icy Red giving it a go again.Send him you weight details
and hiking diagram Bill.
I was a bit confused to see our prime minister take on a deputy half
way through the second race.Thought if it was good enough for him then
I would give it a go too.(thanks to the young Maraetai lads that
jumped in a gave a hand in 40knot gusts.)
There was a bit of differing thought about how a mast should be
looking and working.spreaders no Spreaders F5 F6 or a fancy import but
perhaps the most amazing leap in technology was the new approach taken
by J91 in shifting the mast from a vertical to horizontal position.
Didn't think anyone would be crazy enough to follow suite but low and
behold and not to be left behind Fergus decided to give it a go the
very next day. Come on mate did you really think we gave you a
Maraetai sailor to help you out?
Hamish in 155 with some old fart as his crew were going great guns
until the wrong ropey thingy was pulled.Hamish tell your dad to sort
out the mess of a system before you agree to grace him with your
talent again.
At one stage I saw,(from the vantage point of my centre board )so many
people in the water waiting to be picked up that I thought I was at
a taxi ramp.118 doesn't make a good taxi driver after refusing to take
a fare from a damsel in distress on the pretence that he wasn't
allowed to pick up single women. Luckily 150 managed to get his crew
back on board.
Seriously though no one got hurt apart from their pride and there sure
wasn't a shortage of wind.
What's that who wants to know what happened with the Munted Mermaid?
Don't need to waste time there.It's where it belongs.
Speaking of desperate foes trying dastardly deeds to steel precious
treasures.Torbay reckons that just cause they were the only ones brave
enough to complete 2 days of sailing in conditions that made the
auckland champs look like a millpond that they deserve a reward.Come
on guys the only reason Maraetai wasn't out in force is cause it takes
a real sailor at least a month to celebrate the retention of such a
prestigious trophy and most of us were still pissed.
Now for all you fair weather sailors(like me) Maraetai is having a his
and hers end of year regatta on the 18th dec.
Fun event with the bar and restaurant open after. Grab the better
half and the kids(starlings optis windsurfers or any thing that
floats) and come join us.
4-5 races probably around the boats about 10-15 minutes each should
see us with a victor and having a lemonade by 4.(bar doesn't open till
4)
(bill can't attend,shame I was looking forward to see how far he'd
make Kirsten stack)
No the MM is not up for grabs but it might be a nice way to wind down
for xmas.
Don't forget the Clarkes Beach new years regatta.
Had a great time last year and for anyone who hasn't sailed
there ,it's a great place. 118 will be defending his win last year.
158 a new boat commissioned around Torbay somewhere,( under the
pretence of promoting the class but really just try to find something
that can keep up with 92),is the latest addition to the fleet and good
to hear of a couple of young guys mad enough to try it out it crazy
conditions. Keep trying Torbay cause god loves a trier.
Rumour is that the mighty Mr Orams isn't really to busy training elite
sailors but just disheartened that the only Jolly trophy he really
wants is just a mountain to far at the moment.
Them seems like fighting talk so get cutlasses drawn and cannon
primed for the next big show down at the Nats.,
Personally I'm more concerned with French Bay especially if they pay
the big money and sign up 115.
Not to mention the home advantage and Pete Marlow having a new boat on
the water.
We may all have a sneak preview 11-12th Feb when all who can are goung
to envade clarked beach with a full on fun and serious sailing
weekend.
Right t o see you then or sooner
Kind regards 103 Cheerio (or as are honourable scorer from the
auckland champs renamed me small sausage)
.