March 2012 eNews NZL News
They know how to do it in NZL!
Summer racing in Auckland is drawing to a close, after another very successful year of Tuesday evening sprint racing in the Waitamata Harbour. We have only missed one day due to lack of wind and none from too much! We are averaging about 10 to 12 boats each Tuesday throughout summer and the racing is tightly contested. Having the luxury of our boats being launched for us before we arrive and retrieved the next day is a real bonus and allows for the maximum amount of time for racing.
We arrive at the boats in Westhaven at 5pm. The first start is at 6pm and we do three, 30 minute races (WL/WL) before heading back in to Swashbucklers Bar for fresh seafood, drinks, and prizegiving. We're fortunate that Swashbucklers sponsor us a bar tab each week! Stolen Rum also sponsor the Auckland Etchells fleet and donate prizes. Last week we were lucky to have a flying visit from Etchells Governor and legend Dirk Kneulman. Dirk was very impressed with our set up!
Swashbucklers
The clubhouse of the RAYC
The New Zealand Nationals are to be held over 3 days on the 27th to the 29th April out of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club. We hope to get about 15 boats for this event.
New Zealand Etchells sailors continue to sail regularly overseas in Etchells and other yachts and we look forward to a having NZ crews participate in the next few World Championships. On that note, a big THANK YOU to the RSYS, its volunteers and sponsors, etc, that made the Sydney Worlds so successful.
Pretty handy view from the RAYC
Almost three years ago, the Auckland fleet moved from Gulf Harbour to Westhaven in the city. The class continues to be rejuvenated and there are more sailors interested in boats and looking to join the fleet.
Anatole Masfen
