2012: Late Wind = Podium Finish

The start was agonisingly slow, although we started nicely - but then there was some wind... and the last boat actually sailed happily home - to the shortened course finish.

The Crew

John (Captain) Nicola, Mark and Ian - and introducing... Mr Andy Mena as guest crew and passionate sailor. Being the last race before Christmas also meant the there were Christmas mince pies on board, beer, and bubbles!

Course 4

A bit longer tonight, although the wind was not looking good - a very slow start to Resolution, then down to Northern Leading, up to Rough Rock, back to Orakei (the shortened finish), and would have been Bayswater and home. As the evening went on the wind rose - a much better situation for us.

The Start

We came out just in time to dodge this:

...still, as that breeze ducked and dived, we made our way to the box, and started well about third across the line.

Progress

The wind was dropping and we were staying in the tide, holding on well. Then it started to get very light, and we changed from our slow goose-wing to a braod reach back into the tide, and looking for wind. Well it certainly didn't hurt, and I think we probably gained on where we would have been at Resolution. Northern leading was our next mark and we got back into what tide there was still running out of the harbour, and made for the buoy. After Rough Rock it was Orakei, and the keen sighted amongst us noted the committee boat was flying a pennant. Shortened course - so we got very focused to the best course between the mark and the finish boat. By this time the wind was rising well and we enjoyed a lovely sail back up the harbour to the clubhouse.

The Result

We were 2nd on handicap - due the the fact that we hadn't been left out in the usual dying evening breeze. Can't wait for next year went we should expect more wind at the end of our races - and hopefully some more good results.

Series Standing

And this week also spelled the end of the prize-giving drought - with a skippers prize of a lift-out and clean on the floating dock!

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Beer Review: Yeastie Boys - Pot Kettle Black

Nicola supplied us with a very nice black IPA - I first wondered if it was a Porter, as it had that malty feel in the mouth - but with a few more hops than the usual dark beer in the finish.

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Merry Christmas!!

cheers, johnhs