Racing Newsletter 1st July

RACING NEWS

1st July 2008

AGM
I was sorry to have missed the recent AGM due to recent travel. Since getting back I have had discussions with many people who were at the AGM and have been informed of the issues and discussions which arose in relation to our racing programme. Thank you for re-electing me as the Racing secretary and allowing me to provide continuity particularly with the RNZYS racing. I think the proposal to have a couple of additional members on the committee assisting by way of a “race committee” is an excellent idea and this will be implemented as soon as possible.
Winter Series Division Resolution
In regards to the resolution for racing the fleet as one division, given that the squadron winter series is already half way through it is not possible to have the Squadron results reformatted. Thus the remaining 4 series races need to be completed as it stands with M and N divisions. To better resolve this for the current series, combined results have been backdated and posted on the NZMYC Website, and will be posted after each race. The Simrad and all future events will be run as one fleet per the recent resolution, until there is a resolution otherwise.
Winter Race 4
Last Saturday’s winter race was held in particularly difficult conditions. With the coastguard forecasting winds of 35 knots with gusts to 50, some competitors had some trepidation as to going out in the first place. Voom and Hard Drive decided it was too risky to sail. Sundreamer made it out, but the decision was made that the conditions were simply too gusty to continue safely and decided to call it a day before the start.
Matthew Flynn from Exodus reports that certainly conditions were testing, particularly the severe gusts which came through with rain squalls during the afternoon. The squadron set a very sensible course involving just one downward leg to northern leading, with an interesting and challenging beat back up the harbour. Unfortunately things did not go so well for Attitude who, up to the point of capsizing off Northcote, were sailing extremely well and fast. We will ask Barry for a debriefing and if possible see what can be learned from this as usual. Well done to Barry and crew for getting the boat back upright and no doubt they will be racing again shortly.
Things got a bit hairy on X Factor, we had a big gust off North Head and recorded 27 knots with the gennaker up going down towards Northern leading and put a reef in at the bottom mark.
A rum or two at the clubhouse afterwards was certainly a warm reprieve after the typically bitter cold Saturday weather!
Winter Series
The series has been closely contested with Dirty Deeds and Epsom Salts vying for the leader spot on handicap in Division M and Helvetica, Taeping and Exodus all on the same points in Division N with Helvetica leading after discards. On line Dirty Deeds is leading in Division N and Taeping has a good lead in Division M. Getting away first at least gives us the chance to not have to mix it at the pre-start with too many boats already out there, especially in 25 kts!
Don’t forget the next race is on Saturday July12!
B & G Simrad
The B & G Simrad two handed series run by SSANZ starts this weekend with the 50 mile round Waiheke course for the multi’s. There are over 130 boats entered and the series start will be truly spectacular. For those interested the multihull start is at 9.20 am at the end of Orakei Wharf and with the present forecast will make for excellent spectacle. There are a number of multi-hulls entered and again this challenging series looks to be very hotly contested.
Winter Raid
Don’t that the Winter Raid is still planned for the weekend of 19/20 July, with a stopover at Kawau on the Saturday night. If you have not contacted Matthew Flynn of Exodus to indicate your interest, please contact him at matthew.flynn@mcelroys.co.nz.
Other News
We have been asked by YNZ to recommend a category 3 multihull surveyor so please contact Matthew Flynn with details of anyone interested. There are a number of category 3 events on the racing calendar. This is an interesting role for an experienced person, and remuneration is paid for the survey work by YNZ.

See you on the water!
Sam Tucker