2014 Race Roundup
Laurence Carey continued his outstanding Gold Fleet form across the day, with those in behind all sharing placings. There is simply no substitute for blistering speed and error free sailing on a short course. A special mention to Darren Nicholas, who represented Tauranga with some consistent sailing to gain a creditable 4th.
Laurence Carey
Harry Reed
Tim Wood
Darren Nicholas
Alex Hart
Finn Croft
Anton Blijlevens
Chris Bolt
Nicolas Croft
Dave Law
Mikhail Pozhidaev
Angus Butterfield
Luke Watson
The Silver Fleet starts got a little tighter as the number of races ticked over, and confidence built. Race strategies and commitment to fully powered gybes started to emerge in the gusty conditions. There could be cause to promote some of these 'silver foxes' up a Fleet for the next round. Local sailor, Darryl McConnel came through in the end, to record top spot from Wellington's windsurfing ‘warhorse’, Bruce Spedding.
Silver Fleet, 8 races, 2 discards
Darryl McConnel
Bruce Spedding
Bernard Carey
Alexander Stroh
Dave Stewart
Dean Hill
Rohan Cooke
Ropata Marshall
John Davies
Dave Harnett
Craig Mercer
Roger Gosbee
Tom Anderson
Liam Wallbridge
We threw the Bronze Fleet in to the Silver mix, and they certainly showed some great form against the more experienced slalom racers. This is definitely the fleet for developing further, there are plenty of recreational windsurfers, (with older kit, and/or creaky bones) worthy of lining up for some of this action. Congratulations to Trevor Kimbler on his well deserved #1 result. Coral represented the woman's division well on some unfamiliar equipment, but once dialed in, certainly showed good board speed through the fleet.
Bronze Fleet, 8 races, 2 discards
Trevor Kimbler
Andrew Porter
Luke Wallbridge
Coral Headey
Wayne Bywood
This event is certainly NOT exclusive to the podium-chasing racers, but is tailored to suit all those weekend warriors, and recreational fun-boarders with a weekend to spare.
All of the generously provided spot prizes were gratefully received, but the widest smile of the weekend was from Ropata, who scored a new mast,.......and that happy fella is probably still smiling.
Peter @ Elements Watersports
Alexander from A'ND Distribution
Tony and the Team at Watercooled, Dunedin
Brian and the Crew from NZ Boardstore
Mike at NZ Sailing
Be sure to check these equipment suppliers out for your next kit upgrade!
Wayne checking out kit for the next race day. |
Windsurfing New Zealand
Marilyn, for assisting with the registrations and administering/generating race results.
Christine for her help on the finish line.
Ian and Richard for assisting us in the Start and Mark laying boats.
Glenn from Assault Boardriders, for providing the highly effective race buoys.
Candace from Candy's Coffee Cart, for feeding and caffeinating the crew.
Sunlive, for giving the event a great bit of local exposure.
..and President Bruce, for officiating at prizegivng.
Peter has to explain rules AGAIN, now with simplified diagrams. |
Cheers
Leigh Hawes
bopwindsurfers