Call goes out for crew for twilight series

‘‘There is plenty of excitement on the water as the skippers in divisions one and two vie for position at the start line ... .’’

A call has gone out for crew to help out on larger race yachts in the upcoming Marlborough Sounds Marinas Spring Twilight Series.

The popular event starts on Tuesdayas a fleet of up to 50 yachts get ready to take to the water.

An increase in bigger racing yachts in the fleet means more help is needed to crew.

Rear Commodore Racing, Anna Gibbs, says the rise in bigger boats has been a gradual increase.

‘‘If anyone is interested in joining a yacht now is a great time to get involved. Often experience is secondary to enthusiasm with many skippers more than happy to share their knowledge,’’ she says.

Huge voluntary support goes on behind the scenes to ensure a successful racing season and this year is no exception says Anna.

‘‘The club is fortunate in having an experienced race management team headed up by boatmaster Mike Underwood on-board the start and committee boat ‘‘Girvan’.

‘‘There is plenty of excitement on the water as the skippers in divisions one and two vie for position at the start line and race marks offering ‘encouragement’ to their crew to gain maximum advantage over their fellow competitors.

‘‘This leads to exhilarating finishes with at times, the whole division approaching the finish line together – producing hectic moments on Girvan as the race management team identify and record individual finishing times,’’ she says.

For further information on the Marlborough Sounds Marinas Spring Twilight Series contact club manager, Sue van Velzen on 03 6573 6798 or send an email office@waikawaboatingclub.co.nz

PHOTO: FILE Excel catches some wind as part of the fleet contesting race six in the Marlborough Sounds Marinas Spring Twilight Series.