Back-to-front racing fun
Omokoroa Sailing Club
March 27
Instead of rowing, paddling or duck races, the senior sailing division of the Omokoroa Boat Club held a novelty, back-tofront race on Sunday.
We have not tried this sort of event before and it is more allied to dinghy sailing. But this was an additional sail day!!
The course was from the start at D off Omokoroa Point down channel to Western A off Rangiwae narrows, first yacht there turns and radios the turn to the fleet, all turn and head back to D. First at D turns, radios the turn and all boats turn back to A, first at A turns, radios and all head back to finish at D.It was to be a 2 sail race.
The tide was flooding and high at 4.30pm at 1.8m.
At 11.38 the starters were, Diversion, Goldie, Konini, Black Soo, Little Gem and Wetas 1174 and 840 (and 2 mini trimarans).
The breeze was a very light south-southeast which varied to south-southwest during the day which was fine as opposed to the promised rain showers.
It was a great start by the seven yachts vying with current and wind shifts. Many long tacks saw the fleet nearing the narrows at Motuhoa trying to avoid the wind shadow from the island. Goldie and Diversion broke free as did the Wetas, then next in line Konini, Black Soo but Little Gem had stopped for scones and cOffee.
On Black Soo we heard both the lead boats had turned so we headed back to D . Then it was our turn to make to call and turn for A. En route we met the Wetas powering up harbour and sent them back to A. The back markers then headed back to A for the final turn. Little Gem was still sipping coffee.
Black Soo almost got back to her original position on the first leg to A when we had to turn again for the run home to D when we met up with a refreshed Little Gem (one lap behind) who turned with us to the run back to the finish at D..
Gerrit on Weta 1174 finished first, then Little Gem, Weta 840 with Brian Rogers next, then Black Soo, Goldie Konini and Diversion.
Congratulations to the Wetas for they had sailed almost twice the distance and were in the lead at the finish. Well done all.
Our next event is on April 10, with briefing at 10am and we may be visited by the Katikati Boat Club with their trailer yachts. See you then.