50th Hartley 16 Nationals - Local crew takes come from behind win

by Wayne Holdt on 19 Jan 2016 Racing again in light winds on the last day of the Hartley 16 nationals in New Plymouth saw the local crew of Simon Holdt and Nathan McArthur on “Stratos” move from third place overnight to win the regatta ahead of defending champions “Shaking Laundry” Robin Williams and Mike Insley, third place going to “Bizzare” Gareth Insley and Tim Lynch-Blosse both from the Manukau Yacht club in Auckland.

This was the biggest Hartley fleet in the 50 year history of the national regatta which saw the 30 boat fleet also have the closest racing seen yet with a few general recalls and even a couple of black flag starts which had not been seen in the Hartley 16 class before.

The family trophy went to “Splash” Guy and David Ormrod, the Handicap Ranking trophy went to “Under Pressure” Alan Gee and Claire Anderson both boats from the New Plymouth Yacht Club.

The Cruising division won by “Daisy” Shirlene Vautier and Rodger Wilson from the Evans Bay club in Wgtn.
Great to see some of the ex-Hartley sailors from out of town come along to watch and share a few stories as the class reached the milestone of 50 national regattas.

Thanks to Mrs Hartley for coming to give out the prizes, also to class sponsors Black Heart Rum, Carlsberg, Independent Liquor, Harken and North Sails for their contribution to making the regatta a real success.