Etchells Tuesday Night Series- Valsheda takes win from 15 boats

by Alex Webster on 2 Apr 2013
Auckland’s long belt of sunny days and good afternoon breezes have provided great sailing conditions for the Auckland Etchells fleet. Close racing in this fast one design class tests all sailors being able to mix it up in two to three races each Tuesday night. Here's the latest update:

Well, it was a fitting end to an excellent season with Valsheda taking a clean sweep in perfect conditions and thereby hermetically sealing her victory in the series overall.

A southerly breeze, lacking its usual icy bite, was livelier at the start than some had imagined and saw three exciting starts on a short line, precipitating some very close uphill work and plenty of passing opportunities on the downhill stretches.Congratulations to Alastair Gair and his crew for a convincing series win.

Congratulations to Alastair Gair and his crew for a convincing series win.

The closeness of the racing promises much for the National Championships, now to be held on 11th/12th May.

The seemingly endless summer produced a total of 44 races in 15 flights. Valsheda won both halves of the series (before and after Christmas). Full results can be seen by www.etchells.org.nz/results.html!clicking_here.

To find out how to join the fleet, or register as a crew click by www.etchells.org.nz/join-the-fleet.html!clickiing_here

The results can be viewed by www.etchells.org.nz/results.html!clicking_here

National Championships: Following extensive consultations and vote, it has been decided to reschedule the National Championships, which will now take place on the weekend of 11th and 12th May.

Please confirm as soon as possible via email to sail@etchells.org.nz that you intend to take part (YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR MIND LATER). Please include the name of your boat in any correspondence.

As previously advised, it is intended to run the regatta from Westhaven (per the Auckland Championships in February). The race area will be between Bean Rock and Rangitoto (weather dependent) and all boats will return to Westhaven each day after racing (under tow if possible).

The will be a prize giving after racing on Saturday at Swashbucklers, including spot prizes from various sponsors including North Sails, Coast New Zealand and Mount Gay Rum.

Please also confirm by email to sail@etchells.org.nz if you have a power boat available to assist with RO duties and/or to tow boats home after racing. Any help is much appreciated.

Racing instructions will be posted here in doe course, together with a list of entries.

AGM
The AGM usually takes place after raciing on the last day of the National Champs - because nothing puts sailors in a party mood more than a properly constituted and quorate meeting. However, it is proposed that we dispense of any business of the National Association via written resolutions, to be circulated before the National Champs. Please www.etchells.org.nz/agm-forum.html!click_here to add comments or resolutions