Hansa Class Nationals sees very close racing

by Wayne Holdt on 25 Mar 2014 2014 Hansa Class Nationals were hosted by the Waitara Boating Club and completed nine races over the three days of the regatta.

Racing was very close in the Liberty and 303 single classes, conditions on day one saw a fresh southeaster testing the sailors and equipment. In the Liberty class Helena Horswell and Wayne South of (RAYC) toped the leader board, and in the 303 class local sailor Bob Knox(WBC) and Ben Gedis(TYPBC) took the lead.

Day 2 saw a lighter breeze with John Buchanan(RAYC) and local sailor Dave Allerton(WBC) work their way up the table in the Liberty class, while in the 303 class Pauline Eitjes(TYPBC) and Davie Parker recovered well after their dismasting on the first day slotting in some good results.

Day three and lighter breeze saw Helena Horswell establish a healthy lead and took the title, with John Buchanan second and Wayne South third.

In the 303 singles Bob Knox just held on from a fast finishing Pauline Eitjes in second and Ben Gedis in third.
Only one entrant in the 303 Double class was disappointing for Wgtn sailors Genevieve McLachlan and Darrell Smith from the Evans Bay club although they sailed exceptionally well to be very competitive against the single handed 303 sailors.

The Waitara BC and Taranaki Sailability did a great job running the regatta with race officer Nigel Hayton and his race management team doing a great job. The social scene at the club after sailing was also very well received by the competitors. The volunteer base at Taranaki Sailability is very well supported by the local Lions Club and we thank them very much for their ongoing support, along with the support of Yachting NZ and local businesses.