Strong weather for Tall Ships Regatta in New Zealand's Bay of Islands
by Stephen Western on 9 Jan 2012
Tall Ships and Classic Invitational Race, Bay of Islands - 2012 Steve Western
www.kingfishercharters.co.nz
Every year the Bay of Islands in the north of New Zealand is home to a spectacle of sail and a light hearted race of classic vessels organised by the Russell Boat Club. This year it was a great spectacle again on the 7th January(see the photos below), but it was held in what may be the wettest occasion on record.
Only ten Tall Ships (category) Yachts finished and fifteen Classic yachts finished. The forecast was for 45 knot winds, which dampened down the usual enthusiasm some what.
Absent this year due to the weather were, R Tucker Thompson, Soren Larsen, Breeze,Isis, and Spirit Of New Zealand that remained anchored at the start.
The results were, Tall Ships,Line; Black Panther (Bay Of Islands), H/Cap first Nina (USA), second Kastaway (Matakana), third, Sione (Russell);
Classic, Line Phanton (Russell), H/Cap first Nefertiti (Keri Keri),2nd Capric (Russell), third Florence (Russell).
Photos taken at Tapeka Point from the beach, of yachts going around the point in a Northerly swell, with an Easterly wind. 'Nina' is a 1928 Starling Burgess design owned by the Dyche family, whom are visiting New Zealand this summer. A most beautiful schooner.
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