Toyota Optimist Nationals- Big combined fleet of 272 sailors on water

by Angus Haslett on 19 Apr 2014 Day 1 of racing in the 2014 Toyota Optimist NZ National Championships, got underway on Good Friday, after the morning's delay to allow those unable to reach Manly due to yesterday's weather.

The regatta is being sailed at Manly Sailing Club, about 40 minutes north of Auckland, and is being sailed on the magnificent Kawau Bay, a semi-sheltered open to a good sea-breeze. The boats launch from a large, near flat white sand beach. The regatta has attracted a fleet of 160 boats from New Zealand, Australia (20), New Caledonia(4) with Great Britain and USA having a single entry. A further 112 sailors are competing in the Green Fleet, for first year Optimist sailors, with two New Caledonian and three young Australian sailors competing.

After three races, Kohimaramara YC sailors hold the top places in the Open fleet, with Scott Mackenzie (13) leading after winning two races and placing second in the first race. Lewis Andersen (KYC) is tied for second place with Sam Bacon (Worser Bay) with a score of 1,2,3 each. Top Australian sailor is Oliver Mavrick from South Perth YC in 8th overall.

In the Green fleet, Blake McGlashan (12) from Murrays Bay SC leads from Santenay Jordan (12) and Conrad Butler (12) (Wakatere BC).

Conditions were good, a 12-14 knot breeze and some steep and awkward waves to challenge the sailors.

Open fleet race officer, John Parrish, did a great job getting three flights away and we saw the expected leaders come through in most races, however the national title remains well open.

Kim Admore stated the Green Fleet off with a sense of fun and challenge in their briefing and they too managed a good day getting both their races completed. The regatta is on schedule and we look forward to another good days racing ion Saturday.

According to www.predictwind.com, conditions for Saturday are expected to be more moderate, with the breeze increasing on Sunday.

For full results click here