Kendall Cup Techno windsurfer sailing series completed
by Brian Haybittle on 4 May 2012
Kendall Cup 2012 Brian Haybittle©
Another great Techno Class Kendall Cup series...
The 2011-2012 Kendall Cup, BIC Techno T293 One Design Board Sailing Class, has just completed their six regatta series. Regattas started with Winter Champs.
It included all the major youth regattas such as Sir Peter Blake and Junior Sail Auckland. At most of these regattas Bic Techos had the most numbers of International One Design youth fleets. There were also some solely Board Sailing only events such as the North Islands in Tauranga and the final event at Takapuna. Sailors could drop their score from their worst regatta. We hosted a fast, strong contingent from New Caledonia and Australia at our Nationals and Junior Sail Auckland.
There have been some very close battles all year across all the age groups. Those that started well, were fit, had great pumping technique, could handle the breeze and choose the correct strategies for each venue did well. From the tides of Tauranga and Takapuna, the shifty winds of Murray's Bay, Howick and Kohimarama to the choppy nor'easter of theTorbay, Peter Blake.
Overall Winners were found:
Under 17 Girl: Xanthe Bowater, Naval Point
Under 17 Boy: Luke Holliday, Manly
Under 15 Girl: Carmen Haybittle, Murray's Bay
Under 15 Boy: Finn Croft, Manly
Most improved sailor: Patrick Haybittle, Murray's Bay
Results here: www.techno.windsurfingnz.org
This season clubs put a lot of effort into training and developing this class throughout the country. Especially at Wakatere, Tauranga, Naval Point Club Lyttelton and also from smaller fleets from Manly, Murray's Bay and Kohimarama. Many race camps were held. The most recent included lunch at Rangitoto. Thanks to Anthea Dunning for organising the bulk of these. Also top coaches Grant Beck (NZ Olympic and top most awesome Techno Green Fleet Coach), world class RS:X sailor Kate Ellingham and NZL Sailing Team Coach, Dave Robertson. Also many thanks to the RS:X fleet who have turned up and supported the younger sailors were possible.
This winter training and racing will be available at Lake Pupuke and Manly Club. A couple of one off winter Regattas include the Opti fundraising regatta at Kohimarama in May and at Manly over Queens Birthday. This will also have a GPS speed element to it.
Internationally this year we had seven sailors attend the Open Worlds in San Francisco and two sailors to, Lifou, New Caledonia. This winter 3 sailors will be attending Mdemblik for the Techno Worlds in July and also up to 8 sailors attending the competitive New Caledonia Techno Nationals in Noumea in Oct/Nov. These teams will be training and fundraising over winter. Any moral and financial support appreciated. Particularly for coaching and on the water support at these regattas. The Techno and RS:X association would love a major naming rights sponsor.
Auckland sponsors Watersports South Pacific (WSP) have sold over 10 new boards this season to sailors. Christchurch store and supporter Alan Taylor of GroundSwell has sold three new sets even in these earthquake troubled times. Numerous sets of good second hand gear have sold on Trademe too. Northshore windsurf coach and owner operator Alan McIntosh of Mad Loop Windsurfing has added Technos to his fleet of rental boards. Alan has come to appreciate the Bic Techno as a truly versatile youth board. 'They can sail in sub planning light airs as well as in open seas up to 20-25 kts.' The board can be used for racing as well as pleasure NZsailing. Even one Techno Sailor was seen out greeting Team Camper and all the other Volvo Race Boats arriving in a brisk autumn nor'easter
Next year will be exciting. Initial talks with the Bruce Kendall and the RS:X and Techno Association may see the series extended to include Kendall Cups for for the RS:X Fleet. This will allow a pathway especially for the youth moving onto RS:X. We will look to include a format of fun racing for parents and other keen sailors to race at the windsurfing only regattas. There is plenty of old and new gear out there. Also new this year at the Nationals and the windsurfing only events was a Green Fleet for the Rising Stars. Next season we may have the Techno South Islands included in the Kendall Cup series for the first time. Racing in the Lyttleton 18 knot nor'easter chop will be fun to watch.
If you would like to learn more come talk to us at the Auckland Boat Show,
Contact your club rep,
Wind surf schools:
www.madloop.co.nz
www.flyingforwards.co.nz
www.nzboardstore.co.nz
www.bopsat.com
Techno suppliers:
www.watersports.co.nz
www.groundswell.co.nz
Class websites:
www.techno.windsurfingnz.org
www.facebook.com/RSXandTechnoNZ
Techno Facts: 205 litre board
Sub planning and planing board.
Sail size 5.8m - 6.8m (under 15 years) and 7.8m (under 17 years )
Has been selected as youth board for 2014 Youth Olympics, Nanjing, China (eligible to those born in 1998-9)
Sailing Board for the 2012 Open Worlds Medemblik, Netherlands.
YNZ youth board for pathway to the RS:X
Great all round board for all wind conditions. Ideal for beginners through to advanced sailors who would like one design racing.
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