Bay of Island's Sailing Week 2012, Day 1 was blessed with a clear blue sky, a south easterly at 10 knots, and sixty eager crews ready to take on the world.
The working crew on Westpac One started their day with engine failure in both engines – rectifying one engine pretty quickly to do the job. Engine 2 took a bit more work with all things back to normal soon after the first start.
As the writer – my day was pretty special; a working experience on the RIB Oceanphotography. I can assure you muscle and tummy exercises are not necessary after a day chasing racing yachts at speeds of up to 30 Knots - in a variety of flat and very bumpy seas. I can now understand the effort and expertise shown in photos taken by Will Calver. Thank you Will.
At pin end Division One Race One, V5 stepped out with both Wired and M1 Snapping at her heels. As the first major race for Kia Kaha, she showed a conservative stance at the start.
At first rounding Wired had the lead, Ice Breaker and V5 both working hard and fast in ‘catch-up mode’. The fleet of 8 speeding yachts were a major part of the spectacle of our Bay of Islands.
Next mark Wired had a good lead – still with V5 on her tail. Kia Kaha and Ice Breaker had a close encounter at the mark, Kia Kaha obviously starting to find her form.
The breeze had increased during the race, but slowed to 6-8 knots for the finish. V5 tipped the scales coming in first over the line, Kia Kaha second with Wired in third place.
We slipped across to shoot the ten competing C and D Divisions. The breeze down to 3-5 knots – puffs at 6-7 knots. A clean start with Stratocaster leading the fleet, Simply Red and Tongue Twister hot on her heels. Solveig, a modified Soling, competed in the Regatta two-handed. Well done Steve Hardcastle and mate. Results from opening day are on www.bayofislandssailingweek.org.nz
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