There was zero wind at the scheduled start of 1030 hrs for Day 3 of Bay of Islands Sailing Week. Little puffs frustrated the boats as they watched for an expected notice of delay. Gerry Martin (Race Officer) waited patiently (about one and a half hours), when sure enough the local sea breeeze kicked in.
A Division started with a N.E. of 5-8 knots, a bit patchy, but the breeze picked up to 10 knots by the top mark. The course for all boats on ‘Beach Party at Roberton Island Race Day’ was finally set - with a 2 mile beat to the top mark – then 1.5 mile reach to Long Island - 1 mile to the finish just off from Roberton.
Gerry was proud of his patience and his course 'This could have been a disaster; the boat skippers were getting pretty edgy. But we’ve given them a ‘bxxxxy good race finishing at their party on time'.
Pre-race fun and games: V5 took out one of their floor boards and crew members water skiied – at a fast pace. Diving from high places took place all over the bay. Some boats took the time to ‘canter and clean’. It was a busy place.
Roberton Island Beach Party was a hoot. The Wind Warriors provided lots of shore-side entertainment. Food and refreshments were offered from the barge – while the Furious Three played their hearts out with lively music to satisfy the mass.
Friday’s weather looks to be a bit livelier. Maybe not so good for the photographers but the boats are here to race – so ‘bring it on’. And don’t forget to check out YouTube…..
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