Veloce takes Hartley 16 Nationals at Clarks Beach YC

by Roger Hall on 27 Feb 2007

Twenty boats lined up for the 2007 Hartley 16 Nationals Sponsored by Gourock New Zealand Ltd and Dimension Polyant sail cloth over Waitangi weekend.

Some iconic boats were competing like Tramp, Barefoot, Splash , Panache and Hartley Moving all past winners of the prestigious Hartley 16 Trailersailer Cup.

There were two new boats in Clynton Luety's Tight Fit and Joker Man sailed by Don Mcleod both testament to the growth that the class is currently experiencing.

There we also some old hands from Napier Tace Calkeon and Ian Cameron sailing Tickled Pink were an experienced and polished act and were considered amongst the favourites.

There were some new sailors to the fleet from the Jolly boat class with Mark Winters and Steve Newcombe borrowing Scaramouche for the regatta and Roger Hall and Adrian Pawson sailing a very old but rebuilt Veloce.

The venue at Clarks Beach provided tricky waters with the current flowing in all directions and a variety of wind conditions however local expert Murray Gallagher was on hand as OD and seven races were completed over the three days.

The first three races showed un upset on the cards with Hall and Pawson sailing the oldest boat in the fleet, Veloce, to a handy 1,2,1 record. Leuty and Jones in Tight Fit were close by as was Tramp sailed by former Champion Craig Canute and Paul Dunford with Tickled Pink also in the running.

The second day saw a long wait and finally a race in very light and flukey conditions late in the afternoon. Tace Calkeon and Ian Cameron showed the young fellas how it was done sailing to a large lead by the end of the first lap on the windward leeward courses. Hall and Pawson scambled to second and Hartley Moving sailing a fine race for third.

The third day racing saw three races back to back. Velcoe sailed by Hall and Pawson sailed up the middle of the track in the first two races of the day to record a 1,2 to enable them to win the series with a race spare.

Tight Fit, Tickled Pink and Tramp all raced hard in a pulsating last race to claim the other podium positions. In the end it was Tickled Pink who successfully defended its lead in on the last run to claim second overall from Tight Fit with Tramp fourth.

Racing for the Hartley 16 Class and now has strong centres at Manukau yacht and Motor Boat club, Clarks beach yacht club, Waiuku sailing club, Napier, New Plymouth and Wanganui. There is also a growing fleet in Christchurch, a former strong hold for the class.

Veloce showed this year that older boats that are tuned and sailed well can win regattas and with many of these popular trailer yachts around the class will continue to grow.

For further information on the Hartley 16 contact Tony Flanagan: dartfarm@clear.net.nz