Javelin 14ft Skiff 2009 Bay Nissan South Pacific’s - Last day

by Graham Roberts on 6 Feb 2009 Skipper Phil McNeil and crew Matt Smith sailing Philnhel had a nine point buffer going into the final two races. There was still a mathematic chance they could be caught and with Matt now wearing a hospital knee brace after tearing ligaments in this leg on Tuesday so they were not taking any chances on the water.

Racing started at 1pm in a beautiful twelve knot easterly breeze with the Tauranga tide ripping in. David Brown in Flying Circus rounded the top mark first keeping the contest alive. Ben Bax in Bay Nissan showed good downwind speed to take the lead and dash Flying Circus hopes of catching Phil. Phil finished 4th which was enough to win the overall contest.

Race eleven, the final race was still hotly contested as there were still four boats racing for second place. Ross Shanks had a very good first beat rounding the top mark with a large lead. Ben Bax again chased them down and won the final race of the contest to take second place overall with Ross Shanks third overall.

Friday has some fun events are planned at 1pm. A crew’s race where all the crew’s steer their skipper’s boats and show there skippers how it should have been done. Thereafter back to shore where the entire team swaps boats for one for fun race.

Prize giving will be held at the Tauranga Yacht Club Friday night.

Full result at http://groups.google.com/group/javelinskiff/web/2009-bay-nissan-south-pacifics?hl=en

Watch live the fun racing at 1pm on Friday on the Tauranga Yacht Club harbour camera
http://www.yacht.org.nz/index.php/weather/harbour-cam