Big fleet contests Sunburst National Championships in Heretaunga

by Simon Miller on 29 Jan 2010 A large fleet of 41 boats from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, braved an exceptional cold windy Wellington summer to contest the Sunburst National Championships, held at Heretaunga Boating Club, Petone Beach Wellington

The first racing day - Saturday was cancelled due to 30-40knot southerlies, however the conditions improved on Sunday to a light-moderate northerly, and on Monday morning to a moderate southerly, allowing all 7 races to be held.

The wind for the Sunday races was a little shifty and gusty resulting in a widely fluctuating fortunes over 5 races .

The two longer races on Monday were held in a steady moderate southerly. Long-time sunburst high flier, Brett Linton sailing 'Rhythm and Swing' with daughter Alice, found their groove and dominated these two races.

However, even with a first and second from the previous day, they finished second overall, to 'Tapui', a late entry sailed by 'special friends' (trans) Sam McKenzie and Anita Trudgen. Tapui never finshed outside the top five and deserved their win which included 2 firsts and a second. Also impressive was third placegetter from Dunedin - 'Embers', who burned the field with 3 seconds and a third.

Unplaced but always in contention were 20-30 dolphins, who were a constant and highly entertaining feature of the regatta. Although they were officially feeding at the north end of the harbour there was plenty of unofficial action around boats at the top mark. No protests were received for distraction of competitors however.

The Wellington Yachting Association and Heretaunga Club ran a smooth regatta with no major problems. Thanks to all involved including sponsors Barton Marine, Burnsco Marine, Wellington Provedoring, Linton Sails. Company Branding Shop and Fujitsu Airconditioning.