Bay of Islands Marine Centre Whangaroa Race

by Jocelyn Sutherland on 19 Feb 2010
A fleet of 26 local boats took part in the Bay of Islands Marine Centre Whagaroa Race on January 30th.

Strengthened by a hearty breakfast at the Bay of Islands Yacht Club, the fleet of 26 local boats started from Ti bay with sunshine and a back stay breeze.

‘Sarrie' had a most perfect start, being only 1 foot off the line when the start whistle was blown.

The day turned on absolutely perfect weather – SE 15 knots easing during the day, making for some fabulous spinnaker runs.

Big swells created great surfing conditions for the boats with the exception of the Cavalli Passage – where it was smooth sailing and the opportunity to make a coffee. If you happened to be on board ‘Aquila' that would have been an excellent espresso coffee.

The Whangaroa Harbour entrance was a challenge for some with wind shifts and many of the boats dropping their spinnakers to finish the race tacking upwind.

‘Revs' and ‘Jive Talking' battled it out throughout the entire race with a great tacking duel up the Harbour for the spectators, with ‘Revs' crossing the finish line and taking the line honours once again, only two minutes before ‘Jive Talking'. ‘Mr Wolf' was not far behind, in hot pursuit only three minutes behind ‘Jive Talking'.

‘Marissa' was first over the line for the Cruising Division and ‘Synchronicity' was the first Multihull over the line. (At this point I won't mention the motoring duel between the two of them as they raced for the finish line).

‘Screw Loose' – the reluctant starter (waiting to see what the weather was going to do) took home first on Handicap and the first Trailer Boat over the line. Martin thanked the crew of ‘Cool Running' for withdrawing from the race this year and allowing him to win. See you on the start line again next year Martin!!!

Warming up for the main prize giving, Wayne Henderson conducted the spot prize draw with the prizes supplied by the BOI Yacht Club and Sponsors. Race prizes were awarded by the B.O.I.Y.C. Vice Commodore Andy Greager.

Multihull ‘Synchronicity' received the 'Grotty Oar' for using their motor to beat the leading cruising yacht across the finish line (complete with black smoke pouring out behind her as she was giving full revs!).

This year the drawn prize of the 2HP Yamaha went to Terry Breeze on ‘Te Aura'

An excellent buffet meal was enjoyed by all, once again supplied by Luke's Café at the Marlin Hotel in Whangaroa. Great camaraderie and banter flowed throughout the evening with nobody wanting the day to finish and the party boat for the night definitely being Synchronicity.

The weather stayed good and Sunday was a perfect day with light breezes and yet more Northland sunshine for those sailing home.

Results –

Line Honours – Revs
First on Handicap – Screw Loose
Second on Handicap – Wasted Away
Third on Handicap – Marara
First Cruising Division – Marrisa
Second Cruising Division – LiberTee
Third Cruising Division - Australis
First Trailer Boat – Screw Loose
First Multihull – Synchronicity
Ladies Crew – Sarrie
Grotty Oar – Synchronicity
Drawn Prize – Te Aura

Once again, we offer our Sponsors a very big THANK YOU !! You make the race the exceptional event that it is today.

Bay Of Islands Marine Centre Ltd
Club Marine Insurance
Opua Port Supply
A Better Clean Ltd
Northland Spars and Rigging
Romey Woodcrafts Ltd
Nev and Kay Campbell Resene Paint
Dive HQ Paihia
35 Degrees South Restaurant and Bar
Paihia Hammer Hardware
Marina Cafe and Deli
Take Note Paihia, Booksellers
The Sugarboat Restaurant and Bar
Luke's Café, Whangaroa
Darryl's Lunch Cruise