Paper Tigers busy this weekend
by Rowdy Leatham on 14 Nov 2011
Race Start - 2011 New Zealand Paper Tiger North Island Champs Carl Syman
It is a busy weekend for Paper Tiger sailing in New Zealand this weekend, with regattas being hosted in both the North and South Island simultaneously.
With over 40 boats expected to be competing across the two locations, competition will be fierce with the regattas being a good prelude to the Nationals taking place in New Plymouth at New Year.
Up North
The 2011-12 Paper Tiger North Island Freshwater Series continues this weekend with the Ngaroto Regatta being hosted by by the Ngaroto Sailing Club.
The event will see over 30 Paper Tigers from all over the North Island competing in close quarters racing on the confines of Lake Ngaroto just north of Te Awamutu, racing as always is expected to produce some very tight results.
The event will see competitors throughout the fleet fighting for every position as they attempt to take out the Regatta as well as gain points towards the overall North Island Freshwater Series Title which concludes in Taupo mid March 2012.
Contenders for the overall Regatta Title include past winners Terry Valder, Richard Dent, Doug Ferguson, Mark Bell and last years winner Rowdy Leatham . However you can guarantee they will be chased hard by other potential regatta winners including Scott Pedersen, Hayden Percy, Sel Pedersen and Grant Allen.
Wellington's Glenn Syman is currently leading the North Island Freshwater Series after a dominant performance in the opening regatta over Labour weekend. However, the series is still wide open with multiple contenders chasing hard.
Down South
The Paper Tiger 2011 South Island Freshwater Championships are being hosted on Lake Wanaka by the Wanaka Yacht Club.
The regatta should see at least 12 Paper Tigers (along with a handful of A-Class) blasting around the lake competing to be named the 2011 South Island Freshwater Champion. John Kennett will be a hot favourite for the title, however Dave Norris in his brand new boat 'The General' will not allow Kennett to have it all his own way.
Also, the fleet from Nelson Yacht Club may make an appearance. With Dave Shaw (the 2011 National Champion) and Bob Preston (2009 & 2010 National Champion) both being Nelson sailors, this could really mix things up and make the regatta competition red hot!
The Paper Tiger is a catamaran designed by Ron Given of New Zealand in 1968. It is widely sailed in New Zealand and Australia.
Paper Tiger Overall Dimensions
Length: 14 ft (4.3m)
Width: 7ft (2.2m)
Minimum Weight: 110 lbs (50kg)
Sail Area: 100 sq ft (9.2 m2)
www.papertiger.org.nz
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