BOI Race Week- Lighter winds and tighter racing on Day 2

by Lesley Haslar and Will Calver (Images) on 23 Jan 2014
Racing has finished in Day 2 of Bay of Islands Sailing Week. Winds were lighter than on Day 1 - with breezes of 12-15kts prevailing - as predicted.

Mike Quilter’s weather forecast today – up to 15 knots. Overcast with a quick shower in the morning, which quickly moved away. Temperature in the low twenties , but warming up to a very tropical evening - and so the show goes on…..Southern Spars free nibbles are served tonight; a good attendance by all - eating, drinking, waiting impatiently for results on the notice board.

There are some crew shots on the BOISW Photo web site of the first boats to arrive back at the marina late this afternoon – all tired but pretty happy. Doug Francis from Cotton Blossom Island Racing Division and sponsor of the prizes was pretty happy overall. Adam McSweeney spoke on behalf of the crew 'Good courses but we need more visiting boats to bring in the out of town competition – The fleet had some close rivalry. We took a wrong turn at Roberton Island but recovered very well; we have to admit to one more jibe than was necessary, letting the other boats thru – darn it. We certainly have a good boat and a good crew'. Cotton Blossom has missed only one regatta through injury and will be back again next year.

Jim Farmer, skipper and owner of Georgia was satisfied with three out of four starts today. 'The 12 knot average wind was what Georgia likes. A long race which was good except for the lack of wind at the bottom of Roberton Island where the fleet caught up – however we eased away again, I’m happy with the crew work'.

Harry Dodson Skipper of Mayhem said 'today was good news and bad news – the latter because we were just too eager, twice taking the start line just that few seconds early. But we had some close calls with Georgia and others in the fleet for at least half a race – tomorrow is another day and we’re ready'. Dodson has enjoyed 6 or more Bay Regattas to date.

Connel McLaren, skipper/owner of Vamos. 'OK starts today but a couple of bad downwind sets – at one stage falling back from 2nd to 5th. But I love close racing and this is a good mix of boats with different strengths. Roll on tomorrow'.

Skipper of Wired, Rob Bassett invited Peter Burling aboard Wired for the regatta. Peter as spokesperson said 'I’m getting more used to big boats and I love racing on Wired. We won first place in the first race as a good way to start the day, yes this was/is different, but fun. So we started well but slipped away a bit in the last race with an opportunity missed; then becalmed at Roberton. It was pretty tight with the other boats and there were a few stuff-ups - but that’s racing'. When asked about his future plans. 'I’m doing the A Class Worlds in Takapuna. Also the Extreme Sailing Series aboard a 40 foot catamaran – yes my life is sailing'.

Chris Hornell invited Jeremy Lomas and Richard Meacham from Team NZ to race in the Bay Regatta on Kia Kaha. Jeremy ‘floated positions’ on the boat and just had a great time. 'We’re not the fastest boat but we are trying very hard and enjoying the team work; all TP 52’s have their moments and the lead seems to regularly swap around. Actually I sailed on this boat with Russell Coutts when it was called ‘Alexus’ in 2006 and feel privileged to race on her again.' Jeremy continued with his personal plans for this year starting with 'The Extreme Sailing Series in Singapore – I now live in Ha Hei as my home base with a life dedicated to sailing and I love it'.

Rodney Keenan racing in Division B on Lawless said 'we had a good day today and consider yesterday as practise day…..the racing is pretty even and we’re happy with our crew work overall'. Rodney has done every Bay of Islands Sailing Week even staying in the same hotel in the same room, that’s pretty consistent – thank you Rodney.

Luke Romeyn on Sensation said 'it was a good day with close racing. We parked up a couple of times unfortunately and seemed to start the race all over again when the breeze kicked back in. We saw gusts over 20 knots finishing close hauled. Yes fun racing and we’re looking forward to tomorrow, hoping for wind'. Romeyn Woodcraft designs and crafts all the Bay of Islands Sailing Week prizes – so Luke you’d better finish in time to get those names inscribed – or maybe Dad will do it…….

Stephen Merrington our visiting Australian National Race Officer was in charge of the Inner Course, Ross 780’s and Division E. 'There was a short delay this morning waiting for the breeze to settle in, about 20 minutes late and they were off of a good course with a 10-12 knot breeze, building to 15 knots as the day progressed. The Ross’s are very competitive and there’s top sailing in E Division. Two windward-leeward’s then Bay course 11; 15 nautical miles in a good breeze. We had a great day ourselves on the start boat watching good competition and good sailing'.

Irene West on the start boat middle course run by Gerry Martin had nothing but praise for the volunteers aboard Trieste. 'A very smooth day with 3 starts each for Sports Boats, C Division and Young 88’s – with one finish for E Division; a busy day, good team work and fun at the same time. I do enjoy working with Bay of Islands Sailing Click here! for Series results

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