Cedar Beast claims North Islands

  A crippled fleet!, bad backs, torn Achilles, broken hands, wives being operated on, and exams, were some of the reasons as to why numbers were down at this years North Island champs held in the Port of Tauranga. Well guys, you missed a good regatta. While winds were a little on the light side, the racing was hot. The fleet was quite closely bunched for most of the regatta, with the gaps on the finish line ever decreasing as the races drew to their conclusions.

  Tidal, and local knowledge are words that come to mind, but after the 1st beat, and for me getting it wrong!, most of the local knowledge had gone as the track and conditions became clearer. While first place was pretty much decided on the 1st day, (three wins from three starts for Martin Stacey and Graham Roberts), the battle went to the wire on the last race for 2nd, 3rd, & 4th. Even the smallest of mistakes were costing 2 places, and this did see the places change several times in a race.

  Saturday morning saw light patchy winds, with some big holes to be weary of. This race was sailed in slack water, and the standout performers had to be Bad Blood, who took 2nd place from their first time out. Races 2 & 3 latter in the afternoon saw more steady breezes and a tidal flow, which caught a few of us napping especially in the first lap. Afterward we retired to the Stacey household for a few quite beers, and a BBQ tea. Sunday morning, very light patchy winds so we sat on the beach till around 11:30 when a breeze quietly started filling in. By the second race we were all trapezeing, and with some very tight reaching at times, we had a really good day.

  As an aside, it was pleasing to see 128 boats sailing the regatta, a fair portion in the junior fleets. This was one of the bigger Regattas in Tauranga's recent history. This must place the sport in a good position for the future, and hopefully some of these younger sailors will find their way to the Javelin fleet.

  Congratulations must go to Martin Stacey, and Graham Roberts, for taking out the title.

  P.S. I hope Collin took note of the size of the marks... That new permanent rounding mark on the Gisborne foreshore is a little extreme don't you think?

  Results:

  Taupo Centr eboard Regatta 9 - 10 March 2002

  While there is no trophy up for grabs this year, It is still a good regatta in a fairly central location. Last year saw 220 centreboarders sailing this regatta, so it is the ideal stage for us to wave the Javelin insignia in front of a lot youth sailors. It is also just 2 weeks before the nationals, so it is the perfect time to complete any last minute tuning against other Javelins. Please make the effort as boats on the water is the best marketing tool we have to recruit any new Javelin Sailors. Besides, Taupo always put on a good contest, which is a huge effort, considering the numbers that turn up!. See you there.